Former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis put forth his predictions over the most-awaited match today between Pakistan and India at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.
Following Pakistan’s defeat in their inaugural match against the USA, the Green Shirts are all set to face India today.
Meanwhile, the Indian team is in good form since the tournament has started as they have defeated Ireland by eight wickets on Wednesday (June 5).
Additionally, the right-arm fast bowler believes that the pitch conditions will make it an even encounter.
"My heart says Pakistan but from what I’ve seen so far in this tournament the pitch in New York is very much for the faster bowlers. So, it evens it out a little bit just purely because of the surface in New York," he said.
The Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram, on the other hand, expressed that India appear to be the stronger team with a 60% chance of winning against Pakistan. Nevertheless, he noted that in T20 World Cup, the outcome can quickly change.
"If we look at India’s form, India generally are a better team. Better team in a way that they’re favourites heading into that game. I will give 60% to India and 40% to Pakistan. But, it’s T20I, one good innings, one good spell, the game can change quickly. I think everybody is looking forward to the game of the tournament," he said.
Meanwhile, the New York pitch is being called an "unpredictable" surface as it was noticed in the face-off between India and Ireland.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has vowed to address the issues regarding the pitch at the NY stadium after criticism.
"T20 Inc and the ICC recognise that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted," the ICC said in a statement.
"The world-class grounds team have been working hard since the conclusion of yesterday's game to remedy the situation and deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches."
Pakistan and India have played seven matches in the T20 World Cups against each other, with India winning five while Pakistan won only one match back in 2021. The remaining T20I resulted in a tie.
Pakistan desperately need a win after their major loss to the United States. They will be facing Canada on Tuesday (June 11) at the same place after playing against Men in Blue.
Squad
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Avesh Khan.
- Waqar Younis
- Wasim Akram
