Top 10 players to watch out for in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 clash
The stage is set for one of the most-anticipated matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024: India vs Pakistan. This clash is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. With Pakistan reeling from a surprising defeat to co-hosts USA, the stakes for this match have never been higher. A win is crucial for Pakistan to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Super Eight phase alive. Here, we highlight ten players to watch in this high-stakes encounter.
1. Virat Kohli
Although Virat Kohli had a rare failure against Ireland, his record against Pakistan is stellar. He is known for rising to the occasion, as evidenced by his memorable performance in Melbourne two years ago. Kohli has amassed 488 runs in 10 T20Is against Pakistan, consistently delivering in crucial matches.
2. Rohit Sharma
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, is renowned for his big-hitting ability. Despite a mixed record against Pakistan, he remains India's second-highest run-getter in T20 World Cups. His recent form, highlighted by a solid 52 off 37 balls against Ireland, suggests he could be pivotal in this match.
3. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top T20I batsman, brings a unique 360-degree style of play. His ability to adapt and dominate in the middle overs could be a game-changer for India. On a tricky pitch, his balance of caution and aggression will be crucial.
4. Hardik Pandya
After a lukewarm IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya bounced back with impressive performances in the T20 World Cup. He took 3/27 against Ireland and scored an unbeaten 40* in a warm-up match against Bangladesh. His role as a sixth bowler and his prowess in pacer-friendly conditions make him a key player against Pakistan.
5. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah will lead India¡¯s bowling attack. The conditions in New York favor his style, and he is expected to challenge Pakistan's top order, especially Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, during the powerplay. Bumrah¡¯s recent IPL performance, with 20 wickets in 13 matches, underscores his threat.
6. Babar Azam
Pakistan¡¯s captain, Babar Azam, recently became the highest run-scorer in T20I history, surpassing Virat Kohli. Babar¡¯s experience and ability to anchor the innings will be vital on the challenging New York pitch.
7. Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan¡¯s 79 not out against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup is still fresh in memory. While conditions in New York will differ, Pakistan will rely on Rizwan to deliver a similar performance.
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan¡¯s young pace sensation, has 91 wickets in 66 T20Is. His best figures, 4/22, came against Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Afridi, currently ranked 11th in the ICC T20 bowling rankings, will be crucial for Pakistan.
9. Mohammad Amir
After a four-year hiatus, Mohammad Amir has returned to international cricket. While he is still finding his form, Pakistan hopes he can replicate his 2017 Champions Trophy final performance against India.
10. Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf¡¯s ability to exploit bouncy pitches makes him a key player in Pakistan's pace attack. His speed and accuracy will challenge India¡¯s batsmen, making him a formidable opponent in this high-stakes match.
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