Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sports’ live coverage of the big match from New York. India vs Pakistan is a match like no other, but the celebration of the rivalry between the two countries often overshadows the one-sided nature of the match. India have beaten Pakistan regularly in the World Cup (13-1) and are very likely to do so again at the Nassau County Stadium.
India vs Pakistan has become the mismatch of the century. One of the reasons we keep rewatching it is because we never know when Pakistan will go into cornered tiger mode. At their best, they are dominant no matter who the opponent is. India will know that. Both teams are likely to have five players still alive from the 2017 Champions Trophy final, when a spirited Pakistan thrashed India by 180 runs.
Pakistan’s shock defeat to the United States on Thursday makes this a must-win match that would mean a shock exit before they can even qualify for the Super Eight. Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England know how they feel. The return of astute all-rounder Imad Wasim is good news, but there are only a few ailments he can cure.
India started off with an unexpectedly tough win against Ireland with their batsmen hitting a variety of blows on a shaky pitch and the ICC will be praying that the pitch today will offer more consistency, especially with both teams likely to have four fast bowlers.
The pitch is one of many variables that make this match intriguing, the other being the weather, with light rain likely to fall during the match.
The match is scheduled to start at 3:30 pm.10:30 a.m. New York time.
