The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a high-octane encounter against their arch-rivals Pakistan in the 19th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The much-anticipated showdown is scheduled to take place at the picturesque Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. Cricket enthusiasts around the globe are eagerly awaiting this clash, which promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the fiercest competitors in the sport.
India enters this game on the back of a resounding victory, having decimated Ireland in their tournament opener. The Indian side demonstrated their prowess with both bat and ball, chasing a modest target of 97 runs with ease, securing an eight-wicket win. The highlight of the match was a stunning half-century by captain Rohit Sharma, well supported by the ever-dependable Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, it was the Indian pace attack led by Hardik Pandya, who claimed three crucial wickets, that dismantled the Irish batting lineup and set the tone for the match.
In stark contrast, Pakistan’s start to the tournament has been far from ideal. Babar Azam’s team faced a shocking defeat at the hands of the tournament newcomers, the United States, in a nail-biting Super Over contest. Despite setting a target of 159 runs, the Pakistani bowlers were unable to contain the resilient American side, plunging Pakistan into a morale crisis. This defeat has added pressure on Pakistan, especially given their historically poor record against India in T20 World Cup encounters.
The stage is set for an electrifying match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, a venue making its World Cup debut. The match will commence at 08:00 PM IST (10:30 AM Local Time), with live broadcasts available on Star Sports and streaming on the Hotstar website and app.
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For the fantasy cricket enthusiasts, making the right picks could be pivotal. Notable players to watch include:
**Wicketkeepers:**
– Mohammad Rizwan
– Rishabh Pant
**Batters:**
– Virat Kohli (C)
– Babar Azam (VC)
– Suryakumar Yadav
– Fakhar Zaman
**All-rounders:**
– Shivam Dube
– Hardik Pandya
– Shadab Khan
**Bowlers:**
– Jasprit Bumrah
– Shaheen Afridi
Virat Kohli, despite a modest outing against Ireland, remains a formidable force in the T20 format. He’s been in red-hot form, clinching the Orange Cap in IPL 2024 with a haul of 741 runs. Kohli has a stellar record against Pakistan in T20Is, amassing 488 runs in 10 innings, highlighted by an unforgettable 82* off 53 balls during the T20 World Cup 2022.
Mohammad Rizwan, another player to keep an eye on, struggled against the USA but has exhibited fine form recently, including back-to-back fifties against Ireland. Rizwan’s impressive record against India, with 197 runs in just four T20Is, makes him a valuable asset for Pakistan.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups. India’s playing XI is likely to include Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. Pakistan’s squad will probably feature Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, and Haris Rauf.
As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward New York, the stakes couldn’t be higher for this marquee matchup. With India riding a wave of confidence and Pakistan seeking redemption, the 19th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an unmissable spectacle. Fans can expect fierce competition, pulsating moments, and a contest that will likely be remembered for years to come.
