The odds are heavily stacked against Pakistan as they take on India in the T20 World Cup in New York on Sunday, though they were given a boost on the eve of the game after allrounder Imad Wasim was declared fit to play.
Pakistan's campaign got off to a disastrous start with a Super Over defeat to co-hosts USA. India, meanwhile, ran out comfortable winners over Ireland.
India have first-hand knowledge of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium following their eight-wicket win over the Irish on Wednesday.
The ground has hosted four World Cup matches so far – all low-scoring encounters – and there are concerns over the state of the pitch. India captain Rohit Sharma retired hurt after a blow to the arm on his way to compiling 52 runs off 37 balls.
The unpredictable bounce and slow outfield have made it difficult for batters. Winning the toss could be a deciding factor, with the team batting second likely to have the advantage.
Rohit said it was vital his team kept their focus on the fundamentals and not worry about the wicket or the occasion.
"I think playing good cricket holds the key no matter the opposition. With the pitch, I think you know what to expect from the conditions, so you've got to prepare yourself in a way that you know these types of conditions are there," he said.
"We have spoken about it, about what we need to do on these types of conditions. We have had lengthy chats with individuals about what the game plan can be for the batters and the bowlers as well. You can try to control what is in your control.
"There is a lot of experience in our changing room. So, when you come across conditions like these, I expect everyone to at least try and make good decisions. Again, we are going to approach [it] how we approached the first game. Nothing changes for us. We want to try and tick all the boxes in batting, bowling, and fielding."
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India's Rishabh Pant, left, and his captain Rohit Sharma during their eight-wicket victory against Ireland in the T20 World Cup group game at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. AP -
India's Rishabh Pant hits a four on his way to making 36 not out against Ireland. AP -
India captain Rohit Sharma hits a six on his way to a total 52 off 37 balls before he retired hurt. AP -
India's opening batsman Virat Kohli walks off after being dismissed for one run. AP -
Mark Adair of Ireland celebrates after taking the wicket of Virat Kohli of India. Getty Images -
India's Axar Patel dives to take a catch to dismiss Barry McCarthy off his own bowling. AFP -
Gareth Delany of Ireland top-scored with 26 before he was run out by India's Mohammed Siraj. Getty Images -
Arshdeep Singh of India celebrates after taking the wicket of Andrew Balbirnie of Ireland. AFP -
Ireland's Lorcan Tucker walks off the pitch after being bowled out for 10 runs by India's Hardik Pandya. AP -
India's Hardik Pandya is high fived by Virat Kohli after taking the wicket of Ireland's Mark Adair. AFP -
Lorcan Tucker of Ireland is bowled by Hardik Pandya of India. Getty Images
India have the upper hand in head-to-head meetings over Pakistan at T20 World Cups, winning five of seven games with just one defeat and one draw.
Despite their past dominance, India are unlikely to underestimate their neighbours and bitter rivals in what is the biggest match in world cricket.
India are set to coninue with their winning combination start batter Virat Kohli to open with Rohit.
They also had three specialist pacers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh – as well as all-rounder Hardik Pandya, adding a fourth paceman in the attack.
Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are the two spinners but they also add depth to India’s batting, which could prove crucial in New York.
Pakistan must win to keep alive hopes of a top-two finish to qualify for the Super Eight stage.
Imad had to sit out Pakistan's humiliating defeat to the USA in Dallas. He also missed the final match of their pre-tournament series with England with what was reported to be a rib injury.
But Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten told the pre-match press conference that they would be able to call on the 35-year-old left-arm spinner.
"He will be available," said the South African, who took over the reigns of the Pakistan team in April.
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USA stunned Pakistan in Super Over to pull off a memorable victory in their T20 World Cup clash at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on Thursday, June 6, 2024. AP -
USA's Nitish Kumar hit a boundary off the last ball of the chase to force a Super Over. AFP -
Pakistan's player celebrate dismissing USA Captain Monank Patel during their T20 World Cup match at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium. AFP -
USA captain Monank Patel celebrates his fifty against Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium. AP -
USA's Monank Patel, left, and Andries Gous guided the hosts' chase on Thursday. AFP -
Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi hits a quickfire 23 to rescue the innings. AP -
Jasdeep Singh of the United States celebrates dismissing Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam. AFP -
USA's Noshtush Kenjige after the dismissal of Pakistan's Shadab Khan in Texas. AP -
Muhammad Ali-Khan celebrates with teammates after the dismissing Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman. AP
Kirsten was unable to give any details of Pakistan's likely line-up as he said he was waiting on fitness updates on other players.
But the coach said that whoever took the field would not need any extra-motivation to bounce back from the painful defeat to the USA with a win against Pakistan's arch-rivals.
"It's never nice not winning games of cricket for any player. They're trying their best. It's never nice. I don't think I needed to motivate this team for this game," he said.
"I think the important thing for us is that we operate genuinely as a team. Yes, we need individuals to make good performances, but playing games like this, I think is a real team effort.
"It's a big game, so we're going to treat it as any other game. But certainly, give it our best shot. The team's motivated. Two days ago is forgotten. We can't take it back. It's gone. So, we move on," he said.
Pakistan possess a batting and bowling lineup that can be formidable on their day, and will look to captain Babar Azam to bring his A-game against India.
Babar has reunited with his tried and tested opening partner Mohammad Rizwan but it’s the middle-order that has not given any sort of momentum for Pakistan, except for Fakhar Zaman.
The pace quartet is off-color too and failed to provide early breakthroughs against the USA. Haris Rauf conceded 15 off the last over against US during the regulation game and Mohammad Amir, who ended his retirement to play in the World Cup, bowled a costly 18 runs in the Super Over.
