(ICC Credit)
Having showcased their prowess in the lone warm-up match, Team India is primed to embark on their journey in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The men in blue are set to face Ireland in their tournament opener at the Nassau County Stadium in New York on Wednesday. However, the anticipation across the subcontinent is palpable for the highly-awaited clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan scheduled for June 9 in New York.
ICC events serve as exclusive stages for these two cricketing giants to lock horns. India’s undefeated streak against Pakistan in T20 World Cups was snapped a couple of years ago in the UAE when the men in green triumphed over the Virat Kohli-led side by 10 wickets. Nonetheless, India exacted revenge in style the following year, with Kohli delivering a memorable innings at the iconic MCG.
As Team India prepares to step onto the field against Pakistan on Wednesday, they aim to further their 5-1 lead. Prior to the highly anticipated showdown, vice-captain Hardik Pandya expressed his gratitude to Indian fans for their unwavering support during an interview on Star Sports’ pre-match show “Caught and Bold”.
“There is a crowd everywhere you go. I’m sure in this group as well everyone wants to make sure we win the India-Pakistan game. So that is very normal, which I accept. At the same point of time, I do my best to disconnect from all those things and focus on the sport,” Pandya said.
“I’m very grateful to fans, they come and support us with all love and everything. But, at the same point of time, when we go inside there we can’t think of anything else,” he added.
In the meantime, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant labeled the upcoming match as ‘special’ and addressed the intensity surrounding the India vs Pakistan encounter, acknowledging the pressure it brings.
“It’s always quite exciting because it’s a special match. You always feel more pressure because people remember these matches for a long time,” Pant told Star Sports.
