Pakistan’s predicament adds spice to India match-up in New York

Here we go, again. One of the consequences of their politically motivated estrangement in the bilateral-cricket ecosystem is a heightened sense of anticipation when India and Pakistan meet at an ICC event. Even if it’s happened 12 times at 11 tournaments in the 13 years since 2011.

This time, however, is different. India and Pakistan are playing in New York. The ICC are hoping the 34,000-seater stadium it spent millions to speed build in the span of five months will be at full capacity, to show America the spectacle cricket can be in its most fever-pitched form. There won’t be as many as there were in Melbourne,  it won’t be as one-sided as Ahmedabad was, but they will come, and hopefully be witness to a contest worthy of the occasion.

So, if this particular fixture didn’t have enough riding on it already, Pakistan gave it several extra helpings of context with their incredible meltdown against USA in Dallas. Babar Azam’s side unravelled against Virat Kohli in a high-pressure finish in 2022 and were utterly overwhelmed in 2023. If they lose to India again on Sunday, their chances of qualifying for the Super Eights will be at the mercy of other results going their way. Rohit Sharma’s men aren’t facing that sort of heat, having beaten Ireland in their first game.