Ahead of the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes that the ‘Men in Blue’ will have an advantage in their upcoming match.
India comes into this match after beating Ireland by 8 wickets, while Babar Azam-led Pakistan suffered a disappointing super-over loss against the US in their previous game of the marquee event.
Harbhajan noted that India would have the upper hand since they have already played in New York in their previous game. The former Indian spinner pointed out that the Men in Green played on a flat pitch in their last match. “India will have an advantage since they have already played on this ground and Pakistan are coming into this game after playing on a flat pitch. It will be a big challenge for Pakistan to settle in this condition after losing against the US. So, India have the advantage and they are playing well also,” Harbhajan said.
Harbhajan named fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Suryakumar Yadav as key players who can make an impact in the game against Pakistan on Sunday. “Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav will make the maximum impact in the upcoming match against Pakistan. These two players are matchwinners,” Harbhajan stated.
The former cricketer further suggested that spinner Kuldeep Yadav should play against the Men in Green due to his wicket-taking abilities and variations. “Kuldeep Yadav is a wicket-taker and has variations, so he should play. I think Axar Patel was included in the playing eleven since India needed a batting option in the 8th place,” he added.
India T20 WC Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Pakistan T20 WC Squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.
