Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live, over-by-over coverage of the big one in New York. India v Pakistan is an occasion like no other – but the celebration of their rivalry tends to overshadow how one-sided the contest has become. India routinely beat Pakistan at World Cups – 13 wins, one defeat – and are strong favourites to do so again at the Nassau County Stadium.
You might even say that India v Pakistan has become the mismatch of the century. One of the reasons we keep coming back for more is that, with Pakistan, you never know when they might engage Cornered Tigers Mode. At their best they are irresistible, no matter the opposition. India will know this: both teams are likely to have five survivors from the Champions Trophy final of 2017, when an inspired Pakistan walloped India by 180 runs.
Pakistan’s shock defeat to the USA on Thursday has made this a vital game, close to must-win; if they lose they will be facing a shock elimination before the Super 8s stage. Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England know how they feel. The return of the canny allrounder Imad Wasim is good news, though there are only so many ills he can cure.
India started with a deceptively uncomfortable win over Ireland, when their batsmen took various blows on an uneven pitch. The ICC will be crossing their fingers that today’s surface plays more consistently, especially as both sides could include four fast bowlers.
The pitch is one of many variables that add intrigue to this game. Another is the weather: there’s a chance of light showers throughout the game.
The match is scheduled to start at 3.30pm BST, 10.30am in New York.
