3 Pakistan players who are most under pressure to deliver in T20 World Cup 2024 match vs India

Pakistan couldn't have asked for a start to their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign as nightmarish as the one they have endured. The Men in Green suffered a defeat to an Associate nation, USA, thereby denting their chances of reaching Super 8 big time.

Babar Azam and co. now have Team India waiting, a side they have beaten only once in eight meetings. As organized and well-drilled the Indian team looks, the Men in Green are still struggling to find their best combination and must play out of their skin to beat their arch-rivals. Even then, the 2009 World T20 winners face an uphill task to reach the Super 8 stage based on their current form.

Below are three Pakistan players who are most under pressure to deliver ahead of T20 WC 2024 clash against India:

#3 Mohammad Rizwan

As one of Pakistan's most prolific run-getters in T20Is and their most experienced, a lot depends on Mohammad Rizwan at the top of the order. However, the keeper-batter perished for nine off eight deliveries against USA in Dallas in Pakistan's opening match of the tournament.

Although the 32-year-old had a good series against Ireland and was slightly inconsistent against New Zealand, he struggled in England. With the surface in New York already proving to be tough for the batters, how Rizwan adapts will be decisive.

#2 Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf delivered the most underwhelming performance among all Pakistan pacers during the clash against USA in Dallas. While the right-arm speedster's figures of 4-0-37-1 are by no means poor, he failed to step up in the most decisive moment for the tourists.

With 15 to defend off the final six balls, Babar Azam trusted Rauf with the responsbility. It all came down to five off the last delivery as the 30-year-old leaked a boundary by going full, resulting in a Super Over in which USA prevailed. Hence, Rauf must deliver against India to compensate for his underperformance against the co-hosts.

#1 Babar Azam

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been copping widespread flak for not only his captaincy, but his exceedingly slow batting that left them way short against USA as well. On what was a fairly good surface to bat on, the right-handed batter managed 44 off 43 balls.

While Babar's approach was justifiable, at no point did he look settled as the Men In Green's innings ended at 159. By contrast, USA skipper Monank Patel led their side's charge with a 38-ball 50 as the co-hosts won in the Super Over.