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Aakash Chopra doesn't expect the 2024 T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in New York on Sunday, June 9, to be one-sided. He noted that the Men in Green are like wounded tigers, considering their Super Eight spot is at stake.
India head into Sunday's game after an emphatic eight-wicket against Ireland at the same venue four days ago. On the flip side, Pakistan suffered a shock Super Over loss to the United States of America in Dallas in their tournament opener.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra opined that the India vs Pakistan clash will be closer than expected.
"It will be a close game. I don't think it will be as one-sided as people are thinking, that how would a team that lost to the USA beat India? They lost to India's H-1B visa, so what would happen with the real India? However, Pakistan are wounded tigers. They are a dangerous team when they have their backs to the wall, and they are there now," he reasoned (13:15).
The former India opener noted that the bowling-friendly conditions in New York make Babar Azam and company a dangerous outfit.
"You will see a chalk-and-cheese difference between the two sides otherwise, but as soon as the pitch conditions become conducive to fast bowling, you will have to be mindful of how things can change. Pakistan becomes a dangerous side when there is a lot of help from the pitch," Chopra said (3:00).
Chopra added that it will also be a survival fight for Pakistan.
"The second part is that it has become a knockout match for Pakistan. If they lose this match by mistake, it will be game over. We felt Ireland would beat the USA but Ireland lost to Canada. So I feel the USA will beat Ireland. If the USA beat Ireland and India beat Pakistan, then Pakistan tata bye-bye. That means we will have to be a little wary of this team now," he explained.
A defeat to India will leave Pakistan with an arduous task to reach the Super Eights. They will not only have to win their remaining two group games but also hope for other results to go their way to make it through on net run rate.
"They are sending Fakhar Zaman down the order but I don't see any advantage in that" - Aakash Chopra
While observing that Saim Ayub will likely replace Azam Khan in Pakistan's playing XI, Aakash Chopra opined that Fakhar Zaman is better off opening than playing in the middle order.
"I read somewhere as well and I feel Saim Ayub is playing in place of Azam Khan. They are sending Fakhar Zaman down the order but I don't see any advantage in that. He doesn't play spin very well and plays fast bowling decently, although you need to play slightly cautiously at the start," he said (8:30).
The reputed commentator noted that Pakistan have a better chance in a low-scoring affair but added that they need to bat better.
"There is another thing about Pakistan. If it's a 125-140 game, Pakistan come to their own. They are not a competition in 200-run matches because they don't have that much strike power. They are well-equipped if it's a 120-140 match. They will have to really pull themselves up in batting," Chopra stated.
While expecting the Indian seamers to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan early, Chopra pointed out that the Men in Blue need to be slightly wary of the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter in a big game. He added that although Shadab Khan is not a huge threat with the ball, he is a dangerous player as a package.
