IND vs PAK to be a one-sided contest? Aakash Chopra warns Rohit Sharma and Co

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Aakash Chopra stated that the T20 World Cup match between two neighboring nations won't be as one-sided as people are thinking, adding that it will be a close game.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on the Babar Azam-led team at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. The Men in Blue are coming off a victory against Ireland at the same venue, while Pakistan lost to the United States of America (USA) in their previous game in Dallas.

The Indian cricket team also played their warm-up match at the same venue in New York. The Indian players have been practicing in New York since their arrival. The Pakistan cricket team didn't play any matches in New York. The Men in Green will be hoping to bounce back from their loss against the USA team.

It Will Be A Close Game - Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra described the Pakistani players as wounded tigers and stated that they could pose a significant challenge to India.

"It will be a close game. I don't think it will be as one-sided as people are thinking, 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 tiger. They are a dangerous team when they have their backs to the wall, and they are there now," Chopra said.

The Pitch Conditions Become Conducive To Fast Bowling - Aakash Chopra

The former India opener stated that Pakistan will become a dangerous side in bowling-friendly conditions in New York. Pakistan picked four pacers, comprising Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, in their previous match.

"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 added.

A Knockout Match For Pakistan - Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that the upcoming match will be a knockout game for Pakistan. Aakash Chopra stated that Pakistan's World Cup journey might end if they lose against India.

"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," Chopra further added.

Pakistan is in third place in the Group A points table, behind the United States of America and India. Their chance of reaching the Super Eights will become slim if they lose against India. The Babar Azam-led team will have to win their last two matches by a big margin to make it through on net run rate (NRR).

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