Team India kicked off their ICC Men’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant eight-wicket victory over Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Men in Blue delivered a stellar performance, bundling out the Irish side for 96 in 16 overs. In response, India chased down the target comfortably in 12.2 overs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya was the standout performer for India with figures of 3-27 from his four overs, while Jasprit Bumrah was equally impressive, finishing with 2-6 from three overs. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh set the tone early by claiming the first two wickets, ending with 2-35 from four overs. In the batting department, skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring 52 off 37 before retiring hurt, and Rishabh Pant contributed a crucial 36 off 26*.
Having started their 2024 T20 World Cup journey on a high note, India’s next match is a much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue in New York on Sunday, June 9.
India and Pakistan to Resume Famed Rivalry in New York
The marquee clash between India and Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup will be held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the same venue as India’s opening match against Ireland. The Group A encounter is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST (10:30 AM local time).
Before their high-stakes match against India, Pakistan will play against co-hosts United States at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday, June 6.
Historically, India and Pakistan have faced off seven times in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with India winning five matches and Pakistan securing one victory. One match ended in a tie, which India famously won via a bowl-out. The tied encounter took place during their first meeting in the 2007 T20 World Cup in Durban.
India and Pakistan also clashed in the final of the 2007 edition in Johannesburg, where India registered a thrilling five-run victory. Subsequent encounters saw India continue their dominance with an eight-wicket win in 2012, a seven-wicket win in 2014, and a six-wicket win in 2016.
However, Pakistan ended their losing streak with a resounding 10-wicket victory in the 2021 edition in Dubai, chasing down a target of 152 in just 17.5 overs. India bounced back in the 2022 edition, with Virat Kohli playing a memorable innings of 82 off 53 balls* to chase down 160 off the last ball at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
As the two cricketing giants prepare to face each other once again, fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in their storied rivalry.
