The best part of the ICC events is that fans across the globe get to witness one of the most iconic rivalries in cricket history, i.e. India versus Pakistan. Yet another T20 World Cup, and the arch-rivals gear up to take on one another in the group stages of the league. The Nassau County Cricket Stadium, New York will be staging this enthralling encounter on June 9.
The Men in Blue went off the mark with an eight-wicket triumph against Ireland in the same venue. Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a thrashing in a super over humdinger against the United States of America (USA) in their first game itself. They will have to earn a win against India to ensure their best possible chance in the Super Eight stages.
Ahead of this scintillating encounter, let us hover through the match prediction, head-to-head numbers, pitch report, and top players for India versus Pakistan encounter. 
Nassau County Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Nassau County Cricket Club, New York has suffered extreme criticism due to the lack of assistance to the batters. The pacers tend to get early movement, and the uneven bounce off the strip helps the bowlers for an extended period. The spinners also get moderate movement, while the batters have been in trouble at the venue.
Nassau County Cricket Stadium Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 3
Matches won batting first: 1
Matches won bowling first: 2
Average 1st innings Score: 103
Average 2nd innings Score: 100
Highest total recorded: 137/7 (20) by CAN vs IRE
Lowest total recorded: 77 (19.1) by SL vs RSA
IND vs PAK Head-to-Head
India and Pakistan have faced off against one another on twelve occasions, with the Men in Blue earning nine victories. The three other matches were won by Pakistan. If you zoom into the last five occurrences, India holds the edge with three victories.
IND vs PAK Top Players Predictions
Virat Kohli (IND):
The Indian stalwart loves the big occasions, and the world remembers his jaw-dropping knock against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground the last time the two nations locked horns in a T20 World Cup. Although Kohli was dismissed in single digits in the first match against Ireland, he was in terrific batting form during the recently concluded Indian Premier League, earning the orange cap for most runs.
Hardik Pandya (IND):
Yet another cricketer who thrives under pressure is Hardik Pandya. He bucketed a three-fer in the last game and can offer depth with the bat. Hardik succoured Kohli the last time they met Pakistan in a T20 World Cup and smashed a fifty earlier during the 2017 Champions Trophy. The all-rounder loves to perform against Pakistan, and it won’t be shocking to see his all-round prowess come to the fore at the need of the hour.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK):
During the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE, Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated a brilliant fifty-plus knock to topple the Indian contingent. He is a sensible batter and often produces runs on bigger occasions. The wicketkeeper-batter will be key for Pakistan’s chances against India in the upcoming encounter.
IND vs PAK Hit or Miss Prediction
Mohammad Amir (PAK): One of the wreckers in chiefs when Pakistan and India squared off in the 2017 Champions Trophy, Mohammad Amir will look to find his vintage form back in this contest. He is likely to get early movement with the new ball and the Indian top-order is a tad fragile against left-arm quicks who could swing the ball.
IND vs PAK Conditions-based Predictions
- The Pacers get new ball movement on both innings.
- The spinners get a moderate grip on the soil.
- The uneven bounce on the surface makes it difficult for the batters to get going.
IND vs PAK Match Predictions
India has a knack of losing a wicket early against left-arm pacers in big matches. Hence, one can opt for an opening stand below 25.5 (1.85) with Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi likely to operate at the start. Pakistan have a conservative approach at the top of the order, and hence one can expect runs less than 58.5 (1.71) in eight overs. Since the venue has produced low-scoring matches, there is a high possibility of total boundaries being less than 37.5 (1.93).
IND vs PAK Winner Predictions
The Pakistan unit have been demoralised after being on the receiving end of an upset by co-hosts, USA and hence India have the best chance to capitalise on it. The toss will be important, and India are the favorite to win the contest.
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