Pakistan are more dangerous when coming from a loss: Aditya Tare

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 8, 2024 14:25 IST

Pakistan are more dangerous when coming from a loss and India need to be at their best to fend off the challenge from Babar Azam's men in their much-anticipated meeting in a Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2024, according to Indian cricketer Aditya Tare. Recent form matters very little and it's about character and grit on the big day, the Mumbai batter said on the eve of the marquee group-stage clash in New York.

T20 World Cup: Full Coverage | Complete Schedule

India will take on Pakistan at the Nassau County Cricket Ground - a 34,000-seater facility in New York, on Sunday, June 9. While India outclassed Ireland at the venue in their opening game, Pakistan were stunned by co-hosts USA in one of the biggest upsets of the T20 World Cup at the Grand Prarie Stadium in Dallas on Thursday and the 2009 champions haven't had a lot of time to recover.

"Honestly, it doesn't really matter how well or how badly India or Pakistan does before this game. All that matters is 'the' India-Pakistan game. Irrespective of the form, irrespective of the venue, when these two teams clash, I mean some players just love it, and some players crumble under pressure. But, for us as cricket fans and Indian fans, it's going to be a great game. When Pakistan are coming after a loss, it's more dangerous. It's better when we play against Pakistan when they are winning and in good form. They are most dangerous, especially after a loss," Aditya Tare told Star Sports on Saturday.

On Thursday, Pakistan were sloppy on the field, batted and bowled poorly against the USA, who were playing only their second match in the tournament history. Babar Azam, Pakistan's captain, faced flak for his struggle with the bat in the middle as he managed just 44 off 43 balls while batting first on a good competitive pitch at the Grand Prairie Stadium.

On the other hand, Pakistan struggled to pick wickets in the middle-overs allowing the USA batters to dominate. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan's form is a huge cause of concern and Pakistan will be hoping experienced left-arm spinner Imad Wasim recovers in time for the big clash.

ROHIT SHARMA KEY TO INDIA'S CHANCES: TAMIM

Meanwhile, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal said Rohit Sharma's role at the top will be crucial to India's chances, highlighting that the India captain was in good form in the opener against Ireland.

Rohit Sharma kicked on and scored a fifty on a difficult batting pitch against Ireland in India's chase of 97. However, the captain retired hurt on 53 after getting hit on his hand. Rohit also picked a knock in a training session on Friday, but he continued to bat after a go-ahead from the physios.

"(Rohit Sharma) is very important, not only as a batter, but as a leader as well. He was in very good form in the first game He is one that all the bowlers are scared to bowl. If you pitch it up, he will hit you through the covers. If you bowl it short, he will pull you or hook you. He is one batter whom I have always enjoyed watching. And he is in good knick, that is very important," Tamim said.

"As Tare bhai was saying about getting hit in his hand, he will do everything possible to play all the games for India in this tournament. You never know, this might be his last T20 World Cup. I am sure he is aware of all of those things. He will be ready for the India vs Pakistan game and I am sure he will fire again," he added.

India and Pakistan will meet in New York from 8 pm IST (10:30 am local time) on Sunday.