Waqar feels New York pitch will provide even contest between India and PAK

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 9, 2024 11:22 IST

Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis said that the lively pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York will provide an even contest between India and Pakistan. The two teams will take on each other in Match 19 of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Sunday, June 9 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.

The match is an eagerly anticipated contest in the entire cricketing fraternity as both sides have given several blockbuster encounters in their rich cricketing history. Ahead of the all-important, clash several experts have weighed in their opinion regarding who will come out on top in the crucial fixture. Giving his prediction for the game, Waqar said that the pitch in New York will present an even contest between the two teams.

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“My heart says Pakistan but from what I’ve seen so far in this tournament the pitch in New York is very much for the faster bowlers. So, it evens it out a little bit just purely because of the surface in New York,” said Waqar Younis on Star Sports.

Notably, the unpredictability of the New York surface has come to light after India’s opening game against Ireland where the surface offered uneven bounce. Several Indian batters were injured during the fixture after being hit on their elbows as they failed to judge the bounce of the wicket.

Following the incident, the International Cricket Council (ICC) also released a statement addressing the issue and stated that they’re working to improve the quality of the surface. A day ahead of the India vs Pakistan, India captain Rohit Sharma was hit once again during his practice session which once again brought the unpredictability of the pitch out in the open.

I will give 60% to India and 40% to Pakistan: Wasim Akram

Meanwhile, another former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram also gave his opinion and said that India is a better team heading into the game but didn’t rule out the possibility of the balance tilting quickly with one good spell or an innings.

“If we look at India’s form, India generally is a better team. Better team in a way that they’re favourites heading into that game. I will give 60% to India and 40% to Pakistan. But, it’s T20I, one good innings, one good spell, the game can change quickly. I think everybody is looking forward to the game of the tournament,” said Akram.