Pakistan dropped wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan for their high-stakes Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 9). The toss was delayed by almost half an hour because of slight rain, with overcast and windy conditions prevailing. Sunday’s match is taking on the same pitch that hosted the Netherlands-South Africa clash on Saturday, which the Proteas won by four wickets.
The reason behind Azam Khan’s absence
Azam was replaced by all-rounder Imad Wasim, who had missed the opening match against the United States of America (USA) due to a side strain. The much-anticipated encounter faced a delayed start due to rain, but Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field. For Khan, Babar said he has been rested for this match: “Azam Khan is resting.”
Reflecting on the decision to bowl first, Babar explained, “We will bowl first because of the weather and moisture in the pitch. The conditions suit us, we have four fast bowlers. We will try to use it to our best. Past is past, we are looking forward to today’s match, we are ready and will give our 100%. Always a big game, our confidence is always high for India vs Pakistan matches.”
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India’s unchanged lineup
Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed that India would field an unchanged lineup for the clash, retaining their two finger spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel and three pacers in the form of Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
India have a strong head-to-head record against Pakistan in Men’s T20 World Cup meetings, leading 6-1. India secured a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Ireland in their opening match at the same venue earlier this week.
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