IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Why New York’s Spicy Pitch Gives Pakistan A Genuine ‘Chance’

India and Pakistan’s upcoming T20 World Cup clash in New York promises to be a fiery affair, not just because of the historic rivalry but also due to the unexpected challenge presented by the pitch. While India enters the match as clear favourites, the spicy wicket at the New York venue could level the playing field and offer Pakistan a genuine shot at an upset.

India boasts a strong batting lineup that tends to thrive on flat surfaces conducive to strokeplay. However, the New York pitch will be a different ball game altogether since it is known for its lively nature with uneven bounce and swing. It could force the Indian batters to adapt and potentially expose vulnerabilities in their top order.

On the other hand, the spicy conditions will be a welcome change for Pakistan’s bowling attack. Their pace spearheads, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, will look to exploit the conditions on offer. The New York wicket could provide them with the perfect platform to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian batting.

India captain Rohit Sharma has already raised the issues with the New York pitch and said, “We don’t know on which pitch we are playing (against Pakistan), so whoever plays better cricket will win the match”, the Indian skipper said. So this means that the Indian batters will carry these thoughts back in their minds.

According to various reports, the ICC has instructed Damien Hough, the chief pitch curator, to improve the standard of pitches. However, it seems impossible to drastically change behaviour within two or three days.

With the uneven bounce causing distress to the batters, former Pakistan legends believe that this has evened things out between the two teams.

“New York conditions are 50-50. Had it been a normal surface, then it would have been an advantage in India. But because of the conditions, Pakistan is back into the game,” said former PCB President and former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja.

“It will be tough for Pakistan against India, but there is a silver lining. I won’t let fans get disappointed too much because the two teams will play on drop-in pitches. Despite India’s advantages, the word is that the ball is seaming a lot and kicking through. So Pakistan has a chance. Trust me,” observed former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

“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,” added Pakistan legend Waqar Younis.

The India-Pakistan contest is expected to be played on the same strip as the Canada-Ireland game on Friday. “The pitch is much better today,” Ravi Shastri told Cricbuzz, and he was correct; it provided a more balanced game. But all eyes will be on the new ball and how it behaves. Scoring runs in the first half will take a backseat, and preserving wickets will be important. In terms of head-to-head records, India has the advantage, but anything can happen if Pakistan opts to bowl first and restricts India to below 150.

New York Total Matches Played – 4

1st innings avg score – 103.3

2nd innings avg score – 102

Batting 1st team won: 1

Batting 2nd team won: 3

Bowling 1st Bowlers SR – 12.5

Bowling 2nd Bowlers SR – 21.3