T20 World Cup 2024, IND Vs PAK: Who Has Edge In New York ? Chris Gayle Reveals

India have started their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a clinical eight-wicket win over Ireland on Wednesday. The Rohit Sharma-led side will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in their next game at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday.

India lead 6-1 in their seven T20 World Cup matches against Pakistan and will look to continue their domination over their neighbours in ICC events.

On the other hand, Sunday’s match is crucial for Pakistan, which risks elimination in the first round after a defeat against co-hosts United States, ranked 18th in the world, in the Super Over.

Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, former West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has given India an upper hand against Pakistan.

“Their (Pakistan) backs are up against the wall and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge,” Gayle told ICC.

“India are in the driver’s seat, definitely a more relaxed seat. But this is India versus Pakistan at a World Cup, so you can take nothing for granted,” he added.

The former attacking opener also said that Pakistan will have to regroup quickly to challenge India.

“As for Pakistan, they have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that’s just got even bigger,” he said.

Talking about USA’s win over Pakistan, Gayle said that it was a huge result and would take the game of cricket forward.

“Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA’s victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole,” he said.

“You always expect a few upsets at World Cups and having started well by beating Canada, USA put Pakistan under the pump for pretty much the whole game. I think it marks the day the World Cup really started,” he added.

The 44-year-old feels that the ongoing T20 World Cup is very important for West Indies, which had failed to qualify for last year’s 50-over World Cup held in India.

“Having not qualified for the last ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean.This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted,” said Gayle.