Out-of-form Pakistan face rivals India in a must-win match in front of tens of thousands of fans in New York.
Who: India vs Pakistan
What: ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match
When: Sunday, June 9, 10:30am local time (14:30 GMT)
Where: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, United States
How: Follow Al Jazeera’s live text and photo coverage
Gary Kirsten had his first taste of the agony associated with being a Pakistan cricket supporter when the new head coach of the men’s side saw the team crumble to a super over loss against USA in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Pakistan’s defeat against the tournament debutants and co-hosts was amongst the biggest shocks in the game’s history, but Kirsten believes his players have “moved forward” and are now focused on the challenge ahead.
The challenge, incidentally, cannot get any bigger than a must-win World Cup match against historic rivals India.
“There’s no need for me to motivate the team for this game,” Kirsten told reporters on Saturday.
The South African, who was in charge of the Indian team when they won their second ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, said the atmosphere could be “a little bit different” because the game is not being played in India or Pakistan but expects plenty of support for both teams at the New York venue.
Kirsten admitted that the pitch will be difficult to bat on, and bowlers from both sides will have an advantage.
“The batters are going to…
