Despite the assurances from the ICC, the subsequent matches played at the venue have shown little improvement in pitch conditions. For instance, while Canada managed to score a respectable total of 137 against Ireland, the Irish team struggled in their run chase and could only reach 125, indicating the challenges posed by the pitch. In the latest match held in New York, South Africa’s bowlers dominated, restricting the Netherlands to a mere 103 runs. However, South Africa also faced difficulties during their chase, losing six wickets before reaching the target, which they managed to achieve only in the penultimate over.
India have had its share of experience on these challenging pitches, having played two matches, including a warm-up game, at the venue. Despite their familiarity, both pitches proved to be challenging for the batters. On the other hand, Pakistan, which faced defeat against the USA, could face similar challenges due to the unpredictable bounce and uneven surface, adding an extra layer of complexity to the much-anticipated clash against India.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Rohit Sharma gives a cheeky reply to a Pakistani reporter over India advantage in New York
Pitch analysis and previous matches
Based on a report from ESPNcricinfo, Pitch No. 4 has been the battleground for three matches thus far: the warm-up game between Bangladesh and India on June 1, followed by the clash between India and Ireland on June 5, and the encounter between Canada and Ireland on June 7. On June 3, Pitch No. 1 hosted the match between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Notably, Pitch No. 2 was utilized for the Netherlands vs South Africa game on June 8. While Pitch No. 2 was deemed to be more consistent compared to the others, fast bowlers still held sway over the proceedings.
Fan concerns ahead of IND vs PAK clash
Cricket fans from both sides have expressed concern ahead of the match regarding the pitch likely to be used for such a high-stakes encounter. The heavy wear and tear on the surface may result in low-scoring affairs, which could significantly impact the dynamics of the game.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Whoosh. SA secured a 4-wicket win against the Netherlands, but it was a hard fought one. Now #India will face #Pakistan on this very pitch tomorrow. It’s gonna be interesting. #INDvsPAK #PAKvsIND#ICCWorldT20 https://t.co/pTcEtdQFOu
— Ridhima Pathak (@PathakRidhima) June 8, 2024
Our bowlers who were watching the highlights of their batting, need to watch the line and length of NED bowlers. After all they gonna play on the same pitch tomorrow….#INDvsPAK
— 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐮 (@i_Rizuu) June 8, 2024
B.w reports suggest India-Pakistan is happening on the same pitch in 24 hours. #T20WorldCup #IndvsPak #NEDvSA
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 8, 2024
Jokes apart Pakistan will pray that pitch remains same or even get worse .
On a proper T20 pitch they are no match to India but this kind of wicket,it becomes lottery and it can be anyone’s day.#IndvsPak https://t.co/igK3TQpp3n— Raazi (@Crick_logist) June 8, 2024
Why same pitch being used 2 games in the span of 24 hrs. For a Marqee game like #INDvsPAK a better pitch is needed.
— Bails&Bytes (@BailsNByte) June 8, 2024
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 clash Today (June 9) is to be played on the same pitch used for Netherlands vs South Africa match, which was staged just 24 hours ago at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, USA.#INDVPAK #Worldcup2024
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) June 9, 2024
India vs Pakistan will be played in the same pitch of Netherlands vs South Africa game. pic.twitter.com/n5sBuueb88
— Rishabh Yadav (@rishabhyadav727) June 9, 2024
India and Pakistan would play on the same pitch. Such pitches reduce the gap between teams.
— Riddhi Dutta (@rite2riddhi) June 9, 2024
so apparently Pakistan’s team is completely oblivious to pitch conditions and India has already got a head start with their warm up matches 👀
— Imaan 🇵🇸 (@hazelbel0_0) June 9, 2024
India team will play vs Pakistan today at Nassau. Toss will play a big role there. The pitch will check the skills of batters. #INDvsPAK
— Tanuj Singh (@TheTanuj10) June 9, 2024
Given how much better India is than Pakistan I was hoping to sleep well before the match tomorrow, but the state of the New York pitch will probably keep me up.
— shreyshahi (@shreyshahi) June 9, 2024