For India, a defeat would mean a very difficult next few days in which they will have to ensure everything falls into place. That includes the weather, because a wash-out may also lead to an early ouster. As far as Pakistan are concerned, it’s a point of no return after the shock loss to hosts US in Dallas the other day.
The Pakistan team had a charity dinner planned for which tables had already been booked in New York, but that was scrapped following the backlash of defeat at home. The team is in a terrible space, with nothing going right for them. India are probably the last team they would like to play in a situation like this.
Add to that the familiarity factor that they are sorely lacking for New York conditions. The new pitches here have undulations, making the ball skid. There’s excessive movement of the white ball due to the early starts.
India have been here for the last two weeks, battling their way to familiarity, but for Pakistan, it’s truly virgin territory. They landed on Thursday night, took Friday off, and had a rigorous session on Saturday, hoping that they could make a game of it.
