IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2024: 'Advantage Pakistan', Claims Twitter as Babar Azam Invites Rohit Sharma To Bat First In New York

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IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Sunday (June 9) won the toss against arch-rivals India in the marquee Group A clash at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

The toss at the venue occurred after a delay of 30 minutes due to rain and the conditions are still overcast in New York. The rain returned after the toss and covers were back on the pitch.

The weather conditions as well as the pitch - which has looked conducive for bowling - propelled the Pakistani skipper to invite India captain Rohit Sharma to bat first. Pakistan have a world-class pace bowling attack comprising Mohammed Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.

After winning the toss, Babar said, "We will bowl first because of the weather and moisture in the pitch. The conditions suit us, we have four fast bowlers. We will try to use it to our best. The past is past, we are looking forward to today's match, we are ready and will give our 100%. Always a big game, our confidence is always high for India vs Pakistan. Azam Khan is resting."

Rohit too conceded that he would have also opted to bowl first had the coin landed in his favour and claimed the batters will have to assess the conditions well and perform. The Men in Blue will be playing with the same 11.

"Would've bowled first too. We need to assess how conditions play out and come up with an idea of what a good score is. Those games have helped us assess conditions here. We've spoken about what we need to do as a batting unit to get a good score and then we've got the bowling unit to defend. Every game is important in a World Cup, you can't just show up. Anything can happen. We're sticking to the same XI," Rohit said.

Experts and fans started giving their opinions soon after the toss happened in New York. As it was felt that winning the toss would definitely give an advantage to the team, reactions started pouring in favour of the Men in Blue.

Senior commentator Alan Wilkins posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Advantage Pakistan winning the toss and bowling first."

Another Pakistani fan claimed the rain saves Indians as Pakistani bowlers will wreak havoc under favourable conditions in New York.