Match duration, format, head-to-heads: India vs Pakistan – Women’s T20 World Cup | Cricket news

WHO: India vs Pakistan
What: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Group A Match
When: Sunday, October 6 at 1:00 PM (10:00 GMT)
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live text coverage starts at 05:30 GMT

The blockbuster clash of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is here.

A match between India and Pakistan in any tournament is an eagerly anticipated match, but this Sunday in Dubai will be even more important as a second defeat for India leaves them in a precarious position for qualification for the semis will bring the final.

A win would give Harmanpreet Kaur’s team their first points and some room to breathe after losing their opener against New Zealand on Friday.

A win for Pakistan will not only give fans rare bragging rights but also lift the team to the top of the table in Group A, perhaps the tougher of the tournament’s two halves.

Pakistan’s new captain Fatima Sana, who led from the front as her team defeated Sri Lanka in the opening match, is keen to go into the big match with a cool head and not let the opportunity pass the team by.

“If we apply pressure, it is not to our advantage,” she said during her pre-match press conference on Saturday. “We will try to remain calm and deal with the situation as best we can.”

Sana said she is looking forward to the atmosphere that an India-Pakistan match brings, but her focus will be to ensure Pakistan plays “attacking cricket”.

“I want our team to have batters who can punish the bowler from the first ball,” said the 22-year-old all-rounder, who was the player of the match against Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, India’s assistant coach Aavishar Salvi also called on his team to tackle their next challenge with a cool head.

“Tomorrow it is a new opportunity for us (to win),” Salvi told reporters in Dubai.

Salvi said the experienced Indian side knows how to bounce back from a loss having faced similar situations before. “We’re telling them to stay strong, stay united and just believe in our capabilities, believe in your plans and get back to work.”

Location and weather conditions

The heat in the Middle East in early autumn has been a talking point throughout the tournament and with this match being an early one it will once again have an impact on the action.

The weather forecast for Sunday is warm and humid, with a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98 F) and a chance of 42 percent humidity.

Form Guide: India

India have failed to live up to their reputation in the last two matches in the T20 format with losses to New Zealand and Sri Lanka, but Kaur and her team will look to turn the tide in this all-important match.

Last five T20 matches: LLWWW

Form Guide: Pakistan

Pakistan have failed to record consistent wins in recent years but will look to build on the positive result of their first match and possibly win only their second match against India in a World Cup.

Last five T20 matches: WLWLL

India vs Pakistan: Infighting

India and Pakistan have faced each other 15 times in the T20 format and the women in blue won 12 of those matches. Their last match, at the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup, also ended in an Indian victory.

The last time Pakistan defeated India was in the 2022 version of the Asia Cup, when all-rounder Nida Dar helped register a 13-run win.

Team news from India

Despite the big loss, India are unlikely to change their playing XI from their first match against New Zealand.

Selection: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Yastika Bhatia (wicketkeeper), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan.

Team news from Pakistan

Despite a poor batting performance, Pakistan will also stick with the same eleven that gave them their first win of the tournament against Sri Lanka.

Selection: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicketkeeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan.

Are there still tickets available for the Women’s T20 World Cup?

Yes. Tickets for the tournament went on sale on September 25 on the tournament website. They will also be available at kiosks at both locations.

The ICC has announced free entry for fans under the age of 18. Ticket prices range between 5 UAE dirhams ($1.36) and 550 dirhams ($150).

How to watch India vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup?

The ICC has assigned rights to several broadcast and online streaming channels around the world.