Pakistan will help India if they defeat New Zealand in ICC T20 World Cup – Aakash Chopra

The Indian cricket team suffered a humiliating defeat against Pakistan in their opening ICC T20 World Cup match. The Men in Blue were thumped by 10 wickets on October 24, Sunday. The loss has impacted India’s Net Run Rate and that could come into play when the race for the semi-finals intensifies. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Pakistan will do India a huge favour if they defeat New Zealand on Tuesday.

Pakistan will take on the Kiwis in their second match of the campaign with the hope of winning two consecutive matches.

“I feel Pakistan will help India if they defeat New Zealand. But if it happens the other way round, New Zealand beats Pakistan, it can be a three-way tie, the net run rate story can come if India beats New Zealand and assuming the three teams win their remaining matches.”

“If Pakistan beat New Zealand, then only Afghanistan will be there in between and two teams who have come from the qualifiers – Scotland and Namibia. Then Pakistan through, make your place in the semi-finals and enjoy,” he further explained.

New Zealand had refused to play in Pakistan at the lost moment and would motivate the Pakistan players to perform well against the rivals.

“It is slightly a grudge match because Pakistan felt very humiliated when New Zealand went there and returned without giving any reason. So I feel Pakistan may have a point to prove.”

He praised the Babar Azam-led team for their performance against India.

“Pakistan is the team on song. They are playing like that, top three were anyway playing well and these conditions are going to suit Hafeez and Shoaib Malik a lot. They are bowling well. The team is looking formidable.”

India are 5th in the points table, with zero points and a net run rate of -0.973. Afghanistan lead Group 2 with a NRR of +6.500. Pakistan are second with +0.973.