The much anticipated encounter in the group stages of T20 World Cup is finally here as India and Pakistan will resume their ‘Greatest rivalry of cricket’ when they face each other at the Nassau County Stadium in New York on Sunday, June 9. 

The marquee clash like always has a lot of stakes riding on it and it is a must win game for skipper Babar Azam and his Pakistan side. Pakistan enter into the match against India under immense pressure after their embarrassing defeat to USA in their first group stage game. Hence a loss to India will be catastrophic for the men in green's qualification into Super 8 and to make matters worse Babar Azam & Co. will face serious punishment. 

Also Read | India vs Pakistan live score and updates

Babar Azam & Co to face serious punishment if they fail to reach Super 8 

Pakistan have shot themselves in the foot by losing to USA in their group stage opener. If they do end up losing to India then they will be in big trouble as their hopes for qualifying into the Super 8 will take a massive hit.  

Hence the clash between India vs Pakistan is a virtual eliminator for Pakistan. If they fail to reach the Super 8 of the tournament then that would mean Babar Azam and his side will end up jeapordising their qualification into the T20 World Cup 2026. 

According to ICC rule, the teams that qualify for Super 8 in this year's T20 World Cup will seal automatic qualification in the T20 World Cup 2026. Those who fail to make it past group stages will have to play in the qualifiers irrespective of their ICC T20I rankings. 

Also Read | IND vs PAK, NY weather today: Bad news as rain could affect the play

Hence if Pakistan lose to India in New York and then fail to reach Super 8 they will have to play the qualifiers for the T20 World Cup 2026. 

Thus it becomes all the more important for Babar Azam and Pakistan to exorcise their demons and find a way to beat India in New York.