The sky over New York was cloaked in clouds as cricket fans braced for the high-stakes T20 World Cup match between Pakistan and India at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

According to the Meteorological Department, rain is forecasted twice during the game, potentially affecting the play.

The match, dubbed the "mother of all clashes," is crucial for both teams. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, is desperate for a win following a shocking loss to the United States in their tournament opener. India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will secure a spot in the Super 8 with a victory, having already defeated Ireland in their first match.

Imad Wasim's return after a rib injury provides a significant boost for Pakistan. "He [Imad] will be available," confirmed Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten. The team is motivated to bounce back from their recent defeat, with Kirsten emphasizing the importance of a team effort.

India's captain Rohit Sharma, who suffered an arm injury against Ireland, acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch's variable bounce. He stressed the importance of good cricket and adaptability to the conditions.

As cricket fans worldwide tune in, the looming weather could add an unpredictable twist to this highly anticipated encounter. The local start time is set for 10:30 am, with live broadcasts at 2:30 pm GMT, 7:30 pm PST, and 8:00 pm IST.

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.