<p> New York: Legendary West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has pinned the tag of favourites on India ahead of their marquee T20 World Cup match against Pakistan here on Sunday.</p>.<p>India made a sound start to the ICC showpiece with a win over Ireland, while Pakistan were derailed by a charged co-hosts USA in the Super Over.</p>.T20 World Cup 2024 | India vs Pakistan: 6 batters to watch out for.<p> 'Their (Pakistan) backs are up against the wall and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge,' Gayle told ICC.</p>.<p> But Gayle said it would be naive to expect a cold contest between the cross-border rivals.</p>.<p> 'India are in the driver's seat, definitely a more relaxed seat. But this is India versus Pakistan at a World Cup, so you can take nothing for granted,' he added.</p>.<p> The dashing Jamaican said Pakistan, though, will have to regroup quickly to challenge India.</p>.<p> 'As for Pakistan, they have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that's just got even bigger,' he said.</p>.T20 World CUP 2024 | Kohli, Bumrah can take game away from Pakistan, says all-rounder Fawad Alam.<p> However, Gayle feels USA beating Pakistan would take the game of cricket forward.</p>.<p> 'Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA's victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole.</p>.<p> 'You always expect a few upsets at World Cups and having started well by beating Canada, USA put Pakistan under the pump for pretty much the whole game. I think it marks the day the World Cup really started,' he noted.</p>.<p> The former Windies skipper said this tournament holds massive importance for his country, which had failed to qualify for last year's 50-over World Cup held in India.</p>.<p>"Having not qualified for the last ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean."</p>.<p>"This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted," he added.</p>
<p> New York: Legendary West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle has pinned the tag of favourites on India ahead of their marquee T20 World Cup match against Pakistan here on Sunday.</p>.<p>India made a sound start to the ICC showpiece with a win over Ireland, while Pakistan were derailed by a charged co-hosts USA in the Super Over.</p>.T20 World Cup 2024 | India vs Pakistan: 6 batters to watch out for.<p> 'Their (Pakistan) backs are up against the wall and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge,' Gayle told ICC.</p>.<p> But Gayle said it would be naive to expect a cold contest between the cross-border rivals.</p>.<p> 'India are in the driver's seat, definitely a more relaxed seat. But this is India versus Pakistan at a World Cup, so you can take nothing for granted,' he added.</p>.<p> The dashing Jamaican said Pakistan, though, will have to regroup quickly to challenge India.</p>.<p> 'As for Pakistan, they have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that's just got even bigger,' he said.</p>.T20 World CUP 2024 | Kohli, Bumrah can take game away from Pakistan, says all-rounder Fawad Alam.<p> However, Gayle feels USA beating Pakistan would take the game of cricket forward.</p>.<p> 'Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA's victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole.</p>.<p> 'You always expect a few upsets at World Cups and having started well by beating Canada, USA put Pakistan under the pump for pretty much the whole game. I think it marks the day the World Cup really started,' he noted.</p>.<p> The former Windies skipper said this tournament holds massive importance for his country, which had failed to qualify for last year's 50-over World Cup held in India.</p>.<p>"Having not qualified for the last ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean."</p>.<p>"This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted," he added.</p>