Fortunately for both sides it seems like they have the players to take it on and perform under such pressure.
Amir and Kohli are the bright futures of both nations, shining in contrasting light but both undoubtedly huge talents destined to lead their nations into new dawns. Around them they have huge experience and other young, fearless cricketers like Sharjeel Khan and Jasprit Bumrah who are ready made for these occasions. And while Pakistan have largely played catch up, things seem to be finally clicking into gear.
For India, they will be determined to respond in kind to their humbling at the hands of New Zealand and what better way to do so than with victory over Pakistan?
What that opening defeat has done, however, is put an incredible amount of pressure on the Indians and MS Dhoni in particular. For them, defeat will surely increase calls for Kohli to take over with exit at the Super 10s a real possibility.
It is T20I cricket’s ultimate live or let die moment and will boil down to how the players handle expectation and react in the heat of the moment, a huge amount of trust in you and your teammates’ ability needed in such moments of importance. Both sides have something to prove and both have squads of huge talent.
What should be assured is that this match, like so many of those India vs Pakistan roller coasters of years gone by, will be an enthralling spectacle and most likely serve up the fiery, controversial and engaging cricket that makes it such thrilling viewing.