Pakistan's shock loss against the United States floats in the backdrop of their big-ticket match against eternal rivals India, threatening to take away the cutthroat competitiveness that usually accompanies the clash.

But, given the history of the rivalry between the two teams, does it really matter what they have done in their previous game? No, most likely. So just as India's facile win over Ireland in their last game will not really give them an edge in Sunday's mega match in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan's humiliation at the hands of the US should not make them any less confident. Such is the aura of an India-Pakistan cricket match.

For India, it's a matter of extending their dominance over the neighbours in World Cup contests. A win will take them a step forward in their quest for a Super Eight spot.

Though captain Rohit Sharma didn’t take part in Saturday’s optional training session, the concerns over his right shoulder (after being hit in that area against Ireland ) don’t seem to exist any longer. Besides, he had trained well during Friday’s training.

In terms of overall skills, quality and form, Team India are well ahead of the current Pakistani side in almost all departments. Though Ireland are not strong enough opponents, India's show in that game did suggest that they are well-prepared.

The tricky Nassau County International Stadium pitch in New York may have a big role to play in Sunday's game. Although the International Cricket Council did assure that efforts were being made to “deliver the best possible surfaces for the remaining matches”, it remains to be seen how much the nature of the pitch will change in such a short period of time.

The pitch factor makes the choice of the playing XI very important. Will India go unchanged? What changes will Pakistan make after their setback in the last game? Such questions will keep both the camps busy ahead of the game.

That doesn't bother the fans though. They are hungry for a lip-smacking contest.