India and Scotland were awarded a point each on Thursday after rain prevented any play in Durban, which left Pakistan leading the standings on two points.
If India beat Pakistan, both sub-continent sides will advance to the second round and Scotland will be out of the running.
But if Pakistan win and India emerge with a net runrate worse than Scotland's -2.55, India will be knocked out and Scotland will go through with Pakistan.
"We need to win the match comprehensively, that's the best way to qualify," Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni told a news conference.
Dhoni also captained India in a washed out one-day warm-up match against England Lions in Northampton.
"Maybe I should go out for the toss whenever we need a washout," Dhoni joked.
Scotland captain Ryan Watson seemed resigned to leaving the tournament after the first round.
"At least we will go home with one more point than the West Indies," Watson told a news conference.
West Indies were eliminated after defeats by South Africa and Bangladesh.
