Adil Najam
The game – the only game – that everyone in India and Pakistan were waiting for is now set. Pakistan meets India in the Semi-Final on Wednesday, March 30, at Mohali in Chandigarh, India. Either India or Pakistan WILL make it to the Final. Which one?
We know which one we want to get to the Final, but which one do you think will? Maybe the poll has lost meaning by now, but since we have been asking this question from the beginning of the World Cup (#1, #2, #3) lets keep going. What do you think happens to Pakistan from here onwards:
The progression of ATP opinion has been interesting, but not surprising: In our very first poll (816 responses) as many as 45% had thought Pakistan would not even reach the Semi-Finals, and 26% had thought Pakistan would become World Champion; In our second poll (821 responses) with this same question, only 13% thought Pakistan would be out before the Semi-Finals, and 49% thought Pakistan would become World Champion; In our third and most recent poll (1155 responses) on the subject, 11% felt Pakistan would not even make it to the Semi-Finals and as many as 60% thought Pakistan would become World Champion.
What do you think now. India vs. Pakistan, and maybe beyond. Where does Pakistan go in this Cricket World Cup 2011 from here?
Its is all because of the prayers that we are a nation today. The only nation Indians are afraid of is Pakistani. Lets use all of our potential and prove that we are a very capable nation. We can beat India in any field.
Lets all pray together for Pakistan team. Insha Allah if we play well and all of us pray for them, we can definitely win that match.
If Pakistan won the cup, then the only saddening thing for me would be to see Kamran Akmal as part of the winning squad which, unfortunately, will prolong his presence in the team.
Kamran’s presence in Pakistan’s team and Bangladesh’s presence among international level cricket playing teams, never cease to amaze me.
Sridhar, I don’t know where you came up with the theory of India-Pak cricket rivalry being the thing of the past. The Indian media, print and electronic, not to mention the comments of countless Indians on the news items regarding the India-Pak semi final clash don’t seem to agree with you and “many if not most Indians”. Also many if not most Aussies would think the Ashes is much much bigger than playing with India or Pakistan or any other team.
Sridhar,
You are right,I remember very well the applause Pakistani team received in Chennai in 1999 but we also remember Shiv Seniks dug up the pitch at Delhi and burnt the stands in Kolkata only because Pakistan was all set for a win.The entire Eden Gardens had to be evacuated before the test was to resume and Pakistan finished the test with a win.
In 2005,Pakistanis welcomed Indian fans and Lahorites opened their doors to accommodate Indian fans in their homes for the ‘friendship series’.
All said,I agree with you,for the big game in Mohali,both the sides should hug each other before and after the match to dilute the tension that is inevitable.