Age old India Pakistan rivalry has long given way to India Australia arch rivalry.
Given India has won *that* HUGE battle of nerves against Australia, the only worrisome factor gnawing at many, will be - have the men in blue become too over confident? Or even worse, have they become a wee bit lazy? (assuming they have already won the Cup after Australia!) That will spell danger. Surely.
India vs. Pak semis is and will be special.
Pakistan thus far has been playing under the radar - the worlds expectations have been rather muted if not low of this cricketing nation. A last minute skipper has rallied the team around him, they are enjoying their cricket and they seem to be in a very positive frame of mind.
A pace attack which is deadly
An inspired skipper leading from the front
A self-belief in themselves
Pakistan has indeed done well- got themselves a berth in the semi’s- and am sure, they now believe they can indeed win the cup
India: everyone who speaks and discusses cricket, believes the cup is for India to win. Am rather pleased to note this sentiment is muted with the team! Thank God for it! Speaks for their maturity
India has an array of strengths besides the depth in its batting
Aggressive Ashwin in the guise of a spinner
Zak, wily and skilled
Yuvi- firing well in all departments of the game
Above all the cunning of MS Dhoni: Such an intelligent captain! Knows the teams strengths all too well (surely will be hoping he will soon be among the runs too), also knows how to maximize the limited bowling resources.
In the battle of 30th March there is no reason for India be arrogant or weak kneed, Perhaps the trick will be to hold on to own nerves and keep wits about ( fairly similar situation to Australia I imagine) - the basics if got right, should power India onwards. And yea for sure, discipline in fielding similar to that against Australia, will work wonders for India
A tangential observation: Do sports and politics merge? Sports can be such a fabulous glue to bring the world together. Indeed. Did we need Geelani and MMS to step in to add to the already existing incredible pressure on the 2 sides? So unnecessary!
The heart wanted an India / S Africa Finals, and the head wanted an India vs England Final (which I had predicted over 2 mnths ago) -neither is to be now:).
3 teams from 4 in the semi's, from the sub continent - some very pleased with the way things have stacked up...
Back to India vs Pakistan - in my book, India should be able to vanquish Pakistan, for sure will be a cracker of a match - a special treat for the sports fan across both the nations
Karan of cricket we are NOT (borrowing Harsha's fabulous analogy)- India will WIN the game on 30th. And take it from there for the next!:)
