Patiala Housefull
By Indian Cricket Fever
March 27 2011
India will meet arch-nemesis Pakistan in the second semi-final of the 2011 World Cup to be played at Mohali on March 30th. The encounter is likely to be the most anticipated and watched match of the entire World Cup, including the Final. If history is anything to go by, then Pakistan have no chance as they have never won a match against India in the World Cup.
The semi-finalists have been determined. The pre-tournaments favorites, South Africa, once again proved that they have not gottten rid of their tag as "chokers". Australia were sent on their way, despite a classy ton by their out of form captain, Ricky Ponting. Pakistan and Sri Lanka the other two sub-continental contenders simply brushed aside pretenders West Indies and England, setting up two contrasting semi-final clashes.
Sri Lanka versus New Zealand is as much a mismatch, especially as the match is to be played in Sri Lanka, as it is a low-key affair between two Island nations with great cricketing pedigree but not huge global appeal. India versus Pakistan on the other hand is a Giga-watt event which not only will be the most anticipated match, but also probably the most watched game of the World Cup.
The teams have come here in contrasting fashion. India were one of the pre-tournament favorites, and have not quite lived up to their billing, though producing enough class when necessary to reach this stage. Pakistan on the other hand were one of the dark horses prior to the start of the tournament, in the wake of the betting scandal, but have shown that under the leadership of the mercurial Shahid Afridi they are a well balanced unit, capable of beating any opponent on any given day.
It may be a good omen that this clash is going to be held in Mohali, home of India's most valuable player of the tournament so far, Yuvraj Singh. Unfortunately, Yuvraj has a very mediocre record at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, with an average of just 23. The good news for India however is that the highest runscorer in ODIs at the ground is the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar, himself.
Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, decided to try some psychological warfare before the game, saying that Sachin will have to wait till after the World Cup to score his 100th international ton. This is the kind of personal provocation that many an opponent has regretted in the past, and with Sachin in sublime form, this may be just the needle that causes him to play a blinder.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni will certainly be hoping that his team do not get pressurized by the situtaion, though playing at home, in front of their own fans can be a double edged sword. For Pakistan too the location of the match in the border state of Punjab, will mean both sizeable support from across the border, but also, if they happen to lose, a quick exit home.
In any case the PCA Stadium is not just going to be full it is going to be fuller than full i.e. like the famous peg of whisky it will be a Patiala Housefull
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:31:04:02:34 by Birbal.
Tendulkar deserves the cup!
Anyways continuing with ur thread, thx for the wishes, better luck to Pak next time..
- Better batting
- Zaheer & Bhajji
- Finally and most important, Pak has lost every single match they have played against India in a World Cup
I can't see them getting past the last record.
All bets are off !!....
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:25:22:33:15 by thirdman.
On the other hand if India restrict Pakistan to a decent total... then they should be able to chase it down...
It will be a battle between India's batsmen and Pakistan's bowlers... nothing new there... eh?
Quote:Anil
The fixing angle will not figure in this match, because the one thing Pakistani cricketers dream about more than anything else - yes, even more than money - is to beat India in a World Cup. Four out of Four - Perfect!
1996 Quarter-final Money always talks!
Wait for Wednesday, u will get more of these..
On the other hand pak's batters are very unpredictable against India, I'm hoping that India play Sreesanth his swing will make early damage with Zaheer accuracy.
Besides, Pak bowling team has no genuine quickies - old Shoaib Akhtar and ordinary Umar Gul - and a part time spinner like Afridi.
India - World Cup winners 2011!!!
Champions Trophy winners 2013!!!
Congrats to Indian team and all Indian fans!
Quote:Super Sexi Vegitto
Congratulation guys for qualifying for the final. I don't see India losing the final.
Tendulkar deserves the cup!
LOL..Hey SSV Kid..hope u have learnt that such jinxing c.rap does not work....
the actual match is played in field and requires skills and guts to win the match, which Pak.is did not have...
Anyways, stop posting such bull.@#$%& in these matured forums..find a kiddie forum for such childish posts..
Wait for 4 years now..
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:03:30:18:35:52 by Indian Well Wisher.