Who is going to survive?

Hafiz Marikar

Is there anything wrong with Pakistan playing against India in the second semifinal of the 2011 World Cup in Mohali? It is important to be realistic, after all its semi final ... It's one off. Everyone has got the opportunity to do well and that's what sport is all about. Never mind who wins but its important that the game is played in high sprits and the best team Win.

Winning percentage is more for Pakistan over India at Mohali. They have won both games played at this venue. 60 wickets by Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket taker in the Indo-Pakistan ODI games, 194 runs scored by Saeed Anwar at Chennai in 97 is the highest individual scorer in the Indo - Pakistan game. India conceded 41 extras, their highest against Pakistan in an ODI, in Mohali on 8th November 2007. Head to head in ODI's in India 26 matches, 9 won by India, 17 won by Pakistan, in Pakistan 27 matches India 11 wins Pakistan 16 win. Natural 66-26 wins for India, 38 Pakistan, from the overall 119 matches, 46 wins for India, and 69 wins for Pakistan.

Shahid Afridi has said that winning the World Cup for his country is his dream, which they last won in 1992 under cricket ledgen Imran Khan could be of a reality. Leading from the front his teams confidence has risen with the thumping victory against the West Indians in the quarter finals.

He further said that his dream is bring victory to his country. He is very confident that his side which pocketed a 10 wicket win over the West Indies, would reach its golden form in today's semis. Afridi who pocketed four wickets in the match against the Windes to take his tally to 21 wickets, becomes Pakistan's most successful bowler in this World Cup. It was Imran Khan who holds the previous record with 17 wickets in 1987.

Exceptations are very high in the cricket crazy region for a mouth watering India-Pakistan clash.

The Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said that there are no security concerns over Pakistan going to India for their semifinal. He goes on to says that he is very happy to visit the neighbouring country. He has toured India in 1999 when the relations between both countries were not that good. Now things are far better and we look forward for a very healthy reunion commencing from the wonderful game of cricket. In the quarters, the Indians were lucky to beat the Australians, though Gary Kirten has worked with the Indians for over three years.

The running between the wickets was awful to say the least - there was one run out. Both have a very similar bowling attack. While the fans across India and Pakistan would be more interested in the outcome of the high voltage game, both sides are playing good cricket, and the better side on the day should walk into the finals.