Winner will figure in 2011 World Cup final:

India -Pakistan in sudden death

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE

As sudden death games come, the India- Pakistan clash has more tensions, more fire and more fury than any other in recent memory.

Put another way: its a blockbuster. That's what this clash between bitter rivals India and Pakistan will be when they play the 2011 World Cup semi-final at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, today.

The teams have been hard at practices licking into shape all their shortcomings. For sure when the umpires call 'play', it will be a heart stopping game, and it's best that those with weak hearts skip watching the action on TV or listening on radio!

These two teams rarely meet. And when they meet it is always a blood and thunder. No quarter asked or given. Players emerge from out of their skin to knock the other side down. Spectator interest will be at fever pitch.

Terror strike

At the time of writing, there are fears of a terror strike and the Indian and International Cricket Council security people are taking no chances and have put in place a water tight security network in the air and on the ground. The players, officials, VIP's and the spectators need have no fear and can enjoy the game and take with them bitter - sweet memories of having watched a game of cricket played, hopefully, in the best of spirits and great camaraderie. It will be a test of the dignity with which the two teams rise up to the hallowed traditions of the game. Reports have it that all tickets have been snapped up.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sahid Afridi are two clever captains. They can spot and capitalize on any opening. Who will come out best will be interesting to watch.

That this game will go to the wire, there is no doubt. There is little to choose between the two teams. The team that keeps its cool and does the basics right should be on the victory podium at the end.

Paramount

In a game of such interest and importance it is paramount that a wicket that will last and play fair to both teams be prepared. This style of game was originally invented to provide "sparks " to bring in the spectators, because the established game was becoming a bore and spectators were deserting.

The toss will once again have a big say in the outcome. It is a must for the team striking first to put a big score on the board. A big score will put pressure on the side batting second.But after Sir Lanka's stellar performance having lost the toss, the issue of the toss is also, many say, a myth for a well playing team.

Pakistan has performed beyond expectations and deserves a place in the semis. They had been written off before the World Cup started. That was because they lost their stars - Salman Butt, Mohammed Aamer and Mohammed Asif. And yet!

But skipper Sahid Afridi has marshaled his troops cleverly with a special "spirit" and they are now performing beyond expectations. They have it them to stun the cricket world and emulate Imran Khan's feat when they won the 1992 World Cup in 1992 at the MCG.

Semis

Now that they have reached the semis, the Pakistanis have promised not to let up. They intend firing from the first ball and not allowing the Indians to run away with the game.

In openers Kamran Akmal and Mohamed Hafeez they have two quick scorers. They will be followed by Asad Shafiq who has shown good form.

Umar Akmal, Misbah Hul Haq, Younis Khan, Afridi and Abdul Razzaq are all competent limited over cricketers. Umar has shown that he can take any attack apart with his neat striking of the ball.

Afridi when he walks in must show more responsibility and attempt to play in the devastating style that brought him fame. He was tagged 'boom, boom' Afridi for his big hitting. But of late he has run into a run drought. But he has compensated by producing match winning bowling efforts with his leg spin.

All rounder

But the performer India will have to keep an eye on is all rounder Abdul Razzaq. He is a 'silent assassain'. When least expected he can take the game away from the opponents with his vicious cutters and ruthless big hitting.

New ball bowlers Umar Gul (pace) and Mohammed Hafeez (spin), Wahab Riaz (left arm pace), Razzaq (cutters) and Afridi (spin) can prove troublesome.

India will be praying for their cricketing demi god Sachin Tendulkar to perform the miracle. He is a century short of totting up his 50th one-day international hundred. This will be the ideal occasion for the 'little master' to perform and create that record that could stand the test of time. We hope he does as he deserves it as a crowning success for his terrific and consistent performance.

Chasing

Together with the murderer of any type of bowling Virender Sehwag if they are not dismissed early could send the Pakistanis chasing leather. Gautam Gambhir, Yuraj Singh, Dhoni, Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh are all threats. Yuvraj has been in great form and would like to add to his stature.

The Indian bowling will be in the capable hands of 'Zaheer Khan, who has a knack of delivering with the old ball. He will have Munaf Patel for support. Ravi Ashwin the off spinner is likely to open the bowling like he did in the game against Australia. For support he will have Harbhajan and Yuvraj.

So, put on your seat belts ...