India Vs Pakistan: Super Sunday Super Eight Cricket T20!

Two nations and millions of fans the world over are waiting with bated breath for the titanic clash of the arch-rivals, India and Pakistan in a crucial Super Eight match of the ICC World Cup T20 2012 in Colombo today. Fans would love their favorite team win and the desperation to win for any of the two teams is conditioned by the two passionate nations. This passion is not conditioned though by whatever happens in the tournament later.

The desperation for Indiais even greater. On superior bowling strength and current performance Pakistan have the edge over India. Add to this the terrific Pak all-rounders like skipper Hafeez, Jamshed, Afridi and now even Umar Gul. India, on the other hand, are burdened with the last thrashing by Australia, the Sehwag riddle and team selection chores. Indian skipper Dhoni has been under fire by many cricket experts and cricket lovers for omitting Sehwag in the last two games and his gamble for three spinners. Anyway, the three spinner tactic is not going to work against Pakistan as they are expert players of spin. Some point out that Yuvraj Singh is not hundred percent fit and only emotional reason to have him in is not good enough. Either drop one spinner or drop Yuvraj and bring Sehwag in for this almost do or die match—seems to be the mood. Dhoni’s autocratic decisions are not helping his team much at the moment. If Sehwag is guilty of not playing well against Afghanistan, then several others are also guilty of the same crime.

The Indian fans are also caught up in this team selection confusion and they were agonized yesterday by media reports that Sehwag did not come in for net practice. Fielding the best possible team is a must, because India must win this game to stay alive in the tournament. If Australia win the first game today against South Africa the India-Pakistan match would be like a knockout—with a Pak win India will be out. There are several other permutations for the final standings in the tournament. India’s lowest net run rate at the moment is also a cause of great concern.

In two largely one-sided low-scoring matches yesterday in Pallekele England defeated New Zealand by 6 wickets and Sri Lanka defeated West Indiesby 9 wickets. Sri Lanka have almost their place in the semis and New Zealand nearly crashed out of the tournament. If Sri Lanka win their last encounter against England and New Zealand defeat West Indies Sri Lanka would be through and there will be a three-way tie with net run rate deciding.

Over to Colombofor the Big one at 7.30 this evening. Enjoy your Sunday!

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