Coming up on Wednesday is a small matter of India-Pakistan semi-final. It is going to be a war minus firing at Mohali; undoubtedly “The Game” of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Most pundits and journalists have already declared the results in favor of India. Some have gone ever further to hand the Cup to M.S Dhoni’s men.
However, I seriously doubt all that, as everyone who thinks so will be in for a shock of their lifetime at the end of the game.
So here is a look at the facts which will decide the tie in favor of Pakistan.
Shahid Khan Afridi:
The man is having an exceptional World Cup, both as a captain and a bowler. Afridi will again be the main protagonist in this game as Indian batsmen will find it very difficult to cope with the best bowler of the tournament.
The Pakistani captain hasn’t had a great time with the bat so far, but don’t be surprised if he decides to explode in this game as he has the capacity to win a game single-handedly.
Better bowling attack:
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand which team has a better bowling attack. The Pakistan bowling attack has the variety and the personnel capable of undoing any batting line-up.
A point to be proved:
This year, the Pakistan players were again snubbed in the IPL auctions. Although it doesn’t matter that much, as Pakistan has to tour West Indies at that time of the year, the players would be itching to prove a point to their Indian counterparts.
Destiny:
People who like to read into the script look at this World Cup as Sachin’s World Cup, where the master-blaster would add another feather to his already very impressive cap.
That Pakistan has never managed a World Cup win against India also makes these people believe all this, but they will be proved wrong, as there is always a first time for everything.
I predict Shahid Afridi wins the toss and elects to bat, and Pakistan make 265 runs. Then India put in a stern fightback to overhaul the score, but fall 13 runs short.
Looking forward to the game.
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