I have more important things to do than worry about a cricket match. But I have been doing this mistake for years together now, the heights being watching the Netherlands Vs UAE match hours before my XII grade Maths exam. Today's ODI is being played between the two neighbours after more than year, and hence the heightened sense of tension and an overwhelming desire for an Indian victory. Few of the Pakistani players have made all the right noises, including their captain-Younus Khan, whom I equate to Wasim Akram in the stakes for artificial behavior driven by camera consciousness. The injury to Yuvraj could not have come at a more inopportune time, with Sehwag and Zaheer already nursing their injuries back home. The Centurion brings back good memories for an Indian fan, owing to that spectacular chase against Pak in 2003 world cup; thanks to the superlative batting from Sachin and co against the likes of W&W and Shoaib. Experts say Centurion, with its relatively low bounce and even carry, would suit players like Raina and Yusuf whose suspect technique against short stuff was brutally exposed during the world cup. However, it is no secret that Pak batsman arent too good on seaming or bouncy tracks either. So things are even-stevens with regard to the pitch conditions.
Many encounters between the two sides have been decided by individual heroices, however, the strength of the current Indian team lies in having a cohesive batting unit. Stats do support that theory and Sachin too rightly pointed it out. One can also expect the current team to stand upto the verbal abuse by Afridi and co, with Gambhir and Bhajji leading from the front. The best performances of many new comers have come against India ( remember Franklyn Rose, Jimmy Adams etc ) and hence special attention has to be given to the performances of Umar Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, and Mohammed Aamer. Prior to the last 5-6 years, Pakistan were for most part the favourites. Things have become better since then, with the Indian team growing in confidence with the emergence of some quality players backed by aggressive instincts, while Pakistan team hit new nadirs owing to one controversy or the other. Since Younus and Intikhab have taken over, things are looking better, with the W20 cup being their biggest gain so far. The leak of the India team dossier prepared by Kirsten, on the eve of an important match is yet again a stark reminder of how the feudal BCCI functions.
Cant wait for the 6 PM start, when after the first few overs, the nerves start to settle down. As always, wishing for an Indian victory and better performances from Mr.Nehra ( who grimaces at a misfield off his bowling, as if he is the epitome of modern fielding standards ), Ishant ( he definitely has some injury concern or is on a high most of the time ) and our own RP ( talk about pedestrian fielding standards and inconsistent bowling form ). No wonder, MSD is greying since he took over the captaincy.
