India vs Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup: Fixture seems to be an exhibition of nationalism

With Indian men taking on Pakistan at the Eden Gardens, the entire scenario has given it a status of war; very few are aware that Indian eves are also playing Pakistan in Delhi

Mumbai, March 19: From Mumbai to Kolkata and Lucknow to Varanasi everywhere prayers are being offered for Team India’s victory over Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup match that is scheduled to be played at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Saturday evening. Being the weekend, this match seems to be most sought-after fixture, not only for the biennial showpiece but for the entire country.

The debate on intolerance and alleged chants of anti-India slogans have given this India-Pakistan match a status of war. Even when Kargil war was fought, the countrymen were not so keen to know what actually was happening there. Is it nationalism? Not at all. This is a show of nationalism which is artificial in nature.

India being the numero uno side in the shortest format is still without a point in their kitty after having lost to New Zealand the other day. On the other hand, having beaten Bangladesh in their lung opener, Pakistan are in a much better position ahead of the big-ticket showdown. (Also Read: India vs Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup 2016: A look at match facts & records of IND vs PAK in T20s)

It’s needless to mention, the fight will be between the Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers like always. Mohammed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Mohammed Irfan and Mohammed Sami may be the four-pronged pace attack that Pakistan may unleash on the Indians, which will test the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh to the hilt. It will be a great contest of the bat and ball on the lush green Eden outfield, considered to be the Mecca of Indian cricket.

Facts to check

It can be said with certainty that Kolkata will cheer for the Indians, but no jeer for Pakistan at the same time. The true sporting spirit exhibited by the crowd marks this venue different from other ones in India. Two startling facts need a mention: First, Pakistan have never got the better of India in an ICC event so far; and secondly, Pakistan have never lost to India at this hallowed venue as yet. So, whatever the outcome of the match be, it will be a first. As Indians, we obviously want the change in the first fact because a change in the second fact will mean India bid adieu to the tournament.

There is another fact too that makes the contest even more fascinating. In the T20 version, India have played Pakistan seven times in all and lost only once, but never in a World Cup. So today’s encounter will either make it 7-1 or 6-2 in India’s favour. Whatever happens, the game will eventually be the winner and it should be like that.

Meanwhile, there is another India-Pakistan encounter that is going to take place and that too in cricket when Indian eves will play against their Pakistani counterparts in the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup tie at Delhi’s Feroze Shah Kotla stadium. But there are a handful who are interested in how Mithali Raaj’s team fares against the arch-rivals where Indians are firm favourites.