1. Pakistan vs India
In devising the fixtures for the World Cup 2015, the ICC knew that if there was one match that could rattle television viewership records, it would be an India/Pakistan encounter. That too, in their inaugural games. That too, on a Sunday!
Our nation holds this sport dear for as long as time itself, and an India-Pakistan World Cup clash means life and death to us. Players from both sides find themselves under nerve-boiling pressure, whereas fans cannot help but restlessly count days to the most sought-after cricketing clash in the world.
Tales of how our fathers and grandfathers used to zealously watch the greats of their time outperform India are still heard in every common household. Team colours, flags – symbols of patriotism and national pride can be spotted in the streets, outside stores, on vehicles and in homes.
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1. Pakistan vs India
In devising the fixtures for the World Cup 2015, the ICC knew that if there was one match that could rattle television viewership records, it would be an India/Pakistan encounter. That too, in their inaugural games. That too, on a Sunday!
Our nation holds this sport dear for as long as time itself, and an India-Pakistan World Cup clash means life and death to us. Players from both sides find themselves under nerve-boiling pressure, whereas fans cannot help but restlessly count days to the most sought-after cricketing clash in the world.
Tales of how our fathers and grandfathers used to zealously watch the greats of their time outperform India are still heard in every common household. Team colours, flags – symbols of patriotism and national pride can be spotted in the streets, outside stores, on vehicles and in homes.
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Although so far, to our horror, India is unbeaten against Pakistan in World Cup history. Can Pakistan break the jinx this time?
2. Misbah ul Haq’s ODI century
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Twelve years. 155 One Day Internationals. 4772 runs. 38 fifties. An average of just below 50 and not a single ODI century to his name...
Yet.
His recent performances and the calm, collected on-field attitude implies he is all set to turn some heads during the tournament. With 5 fours, 6 sixes and a decent strike-rate by his standards, Misbah ul Haq’s 91 off 99 against England in the warm-up game on Wednesday has not only thrown the biggies of the tournament on pins and needles, but also given rise to the prospect that he might as well be saving his ever-awaited maiden ODI ton for his climactic World Cup.
3. Afridi’s farewell milestones
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At the very instant that Shahid Afridi publicised his ODI-retirement plans, hearts were crushed. The veteran currently has to his name 7948 ODI runs and 393 ODI wickets, and eyes this World Cup as the ideal time to round off the figures.
This would be the part where I comment upon his recent ODI conduct and shine light on his forecasted performance, but then, this is Shahid Afridi we are talking about. One can never rightly predict his next move.
As of now, he is 52 runs and 7 wickets away from his personal milestones, and a World Cup trophy away from Pakistan’s.
Will Afridi choose to rein in his wild instincts this time? Will he hit that lethal form as a bowler that he's famous for finding in big games? What will his last ODI sixer be like?
