Everything to play for against the arch-rivals

Millions will have their eyes glued to television screens for the clash between India and Pakistan on March 1. It is the most anticipated game of the tournament, and the players carry the burden of the expectations of either nation on their shoulders. Both, Pakistani as well as Indian cricket fans are known to be unforgiving of losses to the arch-rival, and this time the tension is at its highest ever as the two have not played against each other for almost 3 years.

This is possibly the first time in the last decade where the Pakistan heads into a match against India as underdogs. The Pakistanis have mostly had the better of India, especially in their encounters at Sharjah, but their record in the past World Cups is not quite as impressive. Pakistan has never managed to beat India in World Cup encounters, and it is about time that they break this run of defeats.

The equation for Pakistan is quite clear they must win both their matches against India and Zimbabwe if they hope to make it to the Super Six stage. The only thing that could mess up the situation would be if England defeat Australia, then net run rates would be involved, where Pakistan are likely to suffer. However, it's more important for them to focus on the task at hand, and that is beating India in this crunch game.

The Indians come into the game with high spirits, and their batsmen looking in supreme touch. Tendulkar's brief knock against England was simply awesome, and if he gets stuck into the Pakistan pace attack, then it will be hard to come back into the game. Sehwag looks to be in reasonable form as well, and the key for Pakistan lies in dismissing the opening pair early on. The Indian team looked highly pumped up against England, so this is by no means an easy task.

Pakistan's batsmen on the other hand seem to be going through the worst phase in their cricketing careers. Inzamam's form is appalling and is his body language emphasized it more after being dismissed against Holland while trudging back to the dressing room. Youhana seems to be in reasonable touch, but has failed to carry on and get a big score after a few starts. Saeed Anwar is a mere shadow of his former self, while Younis Khan has been a huge disappointment over the last six months. Richard Pybus summed up the lack of consistency of our batsmen brilliantly, by saying that they either "operate in fifth gear or reverse." Well, this is the right time for a gear shift!

I personally feel that the Pakistanis should go into the game against India with the same side they played against Holland. There is a temptation to draft Afridi into the squad, but the management should refrain from that as Afridi upsets the balance of the side by being included at the expense of a genuine opener. Anwar and Taufeeq Umar must open, while there is a possibility of swapping Elahi for Younis Khan. Elahi is a good prospect as an opener, but doesn't seem at home in the middle order. However the poor form of Younis Khan doesn't warrant an automatic selection either. On performance, Inzamam deserves to be dropped, but while the mind may agree, the heart still feels that Inzamam might just have something up his sleeve for the big game. Either way, the Pakistani management could not be blamed if they persist with him. Youhana must be moved up the order, preferably at number 3 or 4.

The bowling attack looks fine - it just needs the batsmen to be competitive if they are to win games for Pakistan. A special word of praise is necessary for Wasim Akram, arguably the best cricketer Pakistan has ever produced and maybe the best the world has ever seen. No praise is enough for what he has done for the side, and he thoroughly deserves the credit he is getting for reaching the landmark of 500 wickets. One just hopes that the World Cup 2003 will be a fitting swan song and that he can bow out of the game with dignity.

For that Pakistan need to win and the match against India is the ideal way to turn things around. The Pakistan team has been known to be at their best when their backs are to the wall. Our cricket has sunk to the depths of despair, and hopefully there is only one way to go and that is up! It is difficult to be upbeat after viewing Pakistan's recent performances, but the team only has a chance if the fans back them fully.

The toss might just be the deciding factor, more so for Pakistan, as the Indians will opt to bat immediately if they win. Waqar must hope that fortune favours him at the start, and he should not think twice about batting first if he wins the toss. It would be foolish if he repeats the mistake made against the Aussies.

So it's all set for the big game, let us just hope that it will be close and exciting one! All the best, Pakistan, a nation is looking up to you!

Ed: If readers wish to correspond with the author, please email Taha Noor