Ashes over, time for another cricketing rivalry

1st March 2003 is an eagerly awaited day by cricket fans worldwide. On that day, the Group A World Cup match between bitter rivals India and Pakistan will be played at Centurion. It is almost two years since they last met on a cricket pitch, in the Asia Cup at Dhaka in 2000 when Pakistan won in convincing fashion.

Sachin Tendulkar Photo © CricInfo

The two teams have much in common. Both have fanatical support. Both have won the World Cup. Both have fought on and off the field. The captain's job is regarded as the second toughest in either country after that of the nation's political leader. They are dissimilar in some ways too. India is led by a batsman, Pakistan by a bowler. India is renowned for its quality batsmen, Pakistan for its battery of lethal pace bowlers.

Even in 2002, there was an eerie similarity between the two teams. Pakistan had a good first six months, winning their one-day series in Australia. India played good cricket for the better part of the year, with notable wins in England and Sri Lanka.

Then suddenly, as if by design, both fell apart. Pakistan were thrashed by Australia and South Africa, and had a dismal time in Tests as well as ODIs. India, shockingly, lost their one-day series at home to a resurgent West Indies, and were ground to dust in New Zealand in both formats. True, Pakistan were without their major players in these series and many Indian supporters would claim that the pitches in New Zealand were sub-standard. But excuses will not be good enough for the side that loses the clash on 1st March.

Shoaib Akhtar Photo © CricInfo

Both teams are mercurial. Regardless of their respective performances before the World Cup, only the brave would write them off. The clash could prove crucial to the chances of either side making it to the super sixes. It is India's last league match and Pakistan's second-last. It could well be that the winner goes through to the Super Sixes and the loser takes the next flight home.

There is talk about the game being a clash between Sachin Tendulkar and Shoaib Akhtar, or Wasim Akram and Virender Sehwag. Whatever the result, it should provide wholesome entertainment. It won't be just another match. It will be about pride, passion, electrifying intensity, and supreme batting against quality pace bowling.