India-Pakistan cricket fans stumped, forced to wait till the World Cup match in Ahmedabad

By K.R. Nayar

While reporting the Sri Lanka Premier League recently, very often I wrote about Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka’s feats. Before the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Super Four match, there were talks that if Mendis and Asalanka carried their form into this match, then an India-Pakistan final may not happen. As luck would have it, both of them clicked and Pakistan lost by two wickets. So for those who rooted for an India-Pakistan final, the message is: “Now please wait till the World Cup to watch an India-Pakistan match that will be held in Ahmedabad on October 14th”.

 

Charith Asalanka hits the winning run and celebrates. Photos ACC 

Many fans were getting ready to make it a special Sunday on September 17th hoping to watch an India-Pakistan final. Some had cancelled all their weekend plans while a few had decided to get-together and watch the match and cheer for their teams. This result is an answer to all those who believe that cricket is exciting to watch only if it is a battle between the two arch rivals. Cricket is known to reward the team that plays its best on that day. Before the start of the Asia Cup, Pakistan promised a lot, but they failed to deliver.

 

When Kusal Mendis winning the Player of the Match award during  one of the Sri Lanka Premier League  matches

Many times, in the eagerness to watch an India-Pakistan final, many forget that Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup T20 tournament, and if they win against India on September 17, then they will be champions of the Asia Cup ODI version too.  Sri Lanka’s win over Pakistan and the fact that they have reached the Asia Cup final should now evoke huge interest for the India-Sri Lanka World Cup match on November 2 in Mumbai. However, the enthusiasm among fans to watch this match will not be close to the Ahmedabad match on October 14th.

 


Pakistan will now need to focus on removing the chinks in their team to do well against India in the World Cup. A huge defeat to India in that match can even destroy the charm of an India-Pakistan match. The Asia Cup, World Cup or any ICC match, even an Under-19 clash between these two countries, has always been a huge attraction.

 

After Pakistan’s defeat to Sri Lanka, some have concluded that Pakistan was unlucky to have lost this match since it was the last delivery that decided the winner. If an India-Pakistan clash has to be exciting, then Pakistan should be making it to the final not due to luck but through a strong performance.

 

Abdullah Shafiq and Babar Azam provided a good start

It was special for the UAE fans to watch Pakistan opener Adullah Shafiq, son of UAE based coach Shafiq Abdullah, set the momentum for a good score through a half century. Unfortunately, his knock went in vain. If Pakistan is not able to deliver collectively, then they will have to depend on luck to win their matches.

 

Now the intensity to beat India in Ahmedabad will be at its peak among Pakistan fans. Headlines stating it will be a revenge match will appear before the contest. All of this will only add on to the existing pressure on the Pakistan team.

 

Having reported India-Pakistan match for over four decades, one thing is sure that both Pakistan and Indian players will play with huge respect and friendship with each other. If not, why would Shaheen Afridi present a gift to Jasprit Bumrah on becoming a father? Would KL Rahul have rushed to check on Agha Salman who sustained an injury to his eye while top edging a shot during the Super Four match? Very few India and Pakistan players stare at each other during a match, except for Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar who did that to Sachin Tendulkar. But then, Akhtar enjoys staring at any opponent!  

Brief scores:
Sri Lanka bt Pakistan by two wkts. Pakistan: 252/7 in 42 overs (Abdullah Shafique 52, Babar Azam 29, Mohammad Rizwan 86 n.o., Iftikhar Ahmed 47; Pramod Madushan 2-58, Matheesha Pathirana 3-65) Sri Lanka: 252/8 in 42 overs (Pathum Nissanka 29, Kusal Mendis 91, Sadeera Samarawickrama 48, Charith Asalank 49 n.o.; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-50, Afridi 2 for 53)
Player of  the Match: Kusal Mendis

NB: Both teams scored same number of runs but D/L calculation resulted in target being revised.

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