Pakistan look to end ODI WCjinx against India

It’s time for the biggest match of the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup. It’s India vs Pakistan, a rivalry that generates febrile atmosphere on both sides of the border, a rivalry where India has had the upper hand in the seven meetings so far, and more importantly a rivalry that elevates an average player to an overnight hero, and the heroics are written and shared across the globe for generations

Gearing up for the Navaratri celebrations next week, Ahmedabad is already in the throes of cricket fever for the encounter at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium with both teams in red-hot form, heading into Saturday’s contest on the back of a couple of handsome victories, powered by well-oiled units on either side.

For the city, which came under sharp criticism for failing to attract a full house in the World Cup opener between defending champions England and New Zealand, Saturday’s match could witness the 1,32,000 capacity stadium running out of space.

In response to soaring bookings of tickets, flight and hotels, officials announced special train services to ferry more fans to the venue and celebrity entertainment before the match. Thousands of security personnel will be deployed near the venue to ensure full-proof security for the high-tension game.

This is a game like no other. After all it’s India versus Pakistan, the mother of all cricketing rivalries.

And on top of that this is the first game in seven years that India is hosting the archrivals at home. Since the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, both teams have faced off only in ICC tournaments.