New Delhi, September 29: It never ever happened that Indian cricket fans prayed for Pakistan’s victory in any form of cricket. But the biggest irony is that they have been forced to do so, thanks to India’s lacklustre performance, which may cost them a semifinal berth in the ICC Champions Trophy. Indians now hope that Pakistan beat Australia in its last group encounter and then India beat West Indies by a big margin to qualify for the semifinals.
Just a few days ago, Indian fans were baying for Pakistan’s blood during the crucial Indo-Pak tie. As India disappointed and lost to Pakistan by 54 runs, they were heart-broken. After the India-Australia match was washed out because of rain, they now they look to Pakistan as a saviour.
Pakistan has already qualified for the semifinals with two wins from two games. It won’t matter much for them, even if they lose against Australia. Australia, which has 3 points from two games, need to beat Pakistan to reach the semifinals. India has just one point from two games.
If Pakistan beat Australia and India beat West Indies, both India and Australia will be tied at 3 points each and the semifinalist will be decided on the basis of better net run rate. Australia now enjoys a better run rate than India.
India need to beat West Indies by a big margin and hope that Pakistan beats Australia by a similar margin. If Pakistan beat Australia on September 30, Indian skipper Dhoni will get a chance to decide on the run rate he needs to enter the semifinals, as India will be playing a day-night game on the same day.
All eyes are on Pakistan now. If they lose to Australia, India will be out of the tournament and return home, like they did during the 2007 World Cup. Come September 30 and millions of Indians will be praying for Pakistan’s victory over Australia in ICC Champions Trophy. A bitter truth for many Indians….
–Agencies–