The biggest rivalry in Cricketing World is about to resume as India and Pakistan are ready to go head to head at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Saturday. Indian team has advanced to the semis but win against arch-rivals would be a great moral booster for MS Dhoni and his men in this mouth-watering contest. Pakistan is out of the race for the semis as they lost their previous encounters against West Indies and South Africa and would be looking to get the consolation win against their arch-rivals.
Meanwhile the recent reports of Indian Express quoted former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, saying, “India versus Pakistan is never a dead rubber. A high voltage drama like this would be a treat for the cricketing fans of both the nations.”
He added, "India will want to maintain the momentum they have picked up with their last two victories. They will be desperate not to lose this match, heading in to the semi-finals.”
Former Indian opening legend praised the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan who had been sensational with the bat so far. "India now has a settled combination for the one-day game and Dhawan has been 'particularly impressive.”
He added, "I also have to add that this could well be the turning point of Rohit Sharma's career. He is knocking on the door for a Test spot with performances like this. The openers have given India attacking starts in this tournament. What's most important to me is the understanding they have with each other."
Little Master was quoted by DNA saying, "Jadeja turned the match in India's favour. At a certain stage West Indies were looking to score past 300, but Jadeja turned the match around with his bowling on a pitch where there was not much help for the spinners. Five wickets in a One-Day game is rare.”
In the recent reports published in Deccan Herald, Gavaskar was also quoted saying, “It looks to me that England and India will be the finalists of this ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Both the teams are very well balanced and had made the brilliant use of the players so far that’s why India versus England is the ideal final. England beat us in India and it would be nice to face them for the ICC Champions Trophy title in their backyard.”