By Gaurang
June 14 2013

How rare is it that an India v. Pakistan match is a low key affair with hardly anything at stake?  Exceedingly rare, but the ICC Champions Trophy has somehow managed to acheive that.

The upcoming clash between India and Pakistan at Birmingham is one of the lowest key games between the two teams in a major international tournament that I can recall.  India are already through to the knockout stage and Pakistan are already out.  There is nothing at stake except National pride and bragging rights. 

It will be match that will nevertheless be played in front of a full house, but the needle element in the match which often makes India Pakistan matches such electric affairs is definitely missing.  So what will this Indian fan be looking for in this match?

First and foremost a win.  There is a belief that India can do poorly in a Tournament, but as long as they beat Pakistan all is well.  The opposite however doesn't quite have the same air of truth in it.  In fact one can argue that even if India does well in a tournament, if they lose to Pakistan, people will be upset.  So India must go for a win.

Secondly, I would be looking forward to the match up of Pakistan's bowling and India's batting, the key strengths of the teams respectively.  Though one gets the feeling that India with three very different type of quicks and two spinners of varying types, is pretty much comparable to Pakistan as a bowling unit.  In the batting though there is not much equivalency.  Pakistan have looked very sketchy with the bat, and unless they find a couple of young guns to carry on the legacy of greats like Inzmam, Miandad, etc. they will always be vulnerable, especially away from home.  And these days they hardly play at home, even in their "make-shift" home in the Gulf.

Finally, I would like to see a pitch that is green and seaming as it would give India a nice opportunity to check their preparedness if such conditions were to confront them in the Knockout stages. 

In any case, watching an India Pakistan match without much at stake will be a novel experience.  So bring it on! or whatever...

India Play Pakistan In Dead Rubber Match

Discussion started by Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged), 14/06/2013 18:01

Indian Cricket Fever
14/06/2013 18:01

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:28:23:31:37 by Birbal.

Reply Quote Report

Birbal
15/06/2013 14:23

Dead Rubber turning into Damp Squib?

Reply Quote Report

Birbal
15/06/2013 14:34

Cricinfo is desperately flogging this game as the most exciting ever... hahahaha... quite pathetic really

This has got to be one of the dullest India v. Pak games in living memory... absolutely nothing at stake and even the weather sucks!

Reply Quote Report

Captain of Bhangra
22/06/2013 16:49

I was at this. Obviously not a classic in terms of an Ind/Pak clash, but good to see India keep their foot on the pedal. Momentum was important, and our boys were clinical. Also fun to see the Dire Straits Pakistan cricket is in. We made our own fun in the stands, but I can imagine the game itself can't have been that great on TV...

Reply Quote Report

Birbal
24/06/2013 03:47

Hi COB... after a LONG time...welcome back!

Did you take any pics at the match? can you share?

Yes, India v. Pakistan always has some spark...just this time the edge and needle was missing...

Reply Quote Report

Captain of Bhangra
24/06/2013 13:36

Quote:

Birbal
Hi COB... after a LONG time...welcome back!
Did you take any pics at the match? can you share?

Yes, India v. Pakistan always has some spark...just this time the edge and needle was missing...

Hi Gaurang, yes it's been a while, hope you're well! Didn't take many pics, as kind of got caught up in the moment. Took a few at the final, not many, which I'll post in the thread for that game...

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net