 Stakes high as India, Pakistan clash at a new venue
2nd Jul 2007 20:22 IST
Agencies
India and Pakistan, the traditional rivals who have suffered similar failures and revivals in the recent past, face off once again in an offshore one-dayer in Glasgow tomorrow.
The two teams would be meeting for the first time since the World Cup two months ago, during which time both have gone through enough upheaval that other sides usually experience in a decade.
The one-off tie is to raise funds for Prince Charles' charity but there would no lack of edge that goes with any Indo-Pak clash. If anything, the teams go into the match with a lot riding on the outcome than ever before.
Having suffered ignominious first round exits at the quadrennial event, both India and Pakistan are experiencing a revival of sorts.
Pakistan, led by 25-year-old Shoaib Malik who succeeded Inzamam-ul-Haq, crushed Sri Lanka 2-0 in Abu Dhabi in May.
India had a successful tour of Bangladesh, winning both the ODIs and Tests comfortably. And they have the momentum going into the match after a 2-1 series win over South Africa in Ireland.
Both the squads are hunting for a coach, following the tragic death of Bob Woolmer who guided Pakistan during the World Cup and Greg Chappell's decision not to renew his contract with India.
But if the results are any indication, the players have coped with the situation well.
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