India and Pakistan, the traditional rivals who have suffered similar failures
and revivals in the recent past, face off once again in an off-shore cricket one-dayer
here 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
happell's decision not to renew his contract with India.
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