Cricket World Cup 2015: Pakistan fans yearn to break jinx against arch-rivals India
India and Pakistan figure in group B of the ICC World Cup. The former champions clash in Adelaide on February 15.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: August 18, 2014 03:12 PM IST
It may well be a dream fixture for Indian cricket fans as the defending champions have not just been placed in what is being seen as a relatively easy group but also begin their ICC World Cup 2015 campaign with a clash against Pakistan.
Both India and Pakistan are placed in Pool B of the World Cup - to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand - alongwith South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe and a qualifier team. And while a clash between the two rivals at any stage of any tournament is riveting, an early contest is even more thrilling. (Also read: Five must-knows about World Cup 2015)
The World Cup is scheduled to start from February 14 with hosts New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka. Next day in Adelaide - a city with a sizeable population of fans with origins in the Indian sub-continent - is expected to come alive as the Men in Blue clash with their Green counterparts. (Flashback: When India last played Pakistan, in pics)
(Also see: Scorecard of India vs Pakistan World Cup 2011 semifinal)
India have never lost to Pakistan in the 50-over World Cup. This time, Pakistan fans are hopeful of breaking the jinx. "We face India right at the start. Beating a strong India can be the best way to propel our WC dreams," read a surfer comment on a prominent Pakistan-based website. (Pics: When India-Pak collide - Sea of green, ocean of blue)
Another rivalry to watch out for would be Australia and New Zealand, even if this being a whole lot less intense. The Prime Ministers of both nations were present at the launch of the World Cup - hosted simultaneously in Melbourne and Wellington on Tuesday. (Highlights from the event)
While John Key, the New Zealand PM said it is the ideal chance for both countries to once again show their sporting culture, Kevin Rudd of Australia said he could not have picked a better nation to co-host the event with. Australia take on New Zealand in Group A - which also has England, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - on February 28 in Auckland.