Believe it or not, India will root for arch-rivals

Can you believe it? The whole of India could be rooting for Pakistan on Wednesday. A win for Younus Khan & Co. against Australia on Wednesday could revive the hopes of the beleaguered MS Dhoni’s team in the Champions Trophy. For Pakistan, it is an inconsequential match as the team has already made it to the semifinals of the tournament in South Africa, but their win may help India, currently third in the group, sneak into the semifinals.

The contest has generated a lot of interest on either side of the border as well as in South Africa. Reports from Pakistan say the nation wants its team to do a favour to their arch-rivals. “I think it’s a God-given opportunity for both the countries and with Indian fans praying for a Pakistan win,” says Ramiz Raja, a former Pakistan skipper.

Fans in the city hoped Pakistan, who beat India on Saturday, would beat Australia. DNA found out that 66 per cent of the Mumbaikars said they would be backing Pakistan against Australia. In fact, 90 per cent went to the extent of saying the cricketing ties between the nations should be immediately resumed. India and Pakistan have not played bilateral series since the Mumbai terror attacks.

Dhoni himself called upon the fans to cheer for the arch-rivals. “I don’t want to give Younus Khan any suggestions. For me it is what I can try and achieve with the team. Indian fans want us to qualify. They will definitely want us to progress so you can expect Indian fans to support Pakistan. But it is entirely up to them,” Dhoni said.

Younus, Dhoni’s counterpart, wished India and Pakistan meet in the final. “I am not thinking of how our performance will help India. But I do wish India and Pakistan play the final. In World T20 it was great to play India and we wish it happens again,” Younus said. “At the same time I am not thinking that if we lose, India will be out of the competition. If we win against Australia it will be great for us. It will help us if we play them again in the final. Things are in our hands and we want to beat Australia comprehensively,” the Pakistan skipper added.

Former paceman Sarfraz Nawaz hopes Pakistan do not go easy on Australia. “It’s India’s fate and I would celebrate if India goes out of the event,” said Nawaz. “But Pakistan must beat Australia to carry a winning momentum.”

Indian fans in South Africa too will be keeping an eye on the Pakistan game. “It’ll present a unique situation with Indian fans wanting Pakistan to win. Though most of the Indian fans will be at Wanderers, they will have an eye on the game at Centurion. South Africa getting knocked out has been bit of a dampener for the tournament and from the fans and organisers point of view it will be great if India can advance as it is the only team that can bring in the crowds,” says Cassim Docrat, KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union CEO.

(With inputs from Nihal Koshie in Johannesburg and agencies)