Cricket matches between India and Pakistan are burdened with the weight of history and more often than not, it rises to the occasion. No cricketing contest, not even the Ashes rivalry between England and Australia, carries half as much gravity as India vs Pakistan. Life on the subcontinent halt on matchdays. People are left glued to their TV screens. It is an unofficial holiday on both sides of the border. The match not only excites the sportsperson inside us but also ignites a sense of patriotism among the common man, which comes on, looking at the historic relationship the two countries share.
The history between the two sides dates back to partition in 1947. It's a rivalry that is regularly agitated by wars. No cricket was played between 1961 and 1978, the time period included two major wars in 1965 and 1971. And no India vs Pakistan test match has been played since the Mumbai terror attack in 2008. In spite of all the drama and hate between the two nations, some of the most iconic moments in the history of the game has come in his particular fixture.
Much has been spoken about Miandad's immortal six in 1986, and how it turned out to be a real body blow to India's self-belief at that time. In the 69 matches that were played between 1986 and 2003, India lost 45 times. And knowing all this, Venkatesh's Prasad reply to Aamer Sohail meant the world to the Indian fans. And then Sourav Ganguly along with his young guns changed the complexion of India vs Pakistan rivalry forever.
Chasing a mammoth total of 274 runs against a Pakistan bowling lineup that comprised of Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis was a task next to impossible. But the batsmen had other thoughts. In arguably the Best match of the tournament, the Indian side chased it with 26 balls yet to be bowled. That iconic Tendulkar six off Shoaib Akhtar still gives goosebumps to Indian fans across the globe. You just cannot guess what's next in store in an India vs Pakistan game.
And suddenly, the point of reference has changed for India. Instead of obsessive India vs Pakistan rivalry, they are focused on themselves instead. Sure, India will lose some matches to Pakistan in the future. The winning streak in the world cup will certainly come to an end at some point in the coming years. But the fans are a lot more secure within their self-right and a result of a cricket match cannot prop up their self-esteem. Thankfully, the fans have grown up big time. They are more inclined towards fantasy cricket. Although the stakes are high in such high-profile encounters, India vs Pakistan Dream11 is the place to look out for. You can use your understanding of the game to win some real cash prizes.
