India, Pakistan heading closer to Cup collision
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
NEW DELHI, Mar 21 (AFP): Bitter rivals India and Pakistan are on a World Cup collision course, but first the two neighbours have quarter-final hurdles to overcome as the marathon tournament enters its sixth week.
India take on defending champions Australia in Ahmedabad on Thursday while Pakistan face an inconsistent West Indies in Dhaka to kick-start the last eight stage on Wednesday.
Victory for both Asian giants will set-up a semi-final blockbuster in Mohali on March 30.
New Zealand and South Africa meet in Dhaka on Friday before Sri Lanka and England clash in Colombo on Saturday as the World Cup, which staged its opening ceremony on February 17, comes down to the world's eight top-ranked sides.
India's 80-run win over the West Indies in Chennai on Sunday handed Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men a quarter-final against Ricky Ponting's team in Ahmedabad.
India have lost to Australia in nine out of 15 matches played on home soil in the last five years.
"Australia are a very strong side and very expressive on the field," said Dhoni.
"But it's about how we prepare. Preparation is very important and we are just thinking about that particular day and match rather than thinking about the result."
Pakistan, meanwhile, topped their qualifying group with 10 points.
They will be overwhelming favourites to defeat West Indies who squeezed into the quarter-finals by virtue of a superior run-rate to Bangladesh.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has cautioned his team against over-confidence after they secured top spot in Group A by ending Australia's 34-match unbeaten World Cup run.