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| Pakistan v India: 'Bigger than the World Cup' |
The Pool B contest was sold out in 20 minutes and no other team inworld sport will be under as much pressure as the two that day with 1.3 billion unforgiving cricket-crazy fans following the contest ball by ball.
Emotions run high every time the south Asian neighbours clash on a cricket ground.
Pakistan, champions in 1992, have never beaten twice winners India at a cricket World Cup.
“For many, it's bigger than World Cup,” former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar told a cricket conclave in Delhi on Monday.
“It completely locks out 1.3 billion people. The tension is unbearable and the players' effort level doubles.
“The dressing room atmosphere is always tense,” said the feisty off-spinner who could not make the cut for this year's World Cup.
We could never beat India in World Cup but, God willing, that would soon happen,” said the quick known as the 'Rawalpindi Express'.
“Much before the dressing room, you think about it in your hotel room. Before last World Cup's match in Mohali, I could not sleep the night before, thinking what if we lose.
“Fortunately we won the next day and again I could not sleep, this time because I was so overjoyed. “A defeat against Pakistan means media would roast us and fans would pelt stones at our house,” said the 34-year-old.
His team mate from the 2011 squad, Piyush Chawla, said the pressure does not come from the team management.
“Fielding in the deep, you often hear the crowd behind warning you 'better win this match or it won't be easy to get out of the stadium'.”
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