Pakistan powered their way to the semifinals by beating the West Indies with consummate ease. The Windies had first use of the wicket in Mirpur but failed to cope with Pakistan’s spin trio of skipper Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Hafeez and Saeed Ajmal. They just about managed to cross the 100 mark, a target Pakistan knocked off with plenty to spare.
India had a much more difficult route to the last four as they squared off against defending champions Australia. Thanks to another splendid all round effort from Yuvraj Singh, the Indians broke Australia’s 12 year stronghold on the tournament by beating them with five wickets to spare. Suresh Raina played an excellent innings under pressure against the Aussies after the fall of skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and this may result in the southpaw retaining his spot in the squad at the expense of the hard hitting Yusuf Pathan.
Pakistan have never beaten India in World Cups, tasting defeat in the 1992, 1996 and 2003 editions of the tournament. The Pakistani bowling has been excellent while their batting has not exactly set the stage of fire. It is the reverse with India, who have been heavily reliant on their top five, with only Zaheer Khan in good nick with the ball.
The most keenly awaited match at the 2011 World Cup takes place on Wednesday afternoon as regional powerhouses India and Pakistan clash in the semifinals of the tournament at the PCA Stadium. Bet on Pakistan vs India at the 2011 World Cup with Bet365 after reading our betting preview at Sportsbookie.com.
Pakistan coach Alam knows the conditions at Mohali well as he once had a coaching stint with the Punjab Ranji cricket team. Pakistan also beat India the last time the two sides met at Mohali.
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