The Big Day

India Vs Pakistan- Overall

Total	India Won	India Lost	No Result
119	46	69	4

India Vs Pakistan- World Cup

Total	India Won	India Lost	No Result
4	4	0	0

The build-up has been intense and to cap it all, the prime ministers of the two nations are going to witness the game from the presidential box of the beautiful stadium.

History is in India's favour as they have never lost to their neighbours in the World Cup. The most exciting of their encounters was eight years ago when they beat Pakistan by four wickets chasing a 270-odd target thanks to Sachin Tendulkar's classic 75-ball 98 at the Super Sport Park at Centurion. They went on play the final, only to be thrashed by Australia.

Both sides have their own viewpoints on their much-awaited clash. The Indians think they have their best chance of winning the Cup a second time, having won it in 1983, and the Pakistanis want to tell the cricket world that their country deserves international cricket at home.

Both captains tried to play down the pressure factor on the eve of the match. India's Mahendra Singh Dhoni insisted that his team is aware what is expected out of it -- playing good cricket -- while his counterpart Shahid Afridi was equally vehement in saying that they were not expected to come so far and so there was no pressure on them.

The two teams won their quarterfinals in contrasting styles. India came through a much tougher game against Australia and the Pakistanis cantered to victory against the West Indies without breaking sweat.

An India-Pakistan clash has always transcended beyond sport and the team that keeps its emotions under control will prevail. It is easier said than done as when the whole world will get to witness a battle between two greats -- Tendulkar and Akhtar. That is assuming Afridi has the courage to take the bold step.