Update: Dawn.com invites its readers to be a part of its first ever Global Blog and share their experiences by blogging in real time.
No matter where you are, just as long as you’re tuned in to the live coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 India vs Pakistan semi-final, here is your chance to provide your analysis, set the field, live commentate, share pictures and videos, predict the outcome of the match and have your say as Pakistan takes on India in what promises to be a cracking showdown.
For details visit Live: Pakistan vs India
The prospect itself is so hot that it does not require you to employ the art of phrasing and utilise your gift of gab in order to have your say, but have your say you must because its Pakistan versus India and the cricket fever doesn’t get any hotter than this! This is exactly why we at dawn.com would like to invite you to have your say and let it out your way regarding the biggest event, need I say, bigger than the World Cup final that the cricket crazy world is about to witness.
You can send us your critical analysis in the form of a blog post (blog@dawn.com) or shout out in a comment. You can also tweet at us @dawn_com or leave your comments on our Facebook page and we will feature it here along with all the other contributions from our readers. We’ll be challenging our own producers to come up with interesting content on the epic event to be held in the near future but we want you to have your say as well. Compose a song, make a webcam video cheering your team, or send us an audio visual slideshow! Do something and we’ll put it up for the world to see.
The internet has become an intense driving force in modern times as recent events have shown. Fuelled by the voices of the online population, this time around Pakistan vs India is bigger than ever! So, don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your say, your way, and let it rip. However, we do advise you, for the sake of “good sportsmanship” to refrain from the “free and frank exchanges of views on female relatives” which has always been an essential part of the India-Pakistan rivalry, as alluded to by Cricinfo.
P.S. Our friends from across the border are equal contributors to debates on our website, so let us be insightful towards content vouching India triumphing over Pakistan and not forget that as fans, what we’re really celebrating is the spirit of cricket.
P.P.S. The winner of this competition (it’s not really a competition, it’s just an opportunity for you to rant out whichever way you want) will get the chance to watch the Pakistan vs India Semi-Final of the ICC World Cup 2011 live on our competitor’s television channel!
The views expressed by the reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
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Featured Comments
Taimur Sikander says, “This is what Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik had to say about the Pakistan-India semi-final on March 30: “I had given a warning yesterday (Sunday) that there should be no match fixing. This time I am watching it very closely. If any such thing happens, we will take action,” Malik told reporters in Karachi Monday.
“They should continue the practice and go to bed early, rise up according to their schedule and dedicate themselves to the game for Pakistan,” he added.
Mr Malik, we are also watching you very closely. Go to bed early, eat your cereal and focus on your job.
We’re sure it must be a tough job, picking out the right tie and handkerchief combination.
It is understood that you have since called and apologised to Pakistan’s captain, Shahid Afridi about your earlier remarks.
“A section of (the) press has twisted my statement out of context, and wrongly projected my words,” Malik posted on Twitter, Monday night.
You know what they say about those who speak too much…
P.S. The people do in fact trust the players more than they trust you, as is being said by many a Pakistani politician.”
Shagufta Naaz sent us a short piece titled “War Games”:
“‘Pakistan and India go to war in the semi-final’ screams the headline of a leading Urdu daily (incidentally, one of the same group that has been shouting itself hoarse in the pursuit of Hope for Peace). “It’s war!” say my friends as they gear up in green T-shirts (the price of which keeps rising as the date of the match draws closer). “It’s war!” state all the commentators, analysts and of course, the ubiquitous morning show hosts. Oh yes, a match between India and Pakistan can never be just that: a game between two teams; thanks to over 60 years of a very complex, painful history, any meeting in the ground is seen as yet another encounter with the enemy. It’s not just cricket, it’s war.
Excuse me, but am I the only one who finds this casual use of the ‘W’ word distasteful? Yes, winning against India is a matter of pride and honour (or so they say), more so even than winning against the Aussies, even though it was an Australian who called our captain ‘idiotic.’ What would our reaction have been if an Indian had said that I wonder?
But to come back to the impending semi-final, feelings are running high on both sides of the border — and even further ashore. Students studying abroad report that fights between Pakistani and Indian students erupt daily on campuses, even before the two sides have come together in the ground. These are kids, many of whom may not even have seen their ‘homeland.’ Certainly none of them lived through the horrors of Partition, the trials of the ’65 and ’71 wars or perhaps even the tense days of Kargil. So where is all this anger coming from?
Perhaps all Pakistanis are born with an anti-India gene; perhaps Indians too have an anti-Pakistan gene; and perhaps venting this anger at a cricket match is better than taking it out in a more deadly manner. But just for the record — war is about death, destruction and unimaginable misery. A cricket match is about fun, excitement and, if we’re lucky, a reason to celebrate. Let’s try to keep the difference clear.”
Comments on Facebook
Chinmay Sharma says, “Many ppl have said that this is just a game but lets be reasonable it is actually a war on sports field. India and Pakistan are playing after 4 years. It doesn’t mean that ppl will kill each other but its a kind of satisfying frustration of an uneasy relationship like tom and jerry. So far but so close.”
Muhammad Hasan says, “Clash of rivals, but with manners and ethics. 
bats not guns, balls not artilary crackers.”
Raahil Faraaz says, “There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking forward to a great game of cricket that will be a victory for sport. It gives me great pleasure to invite all pakistani to visit Mohali and join us and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match.”
Zia Ullah Akhunzada says, “It ll be more than a cricket match.Pressure will be on both teams.A great chance for Pakistan to take the 1996 revenge.”
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S.A is out of WC Its almost all clear for India. I think there is 60% chance for India to win this 40% for Sri Lanka … Unfortunately, Pakistan team is very weak at the moment. Its very hard to win WC for a rank 6 team.
This will be a great match and it does not matter who wins but I hope the the biggest winner will be the love and peace between the two nation of one people.
1.2 billion people, 30 years of constant beating by Pakistan amd yet they want more…..:))..
Majrekar said, it will be a one sided game and Indina should win comfortably. Ian Botham, said it will be Pakistan. Ian Chappell’s is biased so he should drop dead :).
I think stats really don’t come into play when it is Pakistan/India because its about who can handle the pressur on that day and keep their nerves calm. Both sides have players who have played in tense situations against each other and both teams have match winners. Toss will matter due to dew factor. If shoaib plays which I think he whouls coz he is a wicket taker, it will be a good contest between Sehwag and Shoaib.
Good luck Pakistan, make us proud as Pakistan really needs this to bring back cricket in Pakistan. Allah tumhara hamiyo Nasir ho.
Both teams have the capacity to choke.
But the game will be better if both play at their best potential.
At that point, who cares about winners or losers?
India is ranked higher but they drew against England and lost to South Africa, so who knows what the stars foretell.
Good luck to both sides!!
I was supporting Pakistan during their last league match against Aussies from my living room. What a great win! Now I support India as being an Indian and hope my wish come true on March 30th. If not, I have one more game to support Pakistan on April 2nd. Good luck all with your wishes!!!
Looking forward to a very good match.Heard that our prime minister has invited Pakistan’s prime minister and president to watch the match with him at Mohali. The timing of the invitation couldn’t have been better.It would be nice if the Pakistan P.M and president reciprocated in affirmative.This could lead again to the normalcy of relations between the two countries.Speaking of the match i think the match would be really too close to predict and the better team on that day will win.It will definitely be a battle of nerves rather than battle of talents.whoever wins this match should go on to win the world cup, be it India or Pakistan.May the better team win and hope that no untoward incident damages the match and the relations between the two countries.
I am rooting for the boys in green, but I know that the boys in blue are a better team on paper & have the discipline to win this match. We can crash and burn and any time, too unpredictable! And I am hoping we are this time as well & out class our past performances to win over a better side!
Regardless of who you are rooting for, remember it only a GAME! We have many other real battles to fight everyday.
Enjoy the match everyone!
This will be contest between best betting (India) and best bowling (Pakistan) side of this World Cup
That’s why I think the winner in the end will be SriLanka, being a more balanced side. Probably the best balance in the tournament.
Even though I am Pakistani but I have to admit that India has a better team than us. Pakistan has always been unprdictable so who knows our batting might click that day. In any case, this game will be a lifetime moment for both nations.
The Pakistani fans who come to India are guaranteed a good time. In the best ancient Indian traditions, as guests they will always be treated well. Of course, after India wins they will also have the choicest of laddoos and mithais!
India will win! And to the Pakistanis who are making this into a religious thing, please do evolve.
Whoever wins, it will be a victory for cricket. I am just glad that both of us showed the Goras their place by defeating the Australians. Remember, we were we are and we will always be brothers.
may the best team win!
As indian i want india to win first,Then always i prayed for my brother Pakistan.who ever wins for sure my one country is going to play in final.
This is indeed the biggest match in ODI history. Let there be no doubt. As a Pakistani i ask my fellow brothers and sisters to remain dignified and honorable in either win or loss. InshAllah Khair… This is a good opportunity to show the world how much we love our country by being united under one flag no matter what happenes.
On a technical note, i think Razzaq should open the bowling with Gul. Umar Akmal will play a vital role in our batting line-up and if need be, Afridi may also perform with the Bat.
InshAllah Khair! Pakistan Zindabad!!!
The rivalry is so big that it can be compared to American sports rivalries like Yankees-Red Sox, Cowboys-Redskins, Celtics-Lakers. Good Luck to both.
Its beyond that buddy ..
Calm down guys, just a game of cricket, i could care less if India or Pak wins, not watching the game and wasting my precious time.
I am an Indian so obviously I would want my Motherland to win & I am sure India will win. However, whatever happens, Indians & Pakistanis should take the result positively. Let this game be the bridge of peace that is desperately required between India & Pakistan. Let this game bring peace in Pakistan which is going through tough times of late. Let cricket be the great healer & unifier for our nations.
Stress of game still so many days away is showing on Dawn! Formatting of this page has gone haywire
The best thing about this world cup is Australia got beaten not by one but 2 south asian teams…and ofcourse Pakistan will win on 30th! Final will be between Pakistan and South Africa…
South africa is already out and the next number is pakistan according to your own predictions
Enough with all this India Pakistan Tentions and Wars, The only war i want now is the war of cricket and i would love if it turned out to be a tie for once that would be awsome.
Pakistan All the Best and Please i Know its not just a Game but please respect each others players and give them an awsome welcome home as they have already proven themselves.
Now its our turn to prove what great fans we are of cricket and our countries.
Best of luck Indian fans for a nail biting finish to the final and world cup your place is in South Asia.
Welcome Home.
Inshallah !!! Pakistan will win the match…. But guys its only a Game take it as a game i salute our team what they have achive so far. But i would like to see Abdul razak on number 2 or 3 he would be explosive at number 3 or 4.
I am more concerned about Pakistani players safety in India. I believe this match should be played on a neutral ground, either in Dhaka or Colombo. India seems to have no control on shiv sinah thugs and their security measures are questionable due to their bias against Pakistan.
Its a Final before Final !!
By the looks of it, this would be a cracker of a match. But this would also be the end of the line for the Pakistan team. It does not enough talent and consistency to beat India.
Dear Friends,
Being from India I support my country. But let’s accept the fact that this is just a game and the best team win. Let’s show the world how cricket can unite us. If Pakistan goes to the final, I would support Pak to lift the cup.
Good luck India & Pak.
Let peace prevail.