Bollywood star and the better half of India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday morning. Her presence has added to the already palpable excitement as India gears up for their high-voltage IND vs PAK World Cup showdown against the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
Also Read: IND vs PAK: ODI World Cups Records of India and Pakistan
Pakistan’s cricketing history against India in the World Cup has been fraught with disappointment. In their seven encounters since 1992, they are yet to claim victory. The Babar Azam-led side is set to face a daunting challenge, with a record-breaking crowd of over one lakh expected to rally behind the home team.
Anushka Sharma arrives in Ahmedabad ahead of the India Vs Pakistan match.pic.twitter.com/ziuzJacvu7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 14, 2023
Despite India trailing in their overall ODI head-to-head record against Pakistan with 56 wins and 73 losses, recent history tells a different story. The Men in Blue entered the World Cup as the top-ranked ODI team and have lived up to their favourites’ tag.
India kicked off their World Cup 2023 campaign with a convincing 6-wicket victory over 5-time champions Australia. The icing on the cake was a resounding eight-wicket win against Afghanistan, highlighted by skipper Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking seventh World Cup century.
Pakistan, too, has been in dominant form, notching up impressive victories in their first two matches. They started their campaign with a victory over the Netherlands, setting a strong tone. Subsequently, they delivered an eye-catching performance against Sri Lanka, chasing down a formidable target of 345 runs with style and grace.
As Anushka Sharma graces the stands in Ahmedabad to support her husband and the Indian cricket team, her presence adds an extra layer of glamour and excitement to an already highly anticipated clash. The World Cup match between India and Pakistan is more than just a cricket game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of enduring rivalries, and a celebration of the sport.
Sachin Tendulkar with Dinesh Karthik and Anushka Sharma in the flight to Ahmedabad.#viratkohli #anushkasharma pic.twitter.com/j8O3whTADn
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) October 14, 2023
The match, with its historical significance, presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement on the world stage. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to break free from the chains of World Cup losses against their arch-rivals. The weight of expectations rests heavily on Babar Azam’s young shoulders, as he aims to lead his team to an unprecedented victory.
Meanwhile, India will be keen to extend their unblemished record against Pakistan in World Cup encounters. With a strong team and the form they’ve shown in their initial matches, they’re poised to do just that. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and the sublime form of their star players like Virat Kohli make them a formidable unit, capable of going all the way.