All of an unexpected the hotels are full. Restaurants have more Indian and Pakistani faces and Hindi is the language most clear in talks. It is as if the combination of the Indian subcontinent has dropped in Dubai for this marquee clash between Ind vs Pak in the T20 World Cup 2021.
Ticket costs have skyrocketed and even if you are ready to pay top dollar, tickets aren’t possible. It is assumed to be a real representation and everyone wants to be a part of it and make a comment. It is an indication of how ‘revenge sports tourism’ in a post covid connection is fast becoming the standard of the new normal and people who craved action are rushing out to spend and be a part of it. Companies are becoming RT-PCR Tests done for guests within hours, and all of an unexpected, Dubai is the go-to address for everyone.
Coming to the sport itself, India does go in with an interest. They have a better base and if they perform to their potential, they should be able to secure this one. But the fact is when has an India vs Pakistan game gone on logic? Everything about this brush is started on the amazing. No idea ever works. It is the strength of the contest that will define its result and whichever side effects hold nerve should win the day.
However bowling and especially fast bowling is India’s gap with Bhuvi not in much of form, Pakistan’s middle-order is absolutely not the biggest going into the game. Indeed, it could well be a match of the middle overs, and whichever team plays the most useful between overs 5-15 could eventually swing it their way.
As I tell you this with a couple of hours still to go for the match, I can see families getting waiting in the hotel lobby with paint and flags and a lot more stuff. Fan groups have come in especially for this event and the occasion will certainly help bring the World Cup alive. After a few damp squibs in the last 2-days, the tournament badly requires a recharge and there is no better time than Pakistan taking on India. Time for the moderators to call play.