The Official Newspaper of Ascend International School
India-Pakistan Match
Stakes high, tensions even higher, and the atmosphere nothing less than electrifying, the India vs. Pakistan match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World cup was quite the watch. On the 14th of October, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, fans from both sides had dressed up in their respective battle colors to express their strong support and love, from donning turbans to face paint. The creative rivalry was blinding while the patriotic shrieks of excitement were absolutely deafening to even those miles away from the stadium. With practically the entire population of both sides gathered at home in watch parties or crowded pubs, the streets became so devoid of any traffic it seemed like even the cows understood the significance of the occasion. The emotions felt in those few hours moved around like a pendulum, swinging from states of elation to despair and back every other second. “I’ve painted my face, my neighbor’s face, and my pet goat’s face in the Indian tricolor. We mean business today!” cheered Raj, an optimistic Indian cricket follower before the match began.
The sun soon dipped behind the colossal stadium and the toss became the first momentous event of the evening. Ripples of anxiety and shocks of eagerness all turn into a chorus of cheers from Indian fans and groans from Pakistani supporters as India wins the toss and chooses to bat first. The stage set and the audience keeping their eyes wide open, players position themselves around the field and the match begins. The opening overs were nothing short of adrenaline highs. Shaheen Afridi bowling at speeds enough to break the sound barrier instilled quite the fear and challenge in Indian openers. Defeat after defeat, punch after punch, the fight was relentless for not only those playing but those watching too. Hearts practically bumping out of their chests, fans observed as Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul settled the swinging deliveries. Seeming like all hope is lost, Indian fans felt submerged by roars of “Pakistan Zindabad” echoing through the stadium until a silver lining revealed itself. Rohit Sharma, focused and determined, unleashed a breathtaking cover drive that pierced the field, the crowds went wild.
The match was nowhere near over and neither was Pakistans’ will to fight back. Shadab Khan, the spin wizard, flummoxed Virat Kohli with a confusing and cunning googly. But much to everyones’ surprise, Pakistan had many more tricks up its sleeve. Another sensational moment on the field was the leap of faith taken by Babar Azam. Everyone on the rim of their seats as Suryakumar Yadav bats a lofted shot off Hasan Ali’s impeccable bowl leading the ball straight to the boundary. Just as it seemed like that was the ball's destiny, Babar Azam flies in like a majestic eagle and catches it with one hand. “Babar Azam’s gravity-defying catch left the entire stadium gasping for breath” cried the commentator. No matter what background, everyone’s hearts skipped a beat for the sheer brilliance of the moment. Fans from both sides applauded and celebrated, finding solace in either the stranger standing beside them in the stadium, or in street food stalls as they break bread, or rather, samosas.
It goes without saying that an India-Pakistan match is not just a game; it’s an emotion, a saga, a celebration through shared interests. No matter who wins or who loses, moments like this are what makes cricket a performance for the masses, keeping all the politics off the field and viewing all as one while playing. And so, until the next grand act, let’s raise a glass of chai and toast to the spirit of cricket, the value of togetherness, and the two nations that share more than just borders.
-Chhavi Gahlaut