The National Highway which links Motera, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, with the main centre of the city is generally light when it comes to traffic in the evening.
It takes a short detour and into a nondescript driveway, which runs parallel to the highway, to reach the stadium. Making through the dust tormented half-a-kilometre to the Narendra Modi Stadium’s entrance did take a while on Thursday, countering several hurdles on the way, ranging from queries from policemen to fervent inquiries for tickets.
Two days ahead of the World Cup’s much-awaited showdown between India and Pakistan on Saturday, the city’s hub of activity has shifted from the centrally located Navarangpura to Motera. While most dedicated Indian fans will try not to miss what is being dubbed as a “lifetime opportunity”, visa restrictions have thrown a spanner in the works as far as the fans’ arrival from the other side of the border is concerned.
Only 10 of the 60 journalists who applied for visas received calls from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on Wednesday to deposit their passports. The formalities are expected to be completed by Friday morning and only then can the journalists make it to Ahmedabad for the big-ticket clash.
Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf reached Ahmedabad on Thursday evening. There was, however, no such luck for their fans.
The Gujarat Cricket Association has made special arrangements for journalists from Pakistan considering the scarcity of accommodation.
The Indian players arrived here from New Delhi in the afternoon and decided to take a day off. Shubman Gill, who has recovered from dengue, was the lone Indian at nets.
The opener had a gruelling session in the afternoon though there’s no guarantee he will play. Besides batting against some net bowlers, he also took throw-downs from Nuwan Seneviratne, the left-armer who is a part of the Team India support staff.
A final decision is expected only after the team management assesses his fitness on the eve of the match.
The Pakistanis, who checked in on Wednesday, practised under lights. Mohammad Rizwan, who made their world record chase possible against Sri Lanka, faced up to a barrage of short deliveries in anticipation of such a ploy from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
There’s no word on whether the Indians will go in with three spinners or play Mohammed Shami alongside Bumrah. Siraj was expensive against Afghanistan and the wicket could dictate India’s gameplan.
The Pakistanis are brimming with confidence but can they record their first win against India in the 50-over World Cup?
