A big contest between two archery rivals as India and Pakistan would play in their semi-final of World Cup tournament in Mohali, Chandigarh. There are no match tickets available now as they sold on ten times of their original prices. There are no hotel rooms vacant for the thousands flocking to Chandigarh from all over the world. The premiers of both India and Pakistan would be there to watch their sides in the mega nerve thrilling contest. The Mohali pitch is good as for as batting supportive and it would be more effective for pacers than slow bowlers. It has no much turn for spinners.
History suggests that skippers prefer to bat first and both MS Dhoni and Shahid Afridi will do well to follow convention. It is better to bat first because the wicket leans to lose pace as the match goes on. But if there is profound dew things could change. A 280-plus total would be really difficult to chase. Over the last five years, in the nine matches played at the ground the 300-run mark has been touched only twice. Incidentally, on the first occasion, Pakistan successfully chased India's 321 in a day-night game, with Younis Khan's 117 overwhelming Sachin Tendulkar's 99.
In the last five years, seven out of the nine matches have been won by the side batting first. Also, there were seven day-night matches with five won by the side batting first and only two by the chasing side. Of the 137 wickets taken in those nine matches, fast bowlers accounted for 105, while the spinners claimed just 29. Another key point in the build-up to the match has been the dew. According to the ground officials over the last few days there has been immense dew with the outfield being really wet till 10 pm. An essential factor for the dew to not spoil the evening would be the presence of the wind during the first half of the day. If it is windy during the day the dew will not be heavy, otherwise it will damage team strategies.
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