NEW DELHI, Nov 23: The hype created by Pakistan-India cricket rivalry has certainly overshadowed the legend of Ashes, with fans from Australia and England flowing in to witness the arch-rivals in action.

Dressed in ‘Batman’ and ‘Superman’ attires, two friends – Wayne and Matt – flew all the way from Tokyo, where they are presently based, to watch the ongoing Test between India and Pakistan in New Delhi.

“We live in Tokyo and have especially come here to watch the India-Pakistan encounter, which is now considered equivalent to the Ashes,” said Wayne, an Englishman from London. “We both love watching cricket very much,” quickly asserted the Aussie, Matt.

Interestingly, their comments again reignited the debate fuelled by Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson before the start of the ongoing series, when he described the high-voltage Indo-Pak clash as ‘bigger than the Ashes’.

Asked who they were rooting for in the sub-continent giants’ war, both of them replied: “Undoubtedly India will win. Apart from the entire nation, they got the backing of two superheroes in us.”

They are also big fans of Sachin Tendulkar when they said they are specially waiting to see Sachin in action. “We both are looking forward to watch Sachin’s batting.”

However, in the 22nd over of India’s first innings, Pakistan shed water on their hopes, along with thousands of spectators present at the ground on Friday, when Sachin was caught napping on one by Mohammad Yousuf, while trying for an almost impossible second run.—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Reserved seats
Updated 15 May, 2024

Reserved seats

The ECP's decisions and actions clearly need to be reviewed in light of the country’s laws.
Secretive state
15 May, 2024

Secretive state

THERE is a fresh push by the state to stamp out all criticism by using the alibi of protecting national interests....
Plague of rape
15 May, 2024

Plague of rape

FLAWED narratives about women — from being weak and vulnerable to provocative and culpable — have led to...
Privatisation divide
Updated 14 May, 2024

Privatisation divide

How this disagreement within the government will sit with the IMF is anybody’s guess.
AJK protests
14 May, 2024

AJK protests

SINCE last week, Azad Jammu & Kashmir has been roiled by protests, fuelled principally by a disconnect between...
Guns and guards
14 May, 2024

Guns and guards

THERE are some flawed aspects to our society that we must start to fix at the grassroots level. One of these is the...