Heavy rain in Mohali before India Pakistan Semi Final

Mohali weather can play a spoil sport in the most crucial match of the ICC World Cup 2011 where India is all set to take on arch rivals Pakistan in the semi final. Heavy rains and thunderstorm welcomes both the teams at Mohali on the evening before the match is scheduled. The Meteorological Department has forecasted some rain in the evening today during the match.

If the rain washes out the day then the remaining match will be played tomorrow which is the reserve day, if the reserved day is also washed out then Pakistan will make it to the final based on their standings in the league stage matches.

Despite of the weather conditions, the skippers of the both the teams look composed and reasy for the battle of all battles. With the prime ministers of both countries set to be in attendance for the match at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday, suddenly cricket is being roped in with diplomacy and politics. India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, however, opted to stay out of such talk, choosing to focus on cricket.

“ We are not getting involved (in the hype) as we are expected to play good cricket.” Dhoni said. For the skipper, the best way to prepare for such games was to take it as another game, which is easier said than done.

“ We know it’s a big tournament but its better to take it one game at a time. We are playing the semi- finals but the important thing is how you prepare, irrespective of what stage it is. I think you need to prepare in the same way and that is what we have been doing,” Dhoni said.

Dhoni said that he was wary of the Pakistan bowling, especially skipper Shahid Afridi, who is the leading wicket- taker in the tournament.

Paistan skipper Shahid Afridi admits that almost no one expected his team to be playing a semi-final and such lack of expectations was a blessing in disguise for his side. “We weren’t the favourites coming into the tournament but we have played above expectations. That’s why we are enjoying our game and have no pressure on us,” Afridi said.

He was pleased that his team had done so well in this tournament, especially after the fixing saga of last year.

“The guys are doing a great job, especially considering the tough time we have had in the last six to eight months.” Afridi said that due to the international glare on the match, it was imperative to perform well and also add to the reconciliation process between the countries.

“ It’s a great sign for both the countries (that the prime ministers would be present). Cricket always brings these two countries together.” Afridi also Afridi said he never declared that he would stop Sachin Tendulkar from scoring his 100th century.