Pakistan take on India in the first of the five One-day Internationals (ODI) series today at the National Stadium, (NSK) which hosted the last one-dayer between the arch rivals on December 20, 1989.
While Pakistn won the first 40-over One-day International, played between Pakistan and India on Jan. 21, 1982, by eight wickets, the third won by India, led by Mohammad Azharuddin, by four wickets. The match was on Sept. 30, 1997. The victory by India was cheered by a capacity crowd of over 30,000 spectators.
But the second one-dayer between the two countries, which India could have won could not reach its logical end due to "stone-throwing" by the crowd.
In this match, Pakistan were struggling at 28 for three in 14.2 overs.
Both Pakistan and India have so far played 86 one-dayers at various international venues, but at the National Stadium, today's match will be the fourth one after 1997-98 when India came to play a three One-day International series.
A lot of hype has been created by print and electronic media on both sides of the borders and two peoples are optimistic about the positive outcome of the tour.
Besides, the tour is also being observed by the cricket world with great enthusiasm, as it will be more of thrills than the traditional cricket between the arch rivals.
The resumption of cricket ties between Pakistan and India are not only cricket, but it aimed at creating goodwill, amity and brotherhood between the two peoples, thus resolving the long standing disputes between the two nations.
Though Karachi and Peshawar have been awarded only one-dayers, people in both the cities, especially in Karachi, are all set to accord a befitting reception to the visitors, dispelling the negative propaganda about Karachi.
The local administration has also made elaborate arrangements not only to ensure security of players, but was also to guarantee a smooth and peaceful photo finish.
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