India vs Pakistan: Highest ever attendance in T20 WC:
Overview:
The cricketing powerhouses from South East Asia, India and Pakistan, are set for another epic showdown in the 9th edition of the prestigious T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held at the newly constructed Nassau Cricket Stadium in New York. This will be India’s eighth match against their western neighbors in the coveted tournament. With a commanding 6-1 lead over Pakistan in previous encounters, Team India will be deemed the undisputed favorites heading into the match.
Indo-Pak matches stand as a testament to the unparalleled fervor and intensity that grips fans on both sides of the border. Over the years, these encounters have evolved into mega events that transcend the bounds of sports, becoming spectacular phenomena that captivate millions worldwide.
The last faceoff between these two teams at the proverbial Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw a staggering full house, a mind-boggling feat given the stadium’s whopping seating capacity of 132,000. The arch-rivals had locked horns for the group stage match of the prestigious ODI World Cup that was hosted by India last year.
However, do you have any estimate of the attendance at the most populous T20 World Cup encounter between these two teams?
Let’s delve deeper to find the answer to this question.
India vs Pakistan: Highest ever attendance in T20 WC:
The latest T20 World Cup showdown between these two Asian super giants boasted the highest in-house attendance ever recorded for an Indo-Pak match at the World T20 stage. Held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the match witnessed the attendance of a whopping 90,293 fans from across the globe.
Despite being the favorites for the better part of the match, The Men In Green failed to capitalize on their impressive start and eventually succumbed to pressure, losing out yet another crucial encounter, thereby strengthening India’s commanding lead over them.
Virat Kohli’s incredible knock of 82 runs off 53 deliveries and Ravi Ashwin’s nonchalance were instrumental in leading India to their sixth triumph over the Green Shirts at the World T20 stage.
Here is the link to a Virat Kohli’s media briefing after his stupendous knock at MCG:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7DLlYmKrio
MCG’s overwhelming feat is followed up by the 2016 encounter between the two arch-rivals that was held at the iconic Eden Gardens—often hailed as the ‘Mecca of Indian Cricket’. The match at Eden Gardens witnessed the attendance of over 61,000 fans who had come into cheer for their respective teams.
The thrilling encounter at Eden Gardens was a memorable spectacle, marking the only Indo-Pak clash hosted on home soil for either nation. The historic match drew significant dignitaries and featured the Indian national anthem, sung by the legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan.
Here is the link to a Cricwallah classic that delves deeper into the historic rivalry between the two South East Asian giants:
https://cricwallah.com/indo-pak-player-with-the-most-man-of-the-matches/
Pakistan’s dismal record against Team India in the ICC tournaments stems from their inability to handle pressure. The burden of historical losses breathing down their neck have often caused the team to succumb to pressure. This historical baggage significantly impacts their performance, making it a pivotal factor in their matches against India.
The adeptness of the Indian players at handling pressure situations, has served as the key contributor in the team’s jubilant run against the Green Shirts. There have been quite a few occasions, where the Men In Blue have successfully turned the course of the match away from Pakistan, despite the latter being the favorites for better part of the match.
Their stupendous ability to uphold a calm composure and nonchalant body language has been instrumental in leading India to their triumphant streak against their western neighbors in ICC tournaments.