''Bigger than the Ashes'' - that's how the India-Pakistan face-off is being described in non-Asian cricket circles. However, the much-anticipated clash between two cricketing giants of the sub-continent is, in reality, an even bigger event than the Australia-England confrontation - it's effectively a 'war' between the arch-rivals of the region.

Excitement, enthusiasm and expectation levels were catapulted sky-high in India with the Twenty20 tournament  victory only to be followed by great disappointment in the series against Australia, as the latter once again confirmed their superiority in the 50-50 version. It should be accepted that the Indian cricketers are far too lucky in having such patient and ever-forgiving fans.

One win against arch-rivals Pakistan is more than enough for them to worship them and give them their ‘demi-god’ status back. The same applies for the Pakistan team, too. For both sides, one victory against each other (however narrow it maybe) is enough to give their fans, and even the administrators and officials, an everlasting sense of satisfaction.

'It should be accepted that the Indian cricketers are far too lucky in having such patient and ever-forgiving fans.'

A convincing four-wicket victory in the Mohali ODI has restored faith in Pakistan, especially after their poor showing against South Africa. A commanding victory in the Gauhathi ODI has enabled Indian fans to forget the humiliation they underwent in the series against Australia. Though India and Pakistan are arch-rivals both in sport and elsewhere, cricket fans of both countries seem to have the same mentality or attitude towards the game.

But one interesting fact is that their rivalry has always brought out the best in both sides. You can always feel it when the teams are about to meet - expectations mounting, players and former players engaging in mind games and psychological ploys, adding more ‘pepper’ to the already hot and spicy dish, the electrifying atmosphere in the stadium, players of both sides seeming to enjoy.

Take the Gauhathi ODI, in which India outshone Pakistan to win by five wickets. Indian fans must have wondered: “Is this the same side that was steam-rollered by the Aussies?" At the end of the second ODI, both India and Pakistan, who failed miserably in their previous assignments, had discovered a new energy by playing against each other.