WC-PAK-PRAYERS 2 LAST

Authorities across Pakistan have made special
arrangements for Wednesday's high-voltage game to be beamed on
large screens put up at parks and stadiums.
In Lahore, thousands of fans are expected to watch
the game on big screens at Gaddafi Stadium.
Large screens have also been erected at the sprawling
Fatima Jinnah Park and the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad.
Fans will also be able to watch the game on giant
screens in Karachi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta
and Mirpur.
Entry to most of these venues will be free though
strict arrangements have been put in place for security,
officials said.
Amidst all the hype, experts and former players
spoke of the need to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the
players.
Former Test cricketer Sikandar Bakht said Wednesday's
match is just a game and not war between Pakistan and India.
"We should keep our team's morale high and creating
hype could have a negative impact on our players’
performance," he said.
Former skipper Wasim Akram said both teams have
played each other four times in past World Cups and India has
emerged victorious each time.
"Pakistan is playing good cricket but the Indian
players are definitely strong on paper. They are also an
experienced side," he said.
"Pakistan have an edge in the bowling department,
they have better variety. An India-Pakistan match is always a
nerve-wracking. The semi-final will certainly be a close game
and cricket lovers will enjoy it," Akram said.
Sweet shops in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have
received a flurry of orders due to plans by people to
distribute sweets on streets and markets if the Pakistani side
wins.
Chaudhry Imtiaz, the owner of Fresco Sweet, said,
"Tons of sweets can be prepared at short notice in case the
Pakistan team wins the match."