Pakistan is making a late surge to a semifinal spot in the Cricket World Cup after a stunning win over an unbeaten New Zealand side on Wednesday took the team to seven points from seven games.
The team's win against New Zealand continued a run of results that has so far mirrored the results of the Pakistan team led by Imran Khan in the 1992 World Cup. Pakistan went on to win the tournament that year, but for the Asian team to repeat that feat, it will need results in other matches to go in its favour.
One of the games that will be closely followed by Pakistan fans will be Sunday's marquee clash between India and England. Pakistan will need England to drop points in at least one of their remaining two matches so as to dislodge them from the top 4 of the points table.
So it was no surprise to see Pakistan fans unite with India when former England cricketer Nasser Hussain asked Pakistan fans who they will be supporting in the game between India and England.
Question to all Pakistan fans .. England vs INDIA .. Sunday .. who you supporting ?
— Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) June 26, 2019
Most Indians are supporting Pakistan today so that England goes out of the WorldCup.
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 26, 2019
In 1947, England divided India and Pakistan. Today they united them.#NZvPAK #PAKvNZ
You know the answer Nas
— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) June 26, 2019
Neighbors Support pic.twitter.com/QjwFT90Yp8
— Zunair Malik (@ZunairM54899844) June 26, 2019
Definitely backing India for two reasons
— Rana Shazib (@RmShazib) June 26, 2019
1- they’re neighbours
2- they’re passionate about cricket
Is that even a question? pic.twitter.com/CenAXF1A47
— zaki zaidi (@zakiistan) June 26, 2019
We are supporting India because we will beat them in Semi- Final or Final like the way we did in 2017 Champions Trophy.
— Haqeeqat TV (@Haqeeqat_TV) June 26, 2019
We want semi- final with india ..
— Tahir Rana (@iamtahirrana) June 26, 2019
Who you supporting, Nass?
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) June 26, 2019
From India with love..... pic.twitter.com/aAUIbnD3ZI
— Ninad Varadkar (@ninadvaradkar) June 27, 2019
The bonhomie between Indian and Pakistani fans was on show on Wednesday when Indian fans took to social media to express their support to Pakistan in its game against New Zealand.
Chalo since Pakistan will be supporting India against England, let's support Pakistan against New Zealand today. Hisaab barabar #PAKvNZ #NZvPAK
— Abhishek (@abhishaek) June 26, 2019
I am supporting Pakistan today just to see Pakistan against India once again in semi finals. #NZvPAK
— Parshant (@pk1nonly) June 26, 2019
A win for India in Sunday's game against England will open the door for Pakistan to make it to the knockouts and potentially set up another India-Pakistan match in the World Cup in either the semi-final or final.
Pakistan has blown hot and cold in this year's tournament with deflating losses against Australia and India sandwiched between impressive wins over England, South Africa and New Zealand. The team now has to beat Afghanistan and Bangladesh in its remaining matches and hope that either India or New Zealand helps their cause by beating England.