[Watch] Team Pakistan Reach Ahmedabad, So Also Indian Opener Shubman Gill Ahead Of WC Clash

Ahmedabad: The Pakistan cricket team touched base in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, ahead of its marquee ODI World Cup fixture against India on Saturday at Narendra Modi Stadium, on Wednesday afternoon and were welcomed with a shower of flower petals, the sound of dhols, a traditional scarf and traditional dance performance at their hotel.

They flew to the city from Hyderabad, where they were stationed for two weeks. The team will practise at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday evening.

Pakistan has emerged as a serious contender, having knocked down a target of 345 against Sri Lanka with 10 balls to spare to shatter the record of the highest successful World Cup chase on Tuesday.

Indian opener Shubman Gill, who is recovering from dengue, also took a flight to Ahmedabad after spending a night at Kaurvery Hospital in Chennai even as Indian team was playing against Afghanistan on Wednesday. Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) officials told Cricbuzz that the doctors from the hospital certified that Gill is good enough to take flight. He could not fly to Delhi with his teammates earlier as his platelet count was low.

Visuals of Shubman Gill exiting Ahmedabad airport has gone viral on social media. However, it is still not clear if the 24-year-old opener will be able to play in the crunch clash. The Indian opener, who was the highest-run getter in the Asia Cup 2023 campaign, has been a big miss for India in the first two matches of the World Cup.

The Indian team will reach Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a pair of special trains is being run from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad to help cricket fans from Mumbai to attend the India-Pakistan match. Booking for the two trains will open on Thursday.

Train No 09013 Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Superfast Special Train will depart from Mumbai Central at 21.30 hrs on October 13 and reach Ahmedabad at 05.30 hrs, the next day.

Train No. 09014 Ahmedabad – Mumbai Central Superfast Special Train will depart from Ahmedabad at 04.00 hrs on October 15, 2023 and arrive at Mumbai Central at 12.10 hrs, on the same day.

These special trains comprise AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, sleeper class and general second class coaches and will halt at Dadar, Borivali, Palghar, Vapi, Valsad, Navsari, Surat and Vadodara stations in both directions. A “special fare” will be charged for these trains, the Railways said in a release.