Cricket: India and Pakistan rivalry renewed under grey English skies

"BIGGEST RIVALRY"

Scores of Pakistani supporters wore the green team shirt and draped themselves in national flag, while their Indian counterparts wore turbans and colourful wigs as they filed in.

"It's India-Pakistan, it's the biggest rivalry in sports," India fan Jay Tailor, who came from Luton in southern England, told Reuters.

"As much as they may say it's just another game, the players are going to be nervous. With one billion people watching the game, of course there will be an element of nerves. It's not just another game."

Outside the stadium, Hussain was busy selling jerseys, scarves and hooters to fans from both teams.

"I've been here for just over an hour and have already exhausted my first lot," the 24-year-old Pakistani, who now lives in the English city of Birmingham, said with a smile.

"My hats are selling the most, because of the chance of rain."

Four matches in the rain-hit tournament has already been either abandoned or called off without a ball being bowled.

Fans have organised prayers in several Indian cities hoping the rain gods will spare the match.

Sarfaraz won the toss and elected to field.