'We should make Pakistan bleed in the semi-final'

The cricketing fraternity, including players who could not make it to the World Cup squad, on Sunday extended their best wishes to the Indian team ahead of their high-voltage semi-final clash against Pakistan on March 30.

Wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel, who was in the Indian squad for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, said he wished India beat Pakistan in the semi-final and Sachin Tendulkar hits his 100th ton too.

"The way India is playing I think they will win. I wish he (Sachin) will get his 100th hundred against Pakistan and we win. Winning is more important. And nothing like it if Sachin scores a ton," said wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel.

"India-Pakistan World Cup match is a big game. Both teams will try hard. The team that plays well on that day will win," he said on the sidelines of a promotional event.

Recalling the 2003 game against Pakistan at Centurion, he said, "It was eight years back, Team India was strong then and is strong now too. It was a fantastic atmosphere, and I expect it would be better in Mohali."

Hoping for India's win and Tendulkar's 100th ton, left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said that the World Cup was definitely within the reach of the team.

"It's a great opportunity. Everyone right from a child to an adult is waiting to see Sachin's 100th hundred, especially against Pakistan. I pray for that. We should make Pakistan bleed," Ojha said.

Right-arm fast bowler Praveen Kumar, who missed the World Cup bus due to injury and was replaced by S Sreesanth, said he will pray for the team's win.

"Hopefully, we will do well. Want to support the team. We will pray. I hope Sachin completes his 100th century in this match," the pacer said.

Another pacer Dhawal Kulkarni said the India-Pakistan match would be a thrilling game and hoped that the batting maestro complete his 100th ton in either the semi-final or in the final.