LIVE: India vs Pakistan – ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match build-up

When it comes to India-Pakistan games, everything else takes a backseat.

For instance, Shumaila Zahid, a housewife from Lahore, will make sure she has no distractions or worries once the game starts.

“I get all my house chores done before the match and then we sit together as a family with snacks to enjoy the game,” she tells Al Jazeera.

“I love to watch the game with my children.”

They are crazy about cricket – they comment on the game and share all [social media] memes with me,” Zahid adds with a chuckle before turning to more serious matters.

“There are not many expectations from the Pakistan team [after their loss against USA], but a lot of prayers.

“I think 60 to 70 percent of the times, it is our prayers that win us the matches and not the team’s performance.”

Zahid is hopeful that Pakistan will win despite their poor start and expects Naseem Shah to shine.

“I especially pray for Naseem.”