ANS: In a high-octane clash at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, India showcased their dominance by securing a resounding 7-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target of 192, India demonstrated their batting prowess by reaching the required total in just 30.3 overs while losing only 3 wickets along the way. Leading the charge were Skipper Rohit Sharma, who contributed an impressive 86 runs, and Shreyas Iyer, who played a crucial innings with 53 runs.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s innings faltered from the outset as they were bowled out for a mere 191 runs in 42.5 overs. Captain Babar Azam displayed resilience with 50 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan made a valiant effort with 49 runs.
The Indian bowlers were the architects of Pakistan’s downfall, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja each claiming two wickets.
Notably, India’s bowlers produced an exceptional performance during this highly-anticipated group-stage match of the World Cup, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 191 runs.
Despite a promising start that saw Pakistan reach 155 for the loss of just two wickets, the Pakistani batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by the Indian bowlers after initial resistance.
Openers Abdullah Shafique (20) and Imam-ul-Haq (36) provided Pakistan with a solid foundation with a 41-run partnership before Mohammed Siraj struck, dismissing Shafique leg-before-wicket. Shortly thereafter, Hardik Pandya sent Haq back to the pavilion, causing Pakistan to suffer early setbacks.
Nevertheless, Captain Babar Azam (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) fought valiantly to stabilize Pakistan’s innings and appeared to be steering their team towards a competitive total. However, Mohammed Siraj once again rose to the occasion, delivering a crucial breakthrough by dismissing the Pakistani skipper.
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, contributed by claiming Rizwan’s wicket as Pakistan struggled at 162 for the loss of 4 wickets.
From that point onward, the Indian bowlers refused to relent, leaving Pakistan with no room for a comeback. The visitors were ultimately bowled out for a total of 191 runs.
In a historic context, this victory extends India’s unblemished record against Pakistan in 50-over World Cup matches, further cementing their cricketing supremacy.