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Ahmedabad: Celebrations erupted across many parts of India as skipper Rohit Sharma-led Team India smashes Pakistan by 7 wickets in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. India opted to bowl first and barred Pakistan to just 191 in 42.5 overs with an impressive bowling display led by player-of-the-match Jasprit Bumrah. India used six bowlers and five of them took two wickets apiece.
India maintained their unblemished 50-over World Cup record against their arch-rivals by defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in a one-sided blockbuster at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. Chasing an easy target of 192 runs to win, India had a cautious start, but returning batsman Shubhman Gill (16) was out soon. When Virat Kohli (16) also got out after some time, there was silence in the Narendra Modi Stadium. Although there was no doubt about the victory, after Virat’s dismissal, captain Rohit Sharma (86) and Shreyas Iyer (53 not out) formalized the victory.
This was India’s record-extending 8th win over their arch-rivals at the mega event. India’s bowling attack contributed equally as the side bundled out Pakistan for 191 runs after skipper Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first. Babar Azam (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) looked promising but other Pakistan batters failed to impress. For India, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj scalped two wickets each. In reply, Rohit’s blazing 86-run knock and Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 53 guided India home.
India’s decision to field first was a departure from tradition, as it was the first time an Indian captain had taken such a decision against Pakistan in a World Cup. The choice appeared to be strategic given India’s powerful bowling lineup, which included Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja – all of whom took wickets to limit Pakistan’s score.
Despite the defeat, the Pakistan team fought bravely. Captain Babar Azam expressed his excitement to perform in front of the huge crowd and along with Mohammad Rizwan, led the scoring for the team. Their performance, though short of India’s victory, was commendable in itself.
The win further strengthens India’s impeccable 7-0 record against Pakistan in the World Cup, which is a testament to the team’s consistent performances and strategic gameplay. The long-standing rivalry between the two teams added to the intensity and excitement of the match, making it a spectacle for cricket fans around the world.
Jasprit Bumrah won the Player of the Match for taking two wickets for 19 and also topped the bowling chart in the tournament with eight wickets in three innings. A win boosted India to top of the points table with six points in three games while Pakistan remained in fourth place with four points.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
