India’s remarkable performance in the 2023 World Cup continued with a resounding victory against Pakistan. The stadium of Ahmedabad was jam-packed to capacity, with over 100,000 fans in attendance. Although the match was anticipated as a competitive showdown, it ultimately unfolded as a bit of an anticlimax, a common occurrence in encounters between these two teams.
However, the crowd was treated to another exceptional display of bowling prowess from India, led by the consistently brilliant Jasprit Bumrah. Following this outstanding bowling performance, Rohit Sharma showcased his batting finesse with yet another stellar innings, building on his previous impressive display against Afghanistan. India’s formidable combination of batting depth, high-quality bowling, and impeccable fielding make them a formidable force in these conditions, making them a daunting challenge for any opponent.
Here’s what captain Rohit Sharma said post match – The bowlers were the ones today as well who set the game up for us. I don’t think it was a 190 pitch. At one stage we were looking at 280. The way they showed grit says a lot. That is something we pride ourselves in. Whoever gets the ball does the job. We’ve got 6 individuals who can do the job with the ball.
My job as a captain is important there as well. It’s to read the conditions and figure out who’s the right guy to do the job. It’s only because the guys – before entering the WC – they got a lot of runs. We were very clear what we wanted to do. Didn’t want to be in two minds about who’s going to bat where. All in all, it’s looking good. Want to keep my fingers crossed.
Don’t want to get too excited. Don’t want to get too low as well. Want to stay balanced. Keep calm and keep moving forward. Every opposition we come up against are all quality. You have to play well on that particular day, and that’s what we’re looking at.
Once again, Pakistan found themselves struggling against India, as has often been the case in such encounters. This wraps up our coverage from here. The prevalence of one-sided contests in this tournament appears to be a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
Here’s what Pakistan’s captain had to say after the loss
Babar Azam | Pakistan captain: We started well. Good partnership between me and Imam. We wanted to play normal cricket (me and Rizwan). Suddenly we had a collapse and didn’t finish well. The way we started, wanted to target 280-290. With the new ball we are not upto the mark. The way Rohit is playing – he played an outstanding innings.
Key Highlights From IND vs PAK Clash
Pakistan’s terrible turn from 155/2 to 191/10
In a stunning turn of events, Pakistan faced a dramatic batting collapse against their arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad, managing to score only 191 runs on Saturday (October 14). Initially, Pakistan seemed to be in command of the high-stakes encounter, reaching 155/2. However, their fortunes took a sharp downturn, losing their final eight wickets in a mere 36-run stretch.
Rohit Sharma’s commanding leadership performance
In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Rohit Sharma cleared the boundary ropes four times within a span of three overs, leaving the packed stadium roaring with excitement. This exhilarating performance was briefly interrupted by the dismissal of Virat Kohli, offering Pakistan a moment of relief. However, by the close of the powerplay, India had already amassed an impressive 79 runs, firmly setting the stage for a substantial victory. Rohit not only secured yet another half-century but also sent Haris Rauf’s delivery soaring for his fifth maximum of the innings. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer chose a steadier approach to find his rhythm. Rohit’s sensational assault eventually concluded with a mistimed shot off Shaheen’s slower delivery.
Shreyas Iyer chases finals runs with half ton
Following captain Rohit’s formidable start, Shreyas Iyer took charge and asserted his dominance, effectively wresting control of the game from Pakistan. Iyer not only secured the final runs needed but also concluded the match in a stylish manner, achieving four runs and reaching a well-deserved half-century.
Man of the Match Jasprit Bumrah’s Comment post game
Both Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma put up outstanding performances today, making them both deserving contenders for the man of the match award. Ultimately, Bumrah received the honor, and let’s delve into his exceptional display against Pakistan. Bumrah’s contribution included a remarkable maiden over among his 7 overs bowled. Demonstrating his pivotal role in the team, he secured two crucial wickets, one being Rizwan when he was on the verge of a half-century, and the other being Shadab Khan.
“It felt good. Usually you try to analyse the wicket as soon as possible. We realised the wicket is on the slower side so we wanted to bowl hard lengths. We were trying to make it as difficult as possible. (On how he reads pitches quickly and understands what lengths work) Just being aware I guess. I used to ask a lot of questions when I was young and that helps me now. Now I’m experienced. In my younger days they (seniors) were used to being troubled by me sometimes (with questions), but it helps to read the wicket and try different options. (On the slower ball to get rid of Rizwan) We were bowling in the middle overs and I saw Jaddu’s ball was turning, not too much but a little bit. I count my slower ball as a spinner’s slower ball, one of those days where it came off. (On the ball that got Shadab) Little phase where there was reverse swing, one of the occasions when the white ball was reverse swinging,” Bumrah said.