Home
India have started their third match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 against arch-rivals Pakistan in a positive manner, with the pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Hardik Pandya striking within the first 15 overs of their mega clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14.
Siraj bagged the first wicket to send in-form opener Abdullah Shafique back to the pavilion in the eighth over before Pandya entered the action to get the wicket of the other opener Imam-Ul-Haq in the 13th over. While Shafique's wicket was a straightforward LBW, Imam edged the ball into the hands of wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
The celebrations were fiery, as replays showed India's vice-captain Pandya having a 'private word' with the ball before he bowled to Imam. Whatever the bowling all-rounder did clearly worked as the ball swung away from the Pakistan opener, who edged it behind for the wicketkeeper to take a brilliant catch.
After taking the batter's wicket, Pandya was visibly pleased with the wicket as he celebrated the moment by shouting and running to his teammates in glee. It was his fourth wicket of the tournament, and the match was opened up after the set batter, who had scored 36 runs in 38 balls, was sent back to the pavilion.
Earlier, Siraj struck early to break the partnership. The pacer kept the ball very low, as it struck him square on the pad, halfway up the shin. The option of a review was available to Shafique, but it was of no use as the wicket was a clear one.
At the toss, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma chose to bowl against Pakistan. India introduced a change in their lineup, bringing in Shubman Gill in place of Ishan Kishan. Meanwhile, Pakistan retained their team from the last game. Both sides entered this contest following impressive displays in their initial World Cup 2023 games.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Major injury scare for Bangladesh, Shakib-Al-Hasan goes for scans after jolt against New Zealand
Just made holding the bat a little tough: Williamson reveals the extent of his injury after retiring out in comeback game
