India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in their ODI World Cup encounter at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14.
Batting first Pakistan posted a total of 191 on the board. In reply Indian batters easily chased down the lowly total with 19.3 overs to spare.
After Imam ul Haq's dismissal in the 13th over, Mohammad Rizwan walked down in the middle to steady Pakistan's boat. But Mohammad Rizwan's time taking antics left Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli frustrated as the Pakistani batter took his own time to assume the batting position.
Rizwan delayed in marking his guard and taking his strike, causing irritation among the Indian fielders and bowler Hardik Pandya. Rohit Sharma approached the on-field umpire to address the issue, while Virat Kohli chose a different approach by gesturing toward an imaginary watch on his wrist at Mohammad Rizwan.
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The match marked Pakistan's second-lowest score in an ODI World Cup match against India, with their previous low being 180 runs in their 1999 meeting. Kuldeep's caused the dismissals of Saud Shakeel (6 runs) and Iftikhar Ahmed (4 runs), to return with a bowling figure of 2/35, hastened Pakistan's descent.
Despite initial questions surrounding Indian captain Rohit Sharma's decision to bowl first, the strategy proved effective as India successfully maintained control over the game. The breakthrough moment came when India managed to dismantle Pakistan's defense, particularly a robust 72-run partnership between Babar Azam (50 off 58 balls) and Mohammed Rizwan (49 off 69 balls). The crucial wicket of Azam, taken by Siraj (2/50), shifted the momentum in India's favor. A well-executed slow off-cutter by Bumrah (2/19 in 7 overs) sneaked through Rizwan's bat and pad, marking the conclusion of Pakistan's resistance.
In reply, Rohit Sharma's yet again blistering knock of 86 off 63 balls made sure India win the match without breaking a sweat. With this win India became the ODI World Cup 2023's table toppers with three consecutive victories.
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