During the high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, an aircraft carrying the message 'Release Imran Khan' was seen hovering over Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran has been in prison since August 2023. Pakistan's ODI World Cup-winning captain Imran has been convicted in four difference cases. Two of his sentences have been suspended.
This is not the first time an aircraft has been used to carry political messages in prominent cricket matches and in other sports as well. During the 2019 ODI World Cup in England, the semifinal match between Australia and England saw a plane carrying the message 'World must speak up for Balochistan'.
India lose openers early
Earlier, rain delayed the coin toss. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first in overcast conditions. Babar made one change in the side by bringing in fit-again Imad Wasim for an out-of-form Azam Khan.
The rain returned after Shaheen Afridi bowled the first over. After the rain interruption, Virat Kohli was dismissed by Naseem Shah for a single-digit score. Skipper Rohit could not play a big knock either and lost his wicket to Afridi in the third over.
Pant rides on his luck, India suffer collapse
Axar Patel got a promotion up the order. Pant got lucky thrice as his catches were dropped. Patel after a good start got bowled by Naseem for 18-ball 20. Suryakumar Yadav failed to make a mark and departed after scoring just seven runs. Shivam Dube struggled too and managed to score just three runs from nine balls. Dube got caught and bowled by Shah.
In the 15th over, Amir struck twice to dismiss Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 42 runs from 31 balls including six fours. On the next ball, Jadeja handed an easy catch to Wasim. Hardik Pandya departed after scoring seven runs from 12 balls. Arshdeep made useful contribution with a 13-ball 9 before getting run out. Mohammed Siraj remained unbeaten for run-a-ball seven as India were bowled out for 119 in 19 overs.
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