A tense battle unfolds as India manages only 119 runs against Pakistan in a T20 World Cup group stage clash. Can India’s bowlers defend the low total? Find out!
The highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the T20 World Cup group stage today lived up to its billing, with Pakistan’s potent pace attack restricting India to a below-par total of 119 runs.
Opting to bat first, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli started cautiously, building a steady foundation in the powerplay. However, the rain gods intervened, causing a brief delay. Upon resumption, Kohli’s struggles continued as he fell cheaply for just 4 runs, courtesy of a fiery delivery from young paceman Naseem Shah.
Skipper Rohit Sharma also departed soon after, dismissed by the experienced Shaheen Afridi for an unlucky 13. The onus then fell on the middle order to salvage the innings. A crucial partnership between Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel provided some much-needed momentum. While Axar Patel departed for 20 runs, Pant took the attack to the bowlers, showcasing some impressive strokeplay.
With the score at a precarious 96/7, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with cameos of 7 and 9 runs respectively, pushing the total towards a slightly more respectable figure. Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with a fighting knock, guiding his team to a modest 119 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Pakistan’s pace attack was the star of the show, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf leading the charge. Both youngsters bagged three wickets each, while the ever-reliable Mohammad Amir chipped in with two scalps. India will now need a herculean effort from their bowlers to defend this total against a hungry Pakistan batting line-up.
