CWC 2019 Flashback: Rohit, Virat decimate arch rivals Pakistan
The Old Trafford Cricket Stadium in Manchester, England turned blue on 16th June 2019 as India faced Pakistan in the World Cup clash. A billion eyes were transfixed on the television as the game swayed from one side to another. In the end, the mighty Indians continued their dominating legacy in these high-octane encounters, thanks to a heroic knock from Rohit Sharma. Let’s revisit the heroics that enabled India to continue their victorious march.
The streak
Before this match, these two subcontinental giants had met six times in the quadrennial event. India had dominated Pakistan in every game and emerged clear winners. The streak of 6-0 started in the 1992 World Cup and has remained intact till date. On 16th June 2019, another chapter was added to the rivalry as India stormed ahead to a 7-0 reign. The Indian total of 336 runs proved to be too much for the Pakistani batting lineup as they fell short by 89 runs.
Rohit’s record-breaking knock
The opener continued his sterling form in the tournament by scoring his second century of the 2019 World Cup. Rohit added 140 runs in 113 balls with 14 fours and three sixes. The right-hander became the first Indian to score back-to-back centuries against Pakistan in ODI cricket. Rohit’s hundred was also his 5th consecutive fifty-plus score in ODI cricket.
Rohit and Rahul at the top
With Shikhar Dhawan out due to a thumb injury, KL Rahul took his place and opened with Rohit for the first time. The duo added 136 runs for the first wicket. It was India’s first 100-plus opening stand in India-Pakistan World Cup matches. The previous record was held by Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Sidhu who had added 91 in the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal.
Mount 11K for Virat
The Indian captain continued his record-breaking spree in ODI cricket. His walk of a non-edge was much criticised but he scored 77 off 65 balls before that. During this innings, Virat became the ninth batsman in ODI cricket to join the 11,000-run club. As expected, he was also the fastest to reach the milestone. He took 222 innings for crossing 11K runs which are 54 less the previous fastest, Sachin Tendulkar – 276.
India’s new high against Pakistan
India’s final score of 336/5 in 50 overs was the highest total by any team against Pakistan in the World Cup. They went past England’s score 334/9 which was recorded earlier in this event. India’s previous best was 300/7 which took place in Adelaide in the 2015 World Cup.
