IND vs PAK Review: Rohit’s masterclass leads India to 8-0 in World Cup vs Pakistan

India and Pakistan played the 12th match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. Indian captain, Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to field first on a pitch that seemed to slow down as the match progressed.

Pakistan had a decent start as their openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique had a good 41-run partnership for the first wicket. But it was the pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan who took the onus of their innings to make a competitive total on the board. Both batters had their share of nervy moments but managed to regain control. Babar played some exquisite strokes, while Rizwan started off cautiously.

Rizwan, batting on 14 off 23 deliveries, gained momentum against the spinners and hit boundaries against Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite India’s efforts, they were unable to break the partnership. At one point, Pakistan appeared to be in a strong position at 150/2 after 29 overs. However, Babar’s dismissal changed the game and triggered a collapse, with the Indian bowlers wreaking havoc and bowling Pakistan out for just 192 runs in the end.

Chasing the target, India lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early, but as usual, Indian captain, Rohit looked in song and kept smashing the Pakistani bowlers all around the park at will. He scored a brilliant 86 off 63 balls. Shreyas Iyer also played a good knock of 53 not out, and in the end, India won the match quite comfortably by seven wickets.

Top Performers of the Match

Rohit Sharma (86 of 63)

Indian captain continued his rich form in the World Cup, and from the very first ball, he looked in great control and kept smashing the Pakistani bowlers at will. He missed his well-deserved century by just 14 runs, but before that, he made sure that India were in a great position to win the match. He smashed six fours and six sixes as well in his innings.

Jasprit Bumrah (2/19, 7 overs)

Star Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah once again showcased why the world cricket rates him so high. He bowled an exceptional spell and didn’t really allow the Pakistani batters to do anything. He looked almost unplayable in his spell as he took two wickets for just giving 19 runs in his seven overs quota and became the best bowler of the match.

What next?

Going ahead, India will play against Bangladesh on October 19. While Pakistan will take on five-time champions Australia on October 20