The much-awaited game between rivals India and Pakistan finally had a result on the reserve day, as Rohit Sharma‘s side decimated Pakistan by 228 runs – their biggest win against Pakistan, in an all-round performance from team India. The Indian top-order finally delivered what was expected of them, as all four batsmen scored fifty-plus scores, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scoring hundreds. In reply, Kuldeep Yadav’s superb spell through the Pakistan batsman off as they were bowled out for just 128 runs. Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy too was quite attacking.
India checked all the boxes in the game against Pakistan, albeit having to go off the field due to rain when they were in a commanding position after a fiery start from the openers. KL Rahul replaced Shreyas Iyer from the previous game, as he was sidelined due to back spasms, and he made the best of his chance by scoring a convincing hundred. India’s bowlers bowled decent lengths and kept the Pakistan batsman in check.
Team India got off to a sublime start as both their openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, after a shaky start, got to their fifties battering both Spinners and Pacers alike. They stitched an opening partnership of 121 in just 16.4 overs. Rohit Sharma was dismissed my Shadab Khan with Shubman Gill following suit in the very next over, providing an opening for Pakistan to stage a comeback. Just when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were starting to rebuild the innings, rain struck and it persisted, forcing the match to the Reserve Day.
India resumed at the overnight score of 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs, Kohli and Rahul unleashed their fury on the Pakistan bowlers as they piled up 209 runs in 25.5 to the overnight score. Pakistan was understaffed before the day even began, as Haris Rauf was ruled out of the game as a precautionary measure due to a side strain. The undermanned Pakistan bowling could not separate the duo as they scored freely.
Virat Kohli followed his usual template, as he sought to score risk-free runs until he reached his fifty. On the other hand, KL Rahul played an aggressive game from the very beginning, punishing Shaheen Afridi for consecutive boundaries. KL Rahul got to his century in his comeback match and looked skywards in relief.
Virat Kohli got to 13,000 runs in ODI cricket on the way to his hundred and continued punishing the bowlers even after getting to his ton. Pakistan was given another scare as Naseem Shah left the field nursing his right shoulder. Virat Kohli finished at 122 off 94 balls, while Rahul finished at 111 off 106.
Pakistan came out to bat and was greeted by an exuberant Jasprit Bumrah, who was also making his comeback. Bumrah rattled the openers with his varied pace and seam, often looking unplayable, with Mohd Siraj giving him company on the other end. Bumrah dismissed Imam Ul Haq, who was caught in the slip. Hardik Pandya joined forces as he broke through Babar Azam’s defense.
The rain delay did not aid Pakistan, as Kuldeep Yadav was brought into the attack and ran through the Pakistan middle-order, finishing with figures of 5/25 in his 8 overs. Pakistan’s innings ended at 128/8 as two of their bowlers were absent hurt. The win strengthened India’s chances of qualifying, as they now have an impressive run rate.
Indian Captain Rohit Sharma was happy with his team’s performance in all departments, he lauded the efforts by the groundsmen to make the ground ready after frequent rains. Rohit was all praises for his batters – Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, and was happy that they batters got enough game time.
We just wanted to get out on the park and get some game time- Rohit Sharma
During the post match presentation, Rohit Sharma was quite pleased with the performance of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul who struck fine centuries and were in sublime touch. Rohit Sharma said that Jasprit Bumrah has shown good progress after making a comeback to the national team.
“We just wanted to get out on the park, to get some game time. Lot of guys haven’t had that. That could only happen thanks to a great effort from the groundsmen. I know how tough it is to cover and remove covers from the whole ground. On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank them. (On batting) Fantastic performance, right from yesterday,” said Rohit Sharma.
“When we started, we knew the wicket was good and we had to adjust with the rain, the two experienced (Kohli an Rahul) guys we knew they’d take time to get their eye in and then we can get going. (On Bumrah) Looked good, he swung it both ways and he’s worked really hard for the last 8-10 months,” he stated.
“Bumrah is only 27, for him to miss games isn’t ideal but the way he bowled showed what he is all about. Looking at how we batted, there were lots of positives with the openers and then Virat and KL. Virat’s innings was brilliantly paced. And then KL, to get back from injury and then to know 5 minutes before the toss he’s playing, to play that way shows the mindset of the player,” he added.