In a thrilling showdown witnessed by over 100,000 fans donning blue jerseys, India delivered a masterful performance, triumphing over Pakistan by a comprehensive seven-wicket margin in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The charge for India’s third consecutive victory, on a challenging pitch with unpredictable bounce, was spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah’s strategic bowling variations and Kuldeep Yadav’s precise wrist-spin, which secured them figures of 2-19 and 2-35, respectively. Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja also claimed two wickets each as Pakistan was bowled out for a mere 191 runs in 42.5 overs.
Despite a promising start with a score of 155-2, Pakistan underwent a stunning batting collapse, losing eight wickets for just 36 runs in 13 overs. This dramatic downturn stands as Pakistan’s worst collapse for the last eight wickets in their Men’s ODI World Cup history. Notably, no Pakistani batsman managed to hit a six, prompting Nasser Hussain to remark on air that it was “a collapse only the Pakistan team could orchestrate.”
In pursuit of 192 runs, Indian captain Rohit Sharma showcased his brilliance with six boundaries and six scintillating sixes, contributing a remarkable 86 runs off 63 balls. Shreyas Iyer complemented the effort with an unbeaten 53 off 62 balls, steering India to its eighth consecutive Men’s ODI World Cup victory over Pakistan. This resounding win catapulted India to the top of the points table.
Opting to field first, India patiently awaited a breakthrough while Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq initiated with seven boundaries in the first seven overs. Mohammed Siraj, who had conceded four boundaries, delivered a crucial cross-seam delivery at a back-of-length spot, deceiving Shafique and leading to a clear lbw dismissal.
After Imam struck two boundaries off Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder retaliated, coaxing the left-handed opener to drive away from the body, resulting in an edge to wicketkeeper KL Rahul, who executed a diving catch.
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India had a chance to secure their third wicket when Jadeja appeared to have Rizwan lbw for one run, but a review showed the ball missing the leg-stump. While Azam demonstrated excellent form from the outset, executing beautiful drives through the covers, Rizwan showcased his expertise in sweeps and cuts.
As India’s spinners constricted the run flow, allowing only 11 runs in overs 24 to 27, pressure began to build. However, Azam and Rizwan eased it by securing a boundary each off Siraj, resulting in 13 runs during the 28th over. Azam achieved his first ODI fifty against India when he expertly drove the ball through covers off Kuldeep.
Nevertheless, Azam’s and Rizwan’s partnership of 82 runs came to an abrupt end when Azam attempted to play a delivery from Siraj through third-man, but the pace and bounce undid him, with the ball hitting the top of the off-stump. This ignited a batting collapse for Pakistan as Kuldeep dismissed Saud Shakeel lbw on review and concluded the 33rd over by knocking down Iftikhar Ahmed’s stumps with a googly that spun around his legs.
Jasprit Bumrah re-entered the attack and delivered a sublime off-cutter that moved sharply to elude Rizwan’s inside edge and struck the top of the off-stump. He proceeded to dismantle Shadab Khan’s stumps with a length ball that straightened off the pitch and found the top of the off-stump. Mohammad Nawaz hit a straightforward catch to mid-on off Hardik, while Hasan Ali was caught in the deep off Jadeja, who concluded Pakistan’s innings by dismissing Haris Rauf lbw.
In India’s chase, Shubman Gill exhibited a glimpse of his form after missing the first two games due to illness. He struck four stunning boundaries, showcasing his exquisite off-side play. Unfortunately, his promising innings ended when he aggressively attacked a short and wide delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi and found backward point.
Rohit Sharma initially struggled with his timing but found his rhythm by executing a precise shot over point and elegantly flicking through mid-wicket for two fours.
The crowd was treated to an exceptional performance as Virat Kohli displayed impeccable timing with his cover drive, striking two unforgettable boundaries against Shaheen. Rohit thrilled the audience with spectacular sixes, hooking Shaheen over fine leg and flicking Nawaz over mid-wicket. Notably, the latter six marked Rohit’s 300th ODI six. He continued to add to his tally by fiercely driving Rauf over cover for six. However, Hasan Ali induced Kohli to mistime a shot to mid-on.
After reaching his fifty in just 36 balls, Rohit maintained his flow, aggressively striking boundaries. He received invaluable support from Iyer, who joined him in consistently scoring fours and sixes against Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly against the spinners.
While Rohit narrowly missed a second consecutive century by 14 runs after mistiming a slower ball to mid-on off Shaheen, Iyer and KL Rahul easily secured the remaining 36 runs. Iyer celebrated his fifty with a decisive six down the ground, sealing an emphatic Indian victory.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 191 in 42.5 overs (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 49; Jasprit Bumrah 2-19, Hardik Pandya 2-34) lost to India 192-3 in 30.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 86, Shreyas Iyer 53 not out; Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-36, Hasan Ali 1-34) by seven wickets.
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