In the 43rd over, Pakistan’s batting crumbled as they were bowled out for 191 in their World Cup 2023 match against India in Ahmedabad. India, pursuing a 192-run target, made a brisk start, reaching 54 for the loss of one wicket in seven overs.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill aggressively launched India’s innings, collecting 10 runs in the opening over from Shaheen Afridi. Gill’s batting style evoked memories of a previous Asia Cup encounter between the two teams.
In the seventh over, both Rohit and Virat Kohli hit boundaries off Afridi, propelling India’s total to 54 for the loss of one wicket. Rohit skillfully dispatched Afridi’s short delivery, while Kohli elegantly drove the ball through the covers.
Prior to this, Hasan Ali bowled a tight sixth over, leaving India at 39 for the loss of one wicket. Shaheen Afridi’s fifth over featured Kohli’s excellent stroke play through the covers.
In the fourth over, Rohit Sharma took on Hasan Ali, sending the pacer for two boundaries and contributing eight runs to India’s chase, which reached 31 for the loss of one wicket.
Pakistan’s innings ended at 191 in the 43rd over after Haris was dismissed following a successful review by Ravindra Jadeja. In the crowd, actor Anushka Sharma applauded the Indian team’s efforts. Hasan Ali’s wicket left Pakistan at 189/9 in the 41st over.
In the third over of the chase, Shubman Gill departed after an extraordinary catch by Shadab Khan at point. Kohli took to the crease with India at 22 without losing a wicket. Pakistan’s bowlers faced the daunting task of defending a modest target with Kohli and Rohit at the crease.
The much-anticipated India-Pakistan match carried historical significance, as India maintained an undefeated record against Pakistan in World Cup matches since 1992. The contest featured exciting individual battles, including Shaheen Afridi vs. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah vs. Babar Azam. Kohli had a significant advantage in their past performances.
In this high-stakes encounter, India had a slight edge, especially with Naseem Shah’s absence weakening Pakistan’s new-ball attack. The performance of Shaheen Afridi was crucial for Pakistan, and the match promised to be an intense spectacle.
Pakistani skipper Babar Azam expressed determination to focus on the future and break records in this highly anticipated clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue.
