Pakistan trounced India by a stunning 10-wicket margin in their T20 World Cup opener in Dubai. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan both scored unbeaten half-centuries. Pakistan’s openers have looked comfortable in pursuit of a 152-run mark, as Indian spinners continue to search for a breakthrough. Virat Kohli had earlier reached his 29th half-century in Twenty20 Internationals before being removed for 57 by Shaheen Shah Afridi as India registered 151/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Hasan Ali removed Suryakumar Yadav to give Pakistan a strong start in the match. Afridi was on fire as he sent back openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. During his innings, Kohli struck five boundaries and a six.
Before being dismissed by Shadab Khan, Rishabh Pant also played well, hitting a 30-ball 39 that included two fours and two sixes. India passed the vital 150-run barrier despite Hardik Pandya’s failure to get going in the final overs. Kohli named Varun Chakaravarthy in place of Ravichandran Ashwin, Rahul Chahar, Shardul Thakur, and Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Team India will be hoping to secure a win and get their campaign off to a strong start against a Pakistani team that boasts a lot of match-winners. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, won the toss and chose to bowl first.
However, Suresh Raina showed respect and congratulated Pakistan over its win.
Congratulations to team Pakistan on winning the game. Team India will definitely come back better and stronger! #INDvPAK #T20WorldCup
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) October 24, 2021
