Ahmedabad, Oct 14: Asked to bat first, Pakistan were 191/9 in 42.4 overs against India in the 12th match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, here on Saturday.
Pakistan must be blaming themselves for almost a self-inflicted collapse from 150/2 to 189/9.
In the initial stages,attacking Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq hit three boundaries in Mohd Siraj's first over. But, the openers duo Imam and Abdullah Shafique then began to play every ball on merit.
However, in the final ball of the 8th over, Siraj got Shafique out for 20, claiming him LBW in a low delivery. Shafique hit three boundaries in his 24-ball innings.
Later Hardik Pandya got the other opener Imam-ul-Haq for 36 off 38 deliveries caught behind the stumps by KL Rahul. Haq sent the ball beyond the ropes six times during his stay at the wicket and that to thrice in Siraj's first over.
After the openers departed, the two most dependable Pakistan batting pair of skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohd Rizwan were busy playing Indian bowlers with patience and controlled aggression. But captain Babar after hitting a superb 50, was bowled by Siraj.
Saud Shakeel (6) and Iftikhar Ahmed (4) fell to Kuldeep Yadav, triggering a mini collapse for Pakistan with166/5 in 33 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah returned to attack to claim rather confident looking Rizwan for 49. He was clean bowled by Bumrah.
Pakistan spin all-rounder Shadab Khan's stumps were unsettled by Bumrah and he had to go back after scoring only 2 runs.
Pakistan looked in dire trouble with seven wickets down at 171. Hardik Pandya almost ended Pakistan's remoote chances of a batting comeback as he got Mohd Nawaj caught by Bumrah. Nawaz trying to go big, gave a straight forward catch as he departed for 4.
In the very next over Ravindra Jadeja got Hasan Ali (12). Shubman Gill held a high catch with calm composure, reducing Pakistan to 189/9 in 40.1 overs.
For this high-octane clash, India brought back inform and consistent opener Shubman Gill into the playing XI, perhaps keeping in mind his superb form in the recent Asia Cup. Gill missed the first two matches India played against Australia and Afghanistan, due to a dengue attack.
As Gill returned, Ishan Kishan, who opened the batting in his absence was left out.
Earlier, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has stated there are no favourites or underdogs in an Indo-Pak cricket match.
Reacting about the hype and the 7-0 unbeaten record of India against their neighbours in the ODI World Cup, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has stated that records are yet to be broken.
Babar further stated that his side would be keen to win in front of a packed audience. If the result goes the other way, he will not lose his captaincy for one match.
