Indian bowlers put up a strong show to restrict arch-rivals Pakistan to 241 runs all out in the group stage match of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday with hundreds of spectators in the stadium and millions across the globe intensely watching the grand sporting event of the cricket arena.
India, refusing to travel to Pakistan which is hosting an ICC event after a gap of 29 years, is playing the Champions Trophy in a neutral venue in Dubai.
India and Pakistan match, one the biggest rivalries on the cricket field with intense political tension prevailing between the warring nations, are only held in case of bilateral sporting events these days, making them a rare spectacle.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq (10) and Babar Azam (23) provided a strong start to the innings by adding 41 runs in the first wicket partnership after Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first.
Hardik shines
Hardik Pandya provided India with the first break by picking up the wicket of Azam.
Saud Shakeel remained the top scorer for Pakistan by scoring 62 runs.
He hammered five boundaries in his knock.
After Imam was run out, India had a strong momentum shift after Pakistan’s powerful start to the innings.
Rizwan-Saud stitch partnership
Skipper Rizwan (46) and Saud stitched a 104-run partnership to pull Pakistan out of the touch position they had placed themselves after losing two quick wickets.
Left-arm spinner Axar Patel dismissed Rizwan to give Pakistan their third blow in the innings.
Salman Agha (19) and Khushdil Shah (38) remained the other major contributor with the bat for Pakistan.
Kuldeep Yadav remained the pick of the Indian bowlers by picking up three wickets.
Pandya took two wickets while Harshit Rana,Patel and Ravindra Jadeja picked up a single wicket each.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who is known for shattering records with his bat, added one more feather to his crown by becoming the most successful outfielder for India by taking 157th catch.
He broke former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s tally of 156.
Pakistan defeated India in 2017 to clinch the Champions Trophy title.
