Knocks from skipper Rohit Sharma (86) and Virat Kohli (53) scripted India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their much-awaited 2023 World Cup clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
After India won the toss and opted to field at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Jasprit Bumrah (2/19) led the attack with the ball to see off Pakistan for just 191 in 42.5 overs.
Babar Azam (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) were among the top run-getters for the Men in Green, but a disappointing middle order and lower middle order batting led to the visitors’ collapse.
Apart from Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja scalped two wickets each.
Barring the wickets of the returning Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, both of whom were dismissed for 16, India looked untroubled during the course of the chase. Shaheen Afridi got rid of Rohit Sharma in the 22nd over, but by then, it was too late, as the Men in Blue sealed the chase with 19.3 overs to spare.
Netizens were full of praise for the hosts, who extended their dominance over Pakistan to 8-0 in ODI World Cups.
Let’s take a look at some reactions here:
Cracking energy
Electrifying atmosphere ⚡️
Solid team performance #TeamIndia | #INDvPAK | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/Mcddo4HC23
— Kuldeep yadav (@imkuldeep18) October 14, 2023
Well played Team India #INDvPAK #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/6KbULjgWEx
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 14, 2023
What a strong statement to make and that too in such a high-voltage encounter! Another thumping victory for Team India and they are the team to beat in this World Cup. An all-round effort today with captain @ImRo45 playing an innings to remember. #INDvPAK #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/ilt7PTaABM
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 14, 2023
Solid show by the team in the biggest stadium ️ of the world
Onto Pune next #TeamIndia | #INDvPAK | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/91Z6kHSaHI
— (@MdShami11) October 14, 2023
Player of the match today, Rohit Sharma. And the deliveries to Rizwan and Shadab by Bumrah, part of Indian cricket folklore
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 14, 2023
As expected India thrash Pakistan. Also, this World Cup Pakistan was facing an even stronger Indian team.
Well done Team India! #ICCCricketWorldCup #IndvPak
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 14, 2023
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2023
Demolition Pro Max. Completely owned the Pakistanis. 72 overs were enough for a result and what a win.
Rohit spectacular, Bumrah ,Kuldeep outstanding and a win to cherish.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai pic.twitter.com/ktwJuvNqdV
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 14, 2023
Indiaaaaaaaa Indiaaaaa #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/xEzKuRxYiy
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 14, 2023