King Kohli – as referred to by his ever-growing fanbase – scored a phenomenal 53-ball 82 (not out) to single-handedly drag India back into the game and start off their T20 World Cup campaign on the best possible note.
After Pakistan recovered from a shaky start to post a 160 target for the boys in blue, Kohli stuck to the crease till the last ball to see the game through. He was aided by a dogged Hardik Pandya, who scored 40 runs after much of India’s top order collapsed.
A fourth wicket stand of 113 runs came after India were down four wickets for 31 runs.
KL Rahul’s struggles against extreme pace and his distinct lack of footwork, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav getting out cheaply did upset the rhythm that was set by Pandya and Arshdeep when they restricted Pakistan to 159 for 8.
At the start of the back-10, Iftikhar in a space of five balls, hit four sixes and Shami (1/25), coming back for his second spell trapped him plumb in-front with a fuller delivery to end the 76-run third-wicket stand.
Even after Iftikhar got out, Masood failed to force the pace. Pandya dismissed Shadab Khan, Haider Ali and Mohammed Nawaz in quick succession. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s lusty blows took Pakistan past 150-run mark but couldn’t save the day with ball.
For India, Arshdeep Singh was among the most successful bowlers in the much-awaited match of the tournament, finishing with figures 3/32 in four overs at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Playing in his maiden World Cup, left-arm pacer Arshdeep gave India early breakthroughs before Pakistan steadied things with a 76-run partnership for the third wicket.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya bagged impressive figures of 3/30 in four overs after Mohammed Shami removed a well-set Iftikhar to trigger a slide.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 159/8 in 20 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 51, Shan Masood 52 not out; Arshdeep Singh 3/32, Hardik Pandya 3/30).
India: 160 for six in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 82 not out, Hardik Pandya 40; Haris Rauf 2/36).
With inputs from PTI
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