ICC World Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma stars as India register seven-wicket victory over Pakistan

India claimed an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 12th match of the ICC World Cup 2023. 

The Men in Blue bowled out their opponents for 191 before comfortably chasing down the target, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s blistering 86 runs knock. 

Spectacular batting collapse

India won the toss at the Narendra Modi Stadium and had no hesitation in deciding to bowl first. 

Pakistan batted cautiously to avoid losing an early wicket but Mohammad Siraj managed to provide a breakthrough in the 8th over by dismissing Abdullah Shafique. 

Imam-ul-Haq was relatively better in Saturday’s contest than in the previous two World Cup matches, but he could contribute only 36 before falling prey to Hardik Pandya. 

Captain Babar Azam batted responsibly and built a good partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. The number one ranked ODI batsman smashed 50 off 58 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries. 

But just after completing his half-century, Babar was spectacularly bowled out by Siraj. 

After the skipper’s departure, Pakistan saw a dramatic batting collapse. 

Kuldeep Yadav claimed two scalps in a single over, dismissing Saud Shakeel and Iftikhar Ahmed. 

Wicket-keeper batsman Rizwan then fell prey to the dangerous Jasprit Bumrah, while most of the tailenders managed to score in single digits. 

The Green Shirts were all bowled out in the end for a meagre 191. 

Comfortable chase

There wasn’t much to defend but Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Subman Gill on 16 to spark some faint hopes of a comeback. 

However, Rohit Sharma was in top form and punished Pakistani bowlers by hitting six boundaries and six maximums. 

The Indian skipper couldn’t complete his century but his team was on the brink of victory when he departed on 86. 

Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 53 as the Men in Blue comfortably chased down the target with 19 overs to spare. 

The victory has seen India climb to the top of the ICC World Cup 2023 standings above New Zealand, who have also won all their three matches. 

The 2011 world champions will now head to Maharashtra to take on Bangladesh on Thursday. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan will face Australia on October 20 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. 

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