India defeat Pakistan by 9 wickets: Key discussion points
India squared off against Pakistan, in Dubai, for their Asia Cup Super Four match, which saw Rohit Sharma leading his team to a victory with a thunderous ton. His opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan hit a ton as well, and India won the match by 9 wickets. This has become India's biggest ODI victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan. Here are key discussion points.
Dhawan and Sharma are the pillars of this side
The opening partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma was enough to crush Pakistan's chances of winning. Both scored centuries as they shared a 210-run opening partnership. These two batsmen have been quite consistent, in this series. The hard-hitting Dhawan scored 114 off 100 balls. His innings was laced with 16 boundaries and two sixes. The skipper Rohit Sharma hit a 111-run knock.
Wrong decisions cost Pakistan the match
Pakistan made wrong decisions throughout the match, starting off with choosing to bat first. Notably, the pitch became easier for batsmen in the second innings. Pak pacers were trying to deliver at break-neck speed on the slow pitch and that made it easier for the Indian batsmen. Further, Pakistan fielders dropped sitters, which made the task for Rohit and Co., a lot easier.
The Indian bowlers put up a great show as well
Dhawan and Sharma produced their match-winning knocks, on the back of an excellent bowling display by the Indian side. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah made life difficult for the Pakistani openers as the Indian spinners worked at their opponent's middle order batsmen. Bumrah, Chahal and Yadav produced fine performances, which looked like a well-coordinated bowling attack by India.
Dhawan-Rohit: The second most successful Indian opening pair
In terms of century stands, the duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan has become India's second most successful opening pair. These two eclipsed the legendary Tendulkar-Sehwag pair of the last decade. These two have produced 13 hundred plus opening stands in 82 innings. They are only behind Ganguly-Tendulkar, India's most successful opening pair, with 21 hundred plus partnerships.
What next for India?
India have reserved their place in the final and they will face Afghanistan next in a dead rubber match tomorrow at 5:00 PM. The final will be held on September 28, 5:00 PM. The matches can be seen on all Star Sports and Hotstar.
