2019 World Cup: India set 337-run target for Pakistan
Team India set a target of 337 for Pakistan in match number 22 of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester. India rode on a brilliant ton by Rohit Sharma (140) to gain momentum after being sent into bat. Virat Kohli batted superbly as well. For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir stood out. Here's more.
Rohit, Rahul give India the perfect start
Rohit and KL Rahul (57) set a 136-run opening stand. The aggression from Rohit allowed Rahul to play the support role well. The duo negotiated the early phase well and respected Mohammad Amir. This allowed them to have a crack at the other bowlers. India didn't allow Pakistani spinners to settle down and showed their intent from the beginning.
Rohit banks on form to score a magnificent hundred
After smashing a ton in the opening game against South Africa, Rohit hit a fifty against the Aussies. This time he didn't miss the opportunity and made sure he got to a hundred. This was Rohit's third World Cup hundred and his 24th career ODI century as well. His 113-ball innings saw him striking 14 fours and three sixes at a rate of 123.89.
Matured innings from KL Rahul
KL Rahul smashed his maiden World Cup fifty. The Karnataka batsman's application needs to be lauded here. He replaced the injured Shikhar Dhawan and showed his class. He hit three fours and two sixes and allowed Rohit to take the mantle.
Kohli chips in as well, strikes 51st career ODI fifty
Post Rahul's dismissal, Virat Kohli played a brilliant hand. He took his time in the beginning and then opened his hands once Rohit got out. The two batsmen added a 98-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli rotated the strike well and hit a second consecutive fifty. He also added a 51-run stand with Hardik Pandya (26) and gave India the desired momentum.
Kohli fastest to 11,000 ODI runs
Kohli surpassed the 11,000-run mark in ODIs. He became the fastest to 11,000 ODI runs (222 innings). The 30-year-old became the ninth batsman in ODI history to achieve this mark. Kohli also became the third Indian cricketer to get past this mark. Only Sachin Tendulkar (18,426) and Sourav Ganguly (11,221) have more runs for India in ODIs.
Another major milestone for Kohli!
Amir steps up after rain stops play for a while
The match stopped because of rain after 46.4 overs and after play resumed, Amir got the key wicket of Kohli (77). He charged down and bowled a perfect short ball to dismiss Kohli, who walked off. Replays showed gap between bat and ball.
Amir shines with the ball for Pakistan
Mohammad Amir was the only shining light for Pakistan. He bowled his heart out and was excellent in his first spell. Amir was rewarded with three big wickets at the death. He dismissed the likes of Pandya, MS Dhoni (1) and Kohli. Amir also was very economical and continued his fine run in CWC 19. He now has 13 wickets in World Cup 2019.
