India beat Pakistan: Here are the key takeaways
Two-time champions India came up with a splendid performance as they tamed arch-rivals Pakistan in match number 22 of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday. This was the seventh clash between the sides in the World Cup, and India have reigned supreme in all these matches. In the same light, we present the key takeaways.
How did the match pan out?
Winning the toss, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed decided to bowl first, as India posted a total of 336/5, courtesy Rohit Sharma's great innings of 140. Rohit Sharma hit his 24th ODI ton. In reply, the track became difficult to bat on, and given India's lethal bowling, Pakistan succumbed to pressure and lost regular wickets. Only Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman put up a fight.
The plan to defend Mohammad Amir worked well
In an interesting observation, early on in the innings, the Indian openers decided not to attack Pakistan's marquee pacer, Mohammad Amir. The plan worked as they attacked the other bowlers like Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz and they scored 53 runs in the opening 60 deliveries. It also resulted in putting up a fine 136-run opening stand, leading to a strong total.
Rohit took charge in Dhawan's absence
Shikhar Dhawan's injury was a big setback for the Indian camp before this clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. However, Rohit made sure that India didn't miss Dhawan's services and took charge to play a brilliant innings of 140. While Rohit led from the front, it allowed Rahul to settle in, as both ensured a prolific opening stand of 136.
Should Mohammad Hasnain have been selected over Hasan Ali?
Hasan Ali has been seriously out of form in this World Cup. He has claimed a couple of wickets in four matches at a horrible average of 128. The author believes that young pacer Mohammad Hasnain should have been selected over him, who has been consistent. Having claimed five wickets in as many matches at a steady average of 60.60, he deserved a spot.
India's strategy to attack new bowlers was spot on
The Indian batsmen came up with a fine strategy of attacking a new bowler in his opening over. This put the pressure right away on the bowlers, not allowing them to settle down.
Pakistan need to stop bowling short balls to Rohit
Anyone, who has been following Rohit's career for long enough, knows that he is a master of playing short deliveries. Yet, Pakistan seem to have learned nothing so far, as they bowled him mostly short deliveries in the match. The same was the case in the Asia Cup, as he had played another big innings. Notably, this was Rohit's third successive 50+ score.
Virat Kohli supporting Rohit was intelligent cricket
Indian skipper Virat Kohli played intelligent cricket as he supported Rohit. Kohli kept on rotating the strike and as Rohit faced most of the deliveries, since he was the settled batsman at the moment. Following Rohit's dismissal, he took the charge and flexed his muscle, as he went on to play a fine innings of 77, while India posted a big total.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's injury a worry for India
India's prime seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar suffered an unfortunate injury during the match when he pulled his left hamstring. While he walked out of the field, he was taken off the match as a precautionary measure. Although the seriousness of the injury is not known, in case he is ruled out, India would surely be in trouble, while they would rely on Mohammed Shami.
