India’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign began on a disastrous note as the Virat Kohli-led side suffered a 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan.
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India’s T20 World Cup 2021 campaign began on a disastrous note as the Virat Kohli-led side suffered a 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the Group 2 Super 12 match at Dubai International stadium on Sunday. Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back while speaking about the defeat as he described the loss as an “absolute hammering” while talking on the post match show on Star Sports. Batting first, India posted a total of 151 for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target with 13 balls remaining.
Virat Kohli was India’s top scorer with 57 runs from 49 balls, while Rishabh Pant was the only other batsman to support him with a 30 ball 39. Pakistan’s left arm pacer Shaheen Afridi did all the damage in his first spell as he dismissed both opener’s Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Rohit was dismissed for a golden duck courtesy of an lbw. It was a magical, full length, in-swinging delivery.
Rahul was also dismissed by an in-swinging delivery, but this time, the ball swung in from good length and clipped the bails. Although Kohli and Pant steadied the ship it never got the acceleration.
While speaking to the broadcasters during the post-match analysis, Gavaskar said “It has absolutely been a hammering, as far as India is concerned. Hopefully, they will pick themselves up quickly because it’s important. You’ve you got to forget what has happened in this game and focus on the next few games that are there,”
Pakistan came out to bat with all guns blazing and both openers scored half centuries as they chased down the target in 17.5 overs. Pakistan raced to 43/0 by the end of the Powerplay. Mohammad Rizwan scored a 55 ball 79 while Babar Azam scored 68 runs in 52 balls.
India will next play New Zealand on October 31.
