In a highly anticipated mega clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, cricket fans on both sides of the border were on the edge of their seats, awaiting the showdown between Rohit Sharma and Shaheen Shah Afridi, as well as Virat Kohli and the Pakistani pacer. As the game unfolded, it was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s remarkable display of swing bowling that stole the limelight, leaving Indian batters struggling to cope.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that seemed bold in the overcast conditions that favoured the pace and swing of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, the Indian openers cautiously approached their innings against the formidable Pakistani pace attack. The early part of the match saw India off to a watchful start, with both openers trying to negotiate the challenge posed by the Pakistani pacers.
Unfortunately, rain interrupted the proceedings after just 4.2 overs. During this rain delay, the pitch seemed to come alive, offering even more assistance to the Pakistani bowlers. When play resumed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, in particular, exploited these conditions to the fullest. He began with a series of outswingers against Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, and it became evident that the pitch was offering significant movement. After three consecutive outswingers, Shaheen delivered an inswinger on the sixth ball of the over, bamboozling Rohit Sharma, and sending his stumps cartwheeling.
With Rohit’s departure, the spotlight turned to Virat Kohli. His arrival on the crease added even more spice to the contest. Kohli showcased his class early with a delightful cover drive against Naseem Shah, hinting at his good form. However, when facing Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kohli played an uncharacteristic shot, attempting a single but only managing an inside edge that crashed into his stumps. These quick dismissals within two overs left India reeling, while Pakistan took control of the game.
The responsibility of rebuilding the innings fell upon Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill. While Gill struggled initially against Afridi and Shah, Iyer looked solid from the outset. Iyer’s weakness against short-pitched deliveries prompted Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, to introduce Haris Rauf into the attack, replacing Naseem Shah. In his first over, Rauf tried to generate swing with his extra pace but found himself unable to do so. Iyer comfortably scored 12 runs off the over, showcasing his proficiency.
In his second over, Rauf adjusted his strategy and unleashed a barrage of short-pitched deliveries against Iyer. The first one paid dividends as Iyer fell victim to the ploy, providing Pakistan with a crucial wicket. This setback plunged the Indian team into deeper trouble, with the batting order exposed and Pakistan in the ascendancy.
The onus now rests on Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Hardik Pandya to salvage the situation for India. It’s a day where Gill has the opportunity to prove his mettle against a high-quality Pakistani pace attack in challenging conditions. Surviving the initial onslaught, Gill must aim to anchor the innings for India, with runs naturally flowing from his bat.
As of the time of this report, India finds themselves at 51-3 in 11.2 overs, facing a stern test of their batting prowess against Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. The stage is set for a riveting contest as the cricketing world watches in anticipation of the outcome of this epic battle between the two cricketing giants.
