T20 World Cup 2024, India vs Pakistan: India lose early wickets; Axar gets promoted - Cricket Winner

The T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in New York was eagerly anticipated by cricket fans around the world. However, India’s top order once again faltered against a formidable Pakistani bowling attack, putting the team on the back foot early in the game.

Rohit Sharma’s Dismissal

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, walked in with hopes of setting a strong foundation. However, his innings was short-lived. On the third delivery of the second over bowled by Shaheen Afridi, Rohit attempted to flick the ball over square leg but was caught by Haris Rauf in the deep.

The delivery was on the pads, and Rohit’s mistimed shot ended up off the toe end of the bat, resulting in his dismissal for just 13 runs off 12 balls.

Virat Kohli’s Early Exit

Before Rohit’s departure, India had already lost their talisman, Virat Kohli. Kohli, known for his composure under pressure, started with a sublime cover drive to get off the mark. However, he was dismissed for just 4 runs by Naseem Shah.

A wide delivery tempted Kohli to cut, but he edged it straight to Usman Khan at cover-point, giving Pakistan their first breakthrough and putting India in a precarious position.

Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy

Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they maintained a tight line and length, exploiting the favorable conditions. Afridi’s ability to swing the ball both ways and Shah’s pace made it difficult for the Indian batters to settle.

India’s Batting Struggles

India’s batting lineup struggled to find rhythm. After the early dismissals of their star players, the pressure mounted on the middle order. The score stood at 50-2 after 6 overs, with the Indian team looking for a way to stabilize the innings amidst Pakistan’s relentless bowling attack.

Shaheen Afridi’s Impact

Shaheen Afridi’s performance was pivotal. His spell, which saw the dismissals of both Sharma and other key players, highlighted his ability to strike early and dismantle the top order. Afridi’s pace, coupled with his swing, made him a formidable opponent for the Indian batters.

Rohit Sharma’s Form Against Pakistan

Rohit Sharma’s struggles against Pakistan in T20 Internationals are well-documented. Before this match, he had managed only 114 runs from 11 matches against the arch-rivals. This dismal performance record continued as he was dismissed cheaply once again, raising concerns about his form and ability to handle Pakistan’s pace attack.

Match Start and Conditions

The match, scheduled to start at 8 PM, faced a 30-minute delay due to rain. When the game finally began, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, capitalizing on the damp conditions at the Nassau County Stadium. The overcast weather and a slightly wet pitch were expected to favor the bowlers, and Pakistan’s decision proved to be spot on.