"Hype some better rivalry next time like India vs Bangladesh"- Fans erupt after India's annihilating win against Pakistan in 2023 World Cup
Team India continued their winning run in the 2023 World Cup with a dominant victory against Pakistan on Saturday (October 14).
Playing in front of more than one lakh viewers at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Rohit Sharma-led side beat their arch-rivals comprehensively by seven wickets. Courtesy of the win, India have moved up to the first position in the points table.
As always, there was a lot of hype for this clash between the two neighboring nations. However, it did not live up to the expectations, as Pakistan did not give much competition to their opponents in any department.
It turned out to be a mismatch as India completely outplayed Pakistan. After being asked to bat first in the afternoon, the Men in Green got bundled out for 191 in 42.5 overs. They were in a good position at one stage, having reached 155/2 in 29.3 overs. However, things went downhill from there after Babar Azam's dismissal in the very next ball.
Indian captain Rohit then made light work of the target with a swashbuckling knock of 86 (63). Shreyas Iyer (53*) assisted him with a half-century as Men in Blue cruised to 192/3 in 30.3 overs.
Indian cricket fans were elated after the comfortable victory against Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. Here are some of the top reactions on X (formerly Twitter) on the matter:
One of the rare occasions where the white ball was reversing: Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah after win vs Pakistan
At the post-match presentation after winning the Player of the Match award, Jasprit Bumrah reflected on his magnificent spell and said:
"Usually you try to analyze the wicket as soon as possible. We recognized the wicket was on the slower side so we wanted to bowl those hard lengths to make it difficult. We then felt it would reverse a little with the old ball. Just being aware - when I was young I used to ask a lot of questions. I think that helps me now. Now I am able to read different wickets. That helped me develop a lot of knowledge and that helps you sometimes to read the wicket and try a lot of options."
Bumrah added:
"I count my slower ball as a spinner's slower ball as well so I felt it could be a useful option. I tried to use that and it gripped - one of those days. There was a little phase where there was reverse swing. It was not a leg-cutter (to dismiss Shadab) - it was the outswinger I was looking to bowl. One of the rare occasions where the white ball was reversing.
India will next face Bangladesh on Thursday (October 19) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.