Top 5 factors which helped India to win against Pakistan

In one of the most awaited contests of recent times, India defeated Pakistan for the 6th time in World Cups at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a placid batting surface, the Indian batsmen played some spectacular shots to all corners of the ground to put up a mammoth total of 300 for 7 on the board. Pakistan couldn’t even make it a close contest as they fell short by 76 runs.Here are 5 factors which helped India acquire a massive victory:

#1 129-run partnership by Dhawan and Kohli

India needed to put up a big partnership in order to amass a formidable target after Rohit Sharma fell for 15 runs in the 8th over of the Indian innings. Virat Kohli, who came in at his favourite No. 3 position, looked jittery at the start and was a tad fortunate to be let off on 3 by Yasir Shah. Shikhar Dhawan, at the other end, looked very determined after enduring a tough series against Australia and scored a half-century in just 54 balls.

Both Kohli and Dhawan built their innings around stealing the singles and rotating strike frequently while the occasional boundaries kept the momentum going. This partnership demoralized the Pakistani bowlers and they leaked runs in the each corner of the ground. However, it didn’t last for a long time as a direct hit by Misbah sent Dhawan back to the pavilion. Dhawan scored 73 in 76 balls with 7 boundaries and 1 six. This partnership of 129 runs in 134 balls built a basic foundation and India could eye a target of 300.

Later, Kohli went to score the 22nd century of his ODI career and was duly awarded the man of the match.