India vs. Pakistan Live: Axar's Early Strike Puts Pressure on Pakistan
Axar Patel has made an immediate impact for India in their T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan. With his very first delivery, Patel sent Usman Khan back to the pavilion, trapping him plumb in front of the stumps with a shrewd slider. This has boosted India's hopes as they aim to restrict Pakistan's run chase of 120.
Hardik Pandya's Expensive Overs
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has struggled for consistency in his early overs, leaking 18 runs in his first two. This has allowed Pakistan to accumulate 50 runs within the first nine overs, keeping their chase on track.
Jadeja's Introduction
Ravindra Jadeja was brought into the attack in the eighth over as India searched for more control. Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan cautiously navigated the over, adding four runs to Pakistan's tally.
Pakistan's Steady Progression
Pakistan managed 35 runs during the powerplay, showing patience and discipline in their pursuit of the target.
Bumrah's Breakthrough
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah applied pressure on Pakistan's opening pair, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This eventually led to Babar Azam's downfall, as he edged a sharply rising delivery to Suryakumar Yadav in the slips.
Bumrah's Early Threat
Captain Rohit Sharma entrusted Jasprit Bumrah with the responsibility of containing Pakistan's scoring. Bumrah almost created an opportunity with his first delivery, but Shivam Dube's drop at deep fine-leg allowed Mohammad Rizwan to survive.
Pakistan's Solid Start
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have begun Pakistan's chase cautiously, relying on their experience in low-scoring chases. They have accrued 90 runs in the first over.
India's Low Total
India's batting performance was disappointing, falling short of the desired total. Despite Rishabh Pant's valiant 42, the other batters failed to provide significant contributions. Rohit Sharma reached double digits but failed to kick on.
India's Dismal Batting Effort
India's innings ended with Arshdeep Singh's run-out, resulting in a disappointing total of 119. Their bowlers will face a demanding task as Pakistan's experienced batting lineup looks to secure victory.
Pakistan's Dominant Bowling
Pakistan's pacers, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, were exceptional, sharing eight wickets among them. Their resurgence from their previous lackluster display against the USA has given Pakistan a strong foundation on which to build their chase.
Live Scores
India (119-all out in 19 overs) against Pakistan in New York.
Pant (42); Naseem (321), Haris (321)
