Pakistan 162 ( Babar Azam 47, Shoaib Malik 43, Faheem Ashraf 21, Mohammad Amir 18, Bhubanneswar Kumar 3/15, KM Jadhab 3/ 23, JJ Bumrah 2/23 lost to India 164/2 ( RG Sharma 52, S Dhawan 46, KD Karthik 31*, Ambati Rayudu 31 ) by 8 Wickets
Much hyped India Pakistan derby was turned into a virtual one way traffic. India bowled superbly pressuring Pakistan with intelligence accurate pace at the start and squeezing middle order with quality spin. 162 on an easy paced wicket was never going to be enough for a very strong Indian batting. Fast and furious Pakistan bowling attack bowled without imagination. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan spanked the pacers to all over the park racing to 86 in the 14th over. When both got out Karthik and Rayudu steadied the ship calmly with another unbeaten 60 runs 3rd wicket partnership.
The match which promised so much delivered too little .Only the other day minnow Hong Kong took heavy toll of Indian attack nearly causing an upset. Pakistani batsmen failed to take a leaf out of that and batted really poorly excepting Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik. Kumar and Bumrah swung and seamed well pitching their deliveries on the right channel. Part Time spinner Jadhab created panic in the Pakistan middle order. UAE wickets this time is lacking pace. Bowlers bowling at steady pace, changing it intelligently are getting grips. Slower bowlers are getting some purchase.
In desert heat quality batsmen are reaping harvest. Indian bowlers required a match adjusting to conditions. Pakistani batsmen failed to come to terms with the condition and the wicket. If such is the case Pakistani batsmen may struggle against Bangladesh and Afghanistan as both those teams have quality spinners.
Over all spectators expecting mouth watering contest were disappointed saying the least.
India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan would now play the second round to decide which two of the four meets in the final. From four matches played so far it appears Pakistan may not go that far. For the first time their batsmen appeared against quality attack and failed to impress. If they do not improve a great deal they may struggle even against Afghanistan. Bangladesh also possesses some quality bowlers who may be hard to negotiate as well.
We heard fixture has been adjusted on Indian request. Any one can raise genuine question why one team gets preferential treatment all the time in ICC tournaments.
BDST: 0919 HRS, SEPT 20, 2018
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