India - 11 Pakistan - 0; Story of India vs Pakistan

India – 11 Pakistan – 0; Story of India vs Pakistan

Are India following square turners or are square turners following India” says Harsha Bhogle at the start of the match. Well why not, the pitch at Eden Gardens was not the usual one as we have seen. And Dhoni did the right thing deciding to bowl first after winning the toss considering the heavy downpour. As expected both the teams went in with no changes and why would they ? Pakistan coming in with a great win so the side looks settled. For India, well it’s Dhoni, he doesn’t enjoy much change does he ? So here’s a review of a fantastic India vs Pakistan at Eden Gardens.

The match started great for India unlike the last match where the first ball was hot for a six off Ashwin. Dhoni decided to start with Nehraji followed by Ashwin. Dhoni’s decision of bowling first was proved right in the second over itself when the pitch showed its true nature – a square turner. Ashwin’s deliveries were pitching outside off and going way outside leg. Did take a while for India to get the first breakthrough, but thanks to an amazing catch by Pandya – and glad he didn’t do much damage to himself after falling flat on the ground. Spinners definitely pulled things back for India. While on the other hand the seamers were getting trolled with Malik and Akmal hitting Pandya and Bumrah all around the park. I wonder whether Dhoni missed a trick here, especially when he gave Bumrah the 4th over while he could have given it to Raina or Yuvi. Well in the end, India restricted Pakistan for under 120 – which definitely seems achievable. But with the wit let turning square, can India manage to get there is the question. Let’s find out.

India started their innings perfectly with Sharma starting with two boundaries. He loves the Eden garden and what better proof than that ! But soon he was back in the hut too and the Pakistani seam bowlers where bowling really well that too on a turning wicket. And it continued when Mohammad Sami got rid of Dhawan and Raina back to back to set up a Hat trick. But the battle of fast bowling and good bating was always on. But then it was the duo of Kohli and Yuvraj that helped shift the momentum towards India thanks to those huge sixes by both of them. But just when things looked good, the ghost of 2011 World Cup came to haunt Yuraj and he gave away his wicket to Wahab Riaz. But then it was Dhoni and Kohli who took India home – thanks to those amazing cover drives by Kohli and the second last six by Dhoni – the fantastico Finisher.

Virat Kohli - the Impact Player.
Virat Kohli – the Impact Player.

Kohli – the Impact Player !

Turning point in the India vs Pakistan match

  • The toss played the most crucial role. Dhoni winning the toss – the huge roar at the ground said everything – and deciding to bowl proved right as the spinners troubled the Pakistani team.
  • Indians got crucial wickets at right intervals, be it the openers or Akmal and Malik, all the wickets that India took came in at the perfect time which setup the match.
  • Kohli as usual, getting his form back. Played a very sensible innings – rotated strike and put the bad balls away for runs. Further it was a second innings and against Pakistan, this guy had to be in the form of his life today !

 

So finally it’s time for the #MaukaMauka guy to keep the cracker back in his closet for next time as India ensured that the history books aren’t troubled by winning tonight’s match. So it’s India – 11 and Pakistan – 0 in all ICC tournaments. Well this was a vital win for India as India is still in the tournament. Let’s hope for a great match ahead. Till then India…India…!

About Atulmaharaj

A seasoned blogger and a content marketer for close to a decade now. I write about Food, Technology, Lifestyle, Travel, and Finance related posts. Blogging brings me joy and the best part is I get to read and e-meet so many amazing bloggers! PS: I'm also the founder for Socialmaharaj.com :) Favorite Quote: "Traveling is like reading a book, one who hasn't traveled, hasn't turned a page.

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