Chasing a daunting 338 against a formidable Pakistan bowling lineup, India went off to the worst possible start in the ongoing Champions Trophy final with their in-form opener Rohit Sharma departing even without opening his account.
With such an imposing total to chase in the high-pressure game, India desperately needed a solid start from their in-form openers. However, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, who had missed the semifinal clash, was in no mood to allow the duo of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan to forge yet another partnership, as he sent back the former in the very first over.
The left-arm pacer began the over with two away from the bat going deliveries to Rohit, inducing an inside edge off the first ball and forcing the batsman to shoulder arm the next, bringing back the memories of the tournament opener when the Indian batsman looked clueless in the first over.
However, unlike that game when Rohit had gone on to score 91, Amir dismissed the in-form batsman on the very third ball of the first over. After first two deliveries, Amir bowled a brilliant inswinging bowl which Rohit tried to flick but failed and the ball went to hit him on the pads.
The umpire raised his finger straightaway, sending Amir into wild celebrations. The Pakistani bowler shares a history with Rohit and did not hesitate in giving the batsman an animated sendoff.
Here is a clip of that dismissal:
— N Murali Krishna (@YoYoNmk) June 18, 2017