India opt to bowl first against Pakistan
Mar 19, 2016 at 8:24 PM
MS Dhoni won the all important toss at the Eden Gardens and opted to bowl first, sending Pakistan in. The game was shortened to 18 overs a side due to the rains preceding the game and the corresponding wet outfield which further emerged.
Dhoni said that he would be playing the same team as the one which featured against New Zealand in Nagpur. “We will bowl first, said Dhoni. “The wicket has been under the covers for quite some time, so it might be a bit sticky. We are playing with the same side. The Past doesn’t really matter, but as far as cricket is concerned, you have to be at your best on that particular day. The guys have played enough fast bowlers all around the world. They have some world-class bowlers.”
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi reiterated the need to put a respectable total on the board and pointed out towards Ahmed Shehzad in particular to lay the foundation for Pakistan. “It’s a good call to bowl first, but now we have to put a decent total on the board. Maybe there is something for the bowlers if you bowl in the right areas. Shehzad and Hafeez are is good form and hopefully, they can continue. It’s always great to play in India and cricket is like a religion here.” We are excited to play this game.”
India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(c), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed(w), Shahid Afridi(c), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan