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Sana Mir- Image source: Twitter/mir_sana05
Sana Mir- Image source: Twitter/mir_sana05
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T20 World Cup 2021: Virat Kohli Handled The Defeat To Pakistan With Grace, Says Sana Mir

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Virat Kohli is a “role model” for being an epitome of grace even in defeat, which shows that the India captain is a secured individual, feels former Pakistan women’s cricket team skipper Sana Mir.

India lost to arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in an ICC global event by 10 wickets in their opening ‘Super 12’ game of the 2021 T20 World Cup on Sunday. However, one of the most endearing images from the match was of the Indian captain hugging winning team hero Mohammed Rizwan.

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli share a heartfelt moment after Ind vs Pak game | Photo: T20 World Cup / ICC
Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Virat Kohli share a heartfelt moment after Ind vs Pak game | Photo: T20 World Cup / ICC

Sana Mir admires Virat Kohli’s sportsman spirit:

Mohammad Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam put on a remarkable show on Sunday as Pakistan thrashed India by 10 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Mohammad Rizwan (79*) and Babar Azam (68*) didn’t give any chance to India bowlers to come on top as the two batsmen dominated the proceedings. Pakistan chased down the target of 152 without losing a wicket as India looked clueless in their opening match.

“Virat Kohli handled the defeat with so much grace and I admire his sportsman spirit. It’s really good to see the top athletes, who are role models, behaving in the way he did,” Mir, a former Pakistan captain, wrote in her column for the ICC’s official website.

“It shows a lot of security within, and it means they have a lot of confidence to bounce back,” she further wrote.

Virat Kohli and Sana Mir. (Photo Credits: Facebook)
Virat Kohli and Sana Mir. (Photo Credits: Facebook)

Sana Mir won’t be surprised if India comes back in the tournament with some big wins.

“I won’t be surprised if India bounce back very quickly and in a big fashion and I hope we can see Pakistan and India play each other again in this tournament.”

The tournament had just begun, and India needed to gather themselves and prepare for the upcoming fixtures against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland.

Sana Mir: It’s Heartening To See Both Babar Azam And Shaheen Shah Afridi Not Getting Carried Away

On her national team Pakistan, the legendary woman cricketer said she liked skipper Babar Azam’s attitude of looking immediately towards the next assignment against Kiwis instead of enjoying a prolonged celebration. Pakistan came out all guns blazing as they restricted India to a below-par 151/7 in their 20 overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in an incisive 3-31 spell off his four overs. His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan overhauled a target in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket — their first victory over India in six Twenty20 World Cup games.

“With this performance, Pakistan has definitely become one of the favourites for the tournament, but it was heartening to see Babar and Shaheen not get carried away when in front of the media; they were focused on the next games,” she said.

“It is a great sign that they are staying level-headed and shows the team is going in the right direction,” she further wrote.

Babar Azam
Babar Azam (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images)

This is the first time that India has lost a T20I by ten wickets. Coincidentally, this is also the first time that Pakistan has won a T20I by ten wickets. India will next square off against New Zealand on Sunday, October 31, while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on Tuesday, October 26.

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Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
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Pakistan Will Help India If They Defeat New Zealand In 2021 T20I World Cup: Aakash Chopra

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Aakash Chopra believes a Pakistan win against New Zealand in tonight’s T20 World Cup 2021 encounter will help Team India’s cause.

The Indian team was handed a comprehensive 10-wicket drubbing by Pakistan in their T20 World Cup opener. The Virat Kohli-led side has a week’s break before they take on New Zealand in their second Super 12 encounter on October 31.

Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Aakash Chopra: Pakistan Will Help India’s Cause If They Defeat New Zealand

Aakash Chopra pointed out that the Babar Azam-led side can do Team India a favour by defeating the Kiwis. At the same time, he previewed the Pakistan-New Zealand encounter in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

He explained: “I feel Pakistan will help India if they defeat New Zealand. But if it happens the other way round, New Zealand beats Pakistan, it can be a three-way tie, the net run rate story can come if India beats New Zealand and assuming the three teams win their remaining matches.”

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased down India's score of 151 in 17.5 overs | Twitter | @WahabViki
Pakistan Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased down India’s score of 151 in 17.5 overs | Twitter | @WahabViki

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that Pakistan will have one foot in the semi-finals if they put it across the Black Caps.

Aakash Chopra reasoned: “If Pakistan beat New Zealand, then only Afghanistan will be there in between and two teams who have come from the qualifiers – Scotland and Namibia. Then Pakistan through, make your place in the semi-finals and enjoy.”

Pakistan will almost certainly seal a berth in the knockout stages of the ongoing T20 World Cup with a win tonight. It would leave India and New Zealand to fight it out for the other semi-final spot from the group unless Afghanistan can spring a surprise or two.

Aakash Chopra: Pakistan Will Look For Revenge As They Felt Humiliated When New Zealand Went There And Returned Back Without Playing Any Match

Aakash Chopra highlighted that Pakistan might even be looking for revenge after New Zealand’s last-minute withdrawal from their tour recently.

He observed: “It is slightly a grudge match because Pakistan felt very humiliated when New Zealand went there and returned without giving any reason. So I feel Pakistan may have a point to prove.”

Pakistan vs New Zealand 2021
Pakistan vs New Zealand 2021. Image Credits: Twitter

The 44-year-old concluded by stating that Pakistan seems to be a well-rounded unit with both their bowling and batting coming to the fore.

Aakash Chopra said: “Pakistan is the team on song. They are playing like that, top three were anyway playing well and these conditions are going to suit Hafeez and Shoaib Malik a lot. They are bowling well. The team is looking formidable.”

Pakistan had limited-overs series against England and New Zealand scheduled at home ahead of the T20I World Cup, but the tours never came to fruition. Both boards pulled out at the last minute to tour Pakistan, citing security concerns and the wellbeing of players. New Zealand had even arrived there, but withdrew a few minutes before the toss happened.

New Zealand pulled out of their Pakistan tour even before play started in the 1st ODI in Rawalpindi. The Kiwis left Islamabad on a charter flight the next night. The Pakistan tour was Black Cap’s first tour to the Asian country since 2003, and it was made possible after receiving clearance from their security agency.

A deadly 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore saw Pakistan become a no-go destination for international teams. In between 2012 and 2015, Pakistan hosted England in the UAE, which has staged most of its “home” games since the attack. However, a rapid improvement in security in recent years has led to the return of international cricket, with Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa, and Bangladesh touring in the past six years.

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Pakistan Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased down India's score of 151 in 17.5 overs | Twitter | @WahabViki
Pakistan Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan chased down India's score of 151 in 17.5 overs | Twitter | @WahabViki
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Jammu And Kashmir Police Registered Cases Of Celebration Of Pakistan’s Win By GMC And SKIMS Students

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Jammu and Kashmir Police had registered cases in connection with the ‘celebration’ of the Pakistani cricket team’s victory over the Indian cricket team in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Students in Kashmir’s Srinagar medical colleges who allegedly celebrated Pakistan’s victory against India in T20 World Cup on Sunday are booked under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act). After two separate cases were reported, two separate cases have been registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police. One incident took place at the hostel of SKIMS hospital in Soura and another at the hostel in Government Medical College (GMC) in Karan Nagar, Srinagar.

Jammu and Kashmir Police Image Source : ANI
Jammu and Kashmir Police Image Source: ANI.

Jammu And Kashmir Police Registers Case In Connection With The Celebration Of Pakistan Team’s Victory By  Medical Students

According to the Jammu And Kashmir Police, “doctors residing in the hostel of SKIMS (Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences) in Soura raised slogans and burst firecrackers” to celebrate the outcome of the cricket match. As a result, the accused have been booked under Sections 105 (A) and 505 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

DG Dilbagh Singh said, “We have registered two FIRs in the case. Several videos of celebrations are doing the rounds since the Indo-Pak match. But most are old as 2017. But a new video of a government medical college has also emerged. We have registered an FIR and action will be taken.”

Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby
Pakistan AFP / Lindsey Parnaby

Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar has said that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against medical students of Government Medical College (GMC) and SKIMS Medical College and Hospital for allegedly celebrating Pakistan’s victory in the recent T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.

The medical students at SKIMS and staff at the hostel have been booked under Section 13 of UAPA, in which jail term may extend from 5 to 7 years, along with Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code (spreading of false and mischievous news intended to upset the public tranquillity), which is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years.

Meanwhile, videos of people shouting pro-Pakistan slogans during the T20I World Cup match between India and Pakistan has been circulated in various parts of Kashmir.

India Lost A T20I By 10 Wickets For The First Time Ever

Amidst all the tensions, a scuffle broke out between the factions of Kashmiri students and students from UP and Bihar at a private engineering college in Punjab’s Sangrur district during the T20I World Cup match between India and Pakistan. The clash took place after reportedly some Kashmiri students started shouting pro-Pakistani slogans after the match.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI)
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).

This particular incident infuriated some of the students belonging to UP and Bihar, thus leading to the scuffle between the two groups. As a result, India lost a T20I by 10 wickets for the first time ever, and Pakistan won a T20I by 10 wickets. The unbeaten 152-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is the highest partnership for Pakistan against India for any wicket in T20Is.

Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in an incisive 3-31 spell off his four overs. His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs. Pakistan overhauled a target in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket — their first victory over India in six Twenty20 World Cup games.

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Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain - Sportzpics
Kevin Pietersen file image | Faheem Hussain - Sportzpics
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India Should Play With Pakistan In 3 T20Is At A Neutral Venue Over A 5 Day Period: Kevin Pietersen

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Kevin Pietersen, the former England skipper on Monday suggested that arch-rivals India and Pakistan should play every year in three T20Is at a neutral venue. Former England player Kevin Pietersen suggested a three-match T20I series between India and Pakistan annually, which will add to financial benefits to both the boards.

Kevin Pietersen’s suggestion comes after India and Pakistan’s T20 World Cup game on Sunday witnessed a viewership of more than 1 billion. The former England captain also suggested that whoever wins the series, gets to take the prize money of USD 15 million.

Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen. Image Credits: Twitter

Kevin Pietersen: India Should Play Pakistan In 3 T20Is At A Neutral Venue Over A 5 Day Period

The tall paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in an incisive 3-31 spell off his four overs. His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs – a target which Pakistan overhauled in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket — their first victory over India in six Twenty20 World Cup games.

“IDEA: India should play PAK every year in 3 T20s at a neutral venue over a 5 day period! 15 man squads, $15M purse for the winning team. Cities/countries/broadcasters would queue up to have that week every single year,” tweeted Kevin Pietersen.

India vs Pakistan game (Reuters Photo)
India vs Pakistan game (Reuters Photo)

India and Pakistan have not played the Test series for more than 14 years since 2007. As far as bilateral series in ODIs and T20Is are concerned, it has been over almost eight years since 2012-13. India-Pakistan only faces off each other during ICC events and Asia Cup.

The political tension between the two neighbouring countries flared up after the terror attack in Mumbai’s Taj Hotel. Due to the unfortunate political situation, the two teams haven’t played a bilateral series since 2012-13. Their last bilateral ties at either of the two neighbouring countries were 2 T20Is and 3 ODIs in India way back in 2012.

Mohammad Rizwan And Babar Azam Ensures Pakistan Didn’t Lose A Wicket Chasing A Competitive 152

Mohammad Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam put on a remarkable show on Sunday as Pakistan thrashed India by 10 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Mohammad Rizwan (79*) and Babar Azam (68*) didn’t give any chance to India bowlers to come on top as the two batsmen dominated the proceedings. Pakistan chased down the target of 152 without losing a wicket as India looked clueless in their opening match.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI)
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).

This is the first time that India has lost a T20I by ten wickets. Coincidentally, this is also the first time that Pakistan has won a T20I by ten wickets. India will next square off against New Zealand on Sunday, October 31 while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on Tuesday, October 26.

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Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).
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Pakistan Prepared Well And Kept Losing History Out of Mind: Babar Azam

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Babar Azam has opened up on his country’s first win over India in any World Cup game as they trumped arch-rivals by ten wickets in a much-anticipated clash in Dubai.

The skipper along with Mohammad Rizwan batted India out of the game, resorting to restrain yet assertive batting.

Babar Azam
Babar Azam (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP via Getty Images)

Babar Azam: Pakistan Kept World Cup History Out Of Their Mind

Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup match on Sunday.

“We, the openers, kept it simple and built a partnership, and because the wicket was getting better so we just wanted to keep batting till the end, which we did. It won’t get easier just because we beat India. We will take the confidence, but we’re taking it one match at a time, and there’s a long way to go in the tournament,” Babar Azam said in the post-match presentation.

He added that the Pakistan team management paid no heed to ‘history’, referring to his team’s awful record in the past where Pakistan had never beaten India in a World Cup game. The score was 12-0 before they scripted a historic win over arch-rivals India in the 2021 T20I World Cup- a first since 1992.

“We prepared well, and just kept the history out of our mind. We needed quality practice, and warm-up matches, and even our domestic tournament and those games gave us a lot of confidence,” said Babar Azam.

Mohammad Rizwan (Image Credit: Twitter)
Mohammad Rizwan (Image Credit: Twitter)

Also, Shaheen Shah Afridi was on the money as India lost both their openers for the score of just six. Rohit Sharma was out off an inch-perfect yorker while KL Rahul saw his off stumps flying. Babar Azam lauded his pace and spin bowlers for the effort.

“This was the team’s effort, and the early wickets were very helpful. It gave us a lot of confidence and our spinners were very good as well. We applied our plans and got the results.”

The tall paceman dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in an incisive 3-31 spell off his four overs. His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs.

Captain Babar Azam scored a 52-ball 68 not out while Mohammad Rizwan hit an undefeated 55-ball 79 as Pakistan achieved their first ten-wicket win in all Twenty20 internationals. This was also India’s first ten-wicket defeat in Twenty20 cricket.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistan Would Look To Carry Momentum From Win Against India And Go On To Win 2021 T20I World Cup

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi has described his ‘man of the match’ effort as a result of ‘good wishes from my parents.’ He took three wickets in the game, including the big names of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.

“It is the good wishes of my parents and all Pakistanis. Very happy with my performance. The plan was to bring the ball back in. I was just trying to swing it and I was just looking to give the team a breakthrough. That was what I practiced in the nets as well yesterday. Batting against the new ball was tough. “

“The credit goes to Babar and Rizwan for the way they played. All teams are good in the tournament and we will look to carry this momentum through and go to the finals.”

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Image Credit: Twitter)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Image Credit: Twitter)

Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to put India on the back foot early. India will next play New Zealand on October 31 while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on October 26.

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File image of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar | AFP
File image of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar | AFP
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Loss To Pakistan Is An Absolute Hammering: Sunil Gavaskar

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Sunil Gavaskar, the former India skipper spoke on India’s 10-wicket loss against Pakistan, stating that India needs to gather themselves for upcoming fixtures after receiving an “absolute hammering” in the first match.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back when he spoke about the heavy loss suffered by India against Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai. Sunil Gavaskar described this 10-wicket defeat as an “absolute hammering” while talking on the post-match show on Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Sunil Gavaskar. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Sunil Gavaskar: The First World Cup Loss To Pakistan Is An Absolute Hammering As Far As India Is Concerned

Pakistan dominated the match in both bowling and batting departments and chased down the target with more than 13 balls to spare.

The defeat didn’t go down very well with Gavaskar, who said, “The loss is an absolute hammering as far as India is concerned.”

Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrating one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC
Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrated one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC

However, despite the loss, Sunil Gavaskar explained that the tournament had just begun and India needed to gather themselves and prepare for the upcoming fixtures against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Namibia, and Scotland.

“Hopefully, India will pick themselves up quickly because that’s important. You’ve got to forget what has happened in this game and focus on the next few matches,” he added.

Pakistan came out all guns blazing as they restricted India to a below-par 151/7 in their 20 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismantled the Indian top-order, claiming three wickets that included the likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and eventually that of skipper Virat Kohli.

Pakistan Openers Babar Azam And Mohammad Rizwan Ensured Pakistan Did Not Lose A Wicket In Their 152 Run Chase

After a spirited bowling performance, Pakistan openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan did not let the opposition bowlers settle to any kind of lines and lengths as they chased down the target in 17.5 overs without losing a solitary wicket.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI)
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).

Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scored half-centuries each and added 152 for an unbeaten opening stand which helped their team win the first-ever match against India at a T20 World Cup. Both India and Pakistan have New Zealand in line for their next match.

Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup match on Sunday.

Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to put India on the back foot early. India will next play New Zealand on October 31 while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on October 26.

Brief scores: India: 151/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 57, Rishabh Pant 39; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/31) lost to Pakistan: 152 for no loss in 17.5 overs (Babar Azam 68 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 79 not out) by 10 wickets.

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Shaheen Shah Afridi (Image Credit: Twitter)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Image Credit: Twitter)
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Mohammad Rizwan Praised Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Blistering Spell Which Helped Pakistan Beat India

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Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan opener, praised pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi for providing the spark for the 10-wicket crushing win over India at the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday.

The tall paceman dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in an incisive 3-31 spell off his four overs. His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs. A target Pakistan overhauled in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket — their first victory over India in six Twenty20 World Cup games.

Mohammad Rizwan (Image Credit: Twitter)
Mohammad Rizwan (Image Credit: Twitter)

Mohammad Rizwan Said That Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Wickets At The Top Of The Order Were Decisive

The win also broke Pakistan’s jinx of 12 World Cup games (seven 50-over World Cup matches as well) without a victory against India since 1992.

“Shaheen got us wickets at the top of the order and that proved to be the turning point,” said Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan’s victory in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage.

Shaheen Shah Afridi. File
Shaheen Shah Afridi. File

Captain Babar Azam scored a 52-ball 68 not out while Mohammad Rizwan hit an undefeated 55-ball 79 as Pakistan achieved their first ten-wicket win in all Twenty20 internationals. This was also India’s first ten-wicket defeat in Twenty20 cricket. Mohammad Rizwan said the victory was a gift to the nation.

“Congratulations to the whole of Pakistan and all our people as we were all waiting for this win,” said Mohammad Rizwan.

“This was my first game against India, so it’s a good thing for me. I used to watch all the Indo-Pak matches on television and used to pinpoint where we made mistakes. But today’s game was great and after Shaheen got those wickets we were confident we would win.”

After India was reduced to 6-2, losing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early in the third over, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav put up a 25 run stand in 20 deliveries. Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in Sunday’s ICC T20 World Cup match. Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries.

Shaheen Shah Afridi Said First Win Over India In A World Cup Match Was Heartening And Welcoming

Shaheen Shah Afridi said the win was the perfect start to the tournament where the top two teams in each Super 12 group make the semifinals.

“We knew that we have to win this game as we had never won a World Cup match against India, so it’s very heartening and welcoming,” he said.

Shaheen Shah Afridi said he had planned to bring the ball in as the dry pitch was offering some swing. It worked as he first trapped Rohit Sharma plumb before wicket and then bowled KL Rahul with a yorker.

“I had a plan against Rohit and that was to bring the ball in,” said Shaheen. “It swung and I got him leg-before wicket and that was the start we needed.”

Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrating one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC
Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrated one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC

Indian skipper Virat Kohli scored a valiant 57 before he was caught behind off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over.

“Kohli is a world-class batsman so he survived that first spell but I know that he bats like Babar and I bowled to him as I bowl against Babar in the nets.”

Pakistan next plays New Zealand in Sharjah on Tuesday. Shaheen Shah Afridi was adjudged as the player of the match as Pakistan registered their first win over India in World Cups. Both sides next face New Zealand, a set of fixtures that could arguably seal the fate of the group.

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Hardik Pandya AFP/Getty Images
Hardik Pandya AFP/Getty Images
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Hardik Pandya Should Only Be In Playing 11 If He Can Bowl: Brad Hogg

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Brad Hogg, the former Australia spinner, firmly believes that Hardik Pandya should only be in the playing XI if he can contribute with the ball. The all-rounder played as a pure batsman yesterday against Pakistan in the all-important clash(October 24) and was absent in the second innings after being hit in the shoulder.

Hardik Pandya scored 11 runs off eight deliveries towards the end of the first innings. He had earlier confirmed that he would not be able to bowl in the fixture against Pakistan. Hardik Pandya is currently working to make himself available as an all-rounder at some stage in the tournament.

Hardik Pandya undergoing precautionary scans (AFP)
Hardik Pandya undergoing precautionary scans (AFP)

Brad Hogg Feels India Is Making A Mistake Playing Hardik Pandya

Brad Hogg believes allrounders- offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and pacer Shardul Thakur could be brought in to increase India’s batting and bowling depth simultaneously.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Brad Hogg said: “I think it was a big mistake playing Hardik Pandya. The only other way I would have gone is Thakur in place of probably Shami and Ashwin for Pandya. In that case, you can have Jadeja batting in at 6, Thakur at 7, and Ashwin at 8. Pandya has got to be bowling if he wants to be in the playing XI. He has got a lot of talent, but he is just not a frontline batter.”

Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images
Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images.

India missed the services of a sixth bowler during their 10-wicket loss to Pakistan in their opening contest of the 2021 T20 World Cup. The opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan comfortably negotiated with the Indian bowling unit and chased the 152-run target with two overs to spare.

While Pakistan batted, skipper and opener Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters. Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in Sunday’s ICC T20 World Cup match. Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries.

Brad Hogg: Rishabh Pant’s Dismissal By Shadab Khan Turning Point

With India losing three wickets (Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul snd Suryakumar Yadav) in the powerplay itself, Rishabh Pant had to employ a conservative approach while batting. The wicket-keeper batsman switched gears after settling down with Virat Kohli holding the other end. Brad Hogg noted how Shadab Khan’s variation got the better of Rishabh Pant.

“I reckon it (the turning point) was the matchup between Pant and the spinners in the middle overs. Shadab Khan came on and was nervous bowling to Pant. Bowled on the leg side initially then someone came and had a chat with him. He then bowled the wrong’un, Pant took him on and got the top edge,” Brad Hogg concluded.

Rishabh Pant, the dashing left-handed southpaw, played a handy knock of 39 off 30 deliveries and stitched a 53-run partnership with skipper Virat Kohli for the fourth wicket. He was dismissed while trying to slog-sweep Shadab Khan towards mid-wicket as he got a top edge that was safely pouched on by the bowler himself.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was adjudged as the player of the match as Pakistan registered their first win over India in World Cups. Both sides next face New Zealand, a set of fixtures that could arguably seal the fate of the group.

Brief scores: India: 151/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 57, Rishabh Pant 39; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/31) lost to Pakistan: 152 for no loss in 17.5 overs (Babar Azam 68 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 79 not out) by 10 wickets.

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Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrating one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC
Virat Kohli played a 57-run knock while Shaheen Afridi celebrating one of his three wickets | Photo: ICC
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Brad Hogg Cherishes “Counter-attacking” Batting Display By Virat Kohli And Suryakumar Yadav Off Shaheen Shah Afridi

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Brad Hogg, the former Australia spinner, reserved praise for Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav’s brief rescue act in the powerplay. After India was reduced to 6-2, losing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul early in the third over, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav put up a 25 run stand in 20 deliveries.

With Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in full flow, Pakistan was going all-out for more wickets in the powerplay. However, Suryakumar Yadav reduced the pressure with a flashy six that just evaded the fielder in the deep. In the powerplay, the left-arm pacer bowled his third straight over and had Virat Kohli on the ropes with three consecutive dot balls. The Indian skipper responded with a six-over long-on after coming down the track.

Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images
Brad Hogg was a part of two World Cup-winning Australian teams; 2003 and 2007 © Getty Images.

Brad Hogg: It Was Awesome To Watch Counter Attacking Batting Display By Virat Kohli And Suryakumar Yadav Off Shaheen Shah Afridi

The small exchange drew praise from Brad Hogg, who termed that it was awesome to watch the counter-attacking batting display.

“Virat Kohli played a wonderful shot straight past over the bowler’s head, that was just counter-attacking play and it was awesome cricket to watch. Even Suryakumar Yadav playing that pull shot off Shaheen Afridi was great. That is just courageous, aggressive cricket and if both of them had got out on those particular deliveries, everyone would have been screaming about it, but at some stage India had to take the risk,” said Brad Hogg.

Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli for India (Photo- BCCI)
Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli for India (Photo- BCCI)

The rebuild, however, did not last long as Suryakumar Yadav perished to Hasan Ali in the final over of the powerplay. Mohammad Rizwan took a sharp catch behind the stumps, which also marked his 100th catch in T20 cricket. While Pakistan batted, skipper and opener Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters.

Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in Sunday’s ICC T20 World Cup match. Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries.

Brad Hogg: Shaheen Shah Afridi Was Too Good As It Was Sensational Left Arm Bowling Upfront

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exploits with the ball carved open the Indian batting unit. However, his angle, pace, and little movement offered were too hot for the Men In Blue to handle. Brad Hogg noted how crucial Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi’s match-up against Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s likes, heading into the contest.

Hogg added: “Shaheen Afridi was just too good. This was a worry for me. Shaheen Shan and Haris Rauf, two young fast bowlers, playing such a high-profile match, the emotions might get to them. He was just on the money from ball one. It was just sensational left-arm bowling upfront. His matchups against Rohit and Kohli were key heading into this match but getting Rahul out was unbelievable,” Hogg explained.

Shaheen Shah Afridi. File
Shaheen Shah Afridi. File

Shaheen Shah Afridi was adjudged as the player of the match as Pakistan registered their first win over India in World Cups. Both sides next face New Zealand, a set of fixtures that could arguably seal the fate of the group.

Pakistan thus brought to an end India’s near-three-decade domination of them in the world stage in the most convincing fashion, embarrassing their arch-rivals by 10 wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The law of averages had to catch up with India sooner or later after having won seven ODI and five T20 World Cup games since they first met at Sydney in 1992.

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Misbah-ul-Haq- the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team.© AFP
Misbah-ul-Haq- the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team.© AFP
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Misbah-ul-Haq Hopes Pakistan Doesn’t Go Overboard With Celebrations After Breaking World Cup Jinx Against India

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Misbah-ul-Haq, former Pakistan captain and coach, and current Pakistan skipper Babar Azam were among the ones who cautioned the Pakistan players of not going “overboard” with their celebrations following the historic win over India as it was only the first match of the team’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Misbah-ul-Haq, who was forced to resign as head coach of the national team one month before the 2021 World T20 Cup, said the Pakistan players must remain focused on winning the mega-event after beating India for the first time in a World Cup. Misbah-ul-Haq played 75 tests, 162 ODIs, and 39 T20 internationals in his international career.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Misbah-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Misbah-ul-Haq Hopes Pakistan Doesn’t Go Overboard With Celebrations After Breaking Jinx Of Losing In World Cups

In Match 1 of Group 1 of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan brought to an end India’s near-three-decade domination of them in the world stage in the most convincing fashion, embarrassing their arch-rivals by 10 wickets at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The law of averages had to catch up with India sooner or later after having won seven ODI and five T20 World Cup games since they first met at Sydney in 1992.

Speaking on the a sports Channel with Waqar Younis who also resigned as bowling coach before the tournament, Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I just hope we don’t go overboard with the celebrations and forget we have more matches to play and win in the World Cup.”

Misbah-ul-Haq said that the team had displayed perfect discipline and executed its plans to perfection to beat India by 10 wickets.

“Now the task is to ensure we continue to play with the same discipline with every player fulfilling his role as he did against India if we are to win the tournament, “Misbah-ul-Haq added.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis resigned soon after the team returned from the West Indies. A few days after, former captain and commentator Ramiz Raja took charge as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman on September 13. Waqar Younis also noted that it was a tendency in Pakistan cricket that celebrations tended to go overboard. Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq both had a year still left in their tenures, having taken charge in September 2019.

“This is only the first match and we are still to play against other tough opposition. If we beat India today it does not mean we should take it for granted we can also beat New Zealand, Afghanistan for that we will have to continue the hard work.”

Pakistan coaching unit - comprising Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis (AFP)
Pakistan coaching unit – comprising Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis (AFP)

Babar Azam made the same impassioned plea to his players in a video released by the PCB soon after winning the match against India.

“Let’s celebrate, let us go back to the hotel and enjoy this moment with our families but don’t forget this match is now over and we must get back on track to prepare for the other matches of the tournament,” Babar said to his players.

Babar Azam said that after beating India, there would be more expectations from the team now, and to live up to them, the players will have to work harder.

“I want every player to celebrate this moment tonight but then go back to realizing what his role is in the team and what is expected of him in the remaining matches. We have not just come here to win against India, we have come here to win the World Cup, always remember that, ” Babar said.

Pakistan team’s interim head coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, also reminded the players that now teams will come stronger at Pakistan after the win over India.

“We must all do soul searching and think about what we did right today to win the match in such a fashion and to also think and keep working on the weak areas where we still need to continue to do work to remove them. It is about honest self-assessment,” he said.

Saqlain Mushtaq also said that the players must not get carried away with the celebrations after the win over India as cricket was a cruel sport, and every match was a new one. Former Pakistan opener, Mohsin Khan said that winning the toss had been vital for Pakistan and Babar Azam took the right decision to chase down a total as dew would remain a big factor for teams in the tournament.

Aaqib Javed And Rashid Latif Impressed With Pakistan’s Win

Former Test pacer Aaqib Javed said that Shaheen Shah Afridi’s burst of two wickets with the new ball and Hasan Ali’s one wicket put India on the back foot, and they never recovered after that.

“I liked the way the bowlers displayed so much discipline and game awareness today. Haris Rauf used the slower balls to great advantage, ” he said.

Aaqib Javed, a 1992 World Cup-winning squad member, said that it was good to see the Pakistan players showing so much self-belief and confidence.

“India is a top side and to beat them by 10-wickets is amazing. Don’t rule out a rematch with them perhaps in the final, ” he said.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI)
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steered Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory against India (PTI).

Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batsman and captain Rashid Latif lauded the thorough professional attitude and performance of the players.

“Everything went according to plan today starting with the toss. I don’t think any other team which loses its head coach and bowling coach just before a World Cup can perform like this. This can only be done by Pakistan which produces remarkable cricket when least expected,” Latif said.

Pakistan’s former Test pacer Umar Gul said he did not doubt that India would make a strong comeback in their remaining matches.

“They are a very strong side and they will be smarting after this defeat. Expect them to come back strongly.”

Pakistan embarrassed their arch-rivals by 10 wickets in the Super 12 match. Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters.

Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup match on Sunday.

Besides Virat Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to put India on the back foot early. India will next play New Zealand on October 31 while Pakistan will take on New Zealand on October 26.

Brief scores: India: 151/7 in 20 overs (Virat Kohli 57, Rishabh Pant 39; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/31) lost to Pakistan: 152 for no loss in 17.5 overs (Babar Azam 68 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 79 not out) by 10 wickets.

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