Virat Kohli’s phenomenal unbeaten 82 guided India to a gripping four-wicket win over Pakistan of their 2022 ICC T20 World Cup opener on the Melbourne Cricket Floor (MCG) on Sunday.
Former Indian seamer Madan Lal lavished reward on Indian bowlers following the nail-biting thriller.
After Indian skipper Rohit Sharma put Pakistan into bat first, Indian bowlers dictated the proceedings. Arshdeep Singh, who made his T20 World Cup debut, eliminated Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in his first two overs.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya, India’s sixth bowler, made the distinction with some essential wickets within the center to curb Pakistan’s scoring price.
Arshdeep shocked Asif Ali with a baffling bouncer which was unplayable for the latter. Asif tried to duck the ball whereas throwing his arms at it, however it popped up off the glove and landed comfortably in Dinesh Karthik’s secure arms.
Senior tempo bowlers Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up one wicket apiece as India restricted Pakistan to 159/8 on this essential T20 World Cup encounter.
Whereas explaining to Aaj Tak on how Indian bowlers have tailored to the situations in Australia, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning star Madan Lal mentioned:
“Our bowling unit has all the time raised their bar. They’ve been distinctive after they bowl in several situations. Bowling on Indian wickets and bowling there (Australia) is totally totally different. So that they have raised the bar.”
Mohammed Shami makes a robust return to Indian staff
Shami, who changed ace Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah within the squad, performed his first T20 worldwide match in practically a 12 months. He final performed for Indian on this format within the earlier version of the T20 World Cup.
After the departure of Pakistan openers’ within the powerplay, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood revived their innings in a 76-run stand. Iftikhar was menacing in entrance of Indian spinners as he smashed 4 sixes, three of them in Axar Patel’s over.
Earlier than the Pakistan batter may surge forward with these huge hits, Shami pinned him in entrance of the stumps for LBW.
Regardless of Shami’s figures studying 1 for 25 from 4 overs, Madan Lal mentioned that the tempo bowler was rusty in opposition to Pakistan. Whereas explaining how tough it’s for a bowler to stage a comeback, Madan Lal mentioned:
“I feel Mohammed Shami was a bit rusty in the present day. Bowled an excellent supply to get the wicket (of Iftikhar Ahmed) and it was an important wicket. In case you are taking part in a sport after a very long time, then it takes time to get into the groove. To step up within the staff once more is an extra stress.”
India will play their subsequent match of the Group 2 Tremendous 12 stage within the T20 World Cup in opposition to the Netherlands on October 27 on the Syndey Cricket Floor (SCG).