India records splendid 76 run win over Pakistan in first encounter in 2015 Cricket World Cup
15 Feb,Adelaide
India registered a fabulous 76 run victory against arch rival Pakistan in its opening high –octane Group “B” match of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Adelaide Oval Sunday. India maintained their unbeaten World Cup record against Pakistan 6-0.
Pakistan’s World Cup jinx continues and this is Pakistan’s 6th defeat in a row in the World cup from India in last 23 years since 1992.
Chasing the victory target of 301 set by India, Pakistan collapsed at 224 in the 47th over. Earlier India elected to bat and made 300 runs, losing 7 wickets in the process.
The hallmark of Indian innings was a superb 107 by Man of the Match Virat Kohli. This is his first ton in 2015 World Cup and against Pakistan as well .Suresh Raina 74 and Shikhar Dhawan 73 were the other prominent scorers.
India, after opting to bat first, got off to a pedestrian start, with Rohit Sharma heading back to the hut early. Virat Kohli, then, joined Shikhar Dhawan at the centre and both shared 129 runs for the second wicket rescuing the Indian innings.
While Dhawan was run out for 73, Kohli amassed his 22nd ODI ton and first century in 2015 World Cup. Kohli was also involved in a 110-run stand with Suresh Raina whose end-of-innings theatrics helped the defending champions compile 300 for 7. Kohli made 107, Raina scored 74 off just 56 balls.
For Pakistan, pacer Sohail Khan was impressive and took his maiden 5-wicket hau in stipulated ten overs l. He returned with match figures 5 for 55 and he picked crucial wickets of Kohli , Raina and Dhoni .
Pakistan opener Ahemad Shekzad knocked 47 to set up a steady start start after they began their run chase . However, Pakistani batsman continued to struggle on the pitch with Haris Sohail falling prey to Ravichandra Aswini’s delivery at his individual score of 36 and Shaib Maqsood and wicket keeper batsman Umer Akmal for duck.
Misbah provided as the lone ranger provided some stability with the bat , but he could contribute only 76 runs to the Pakistani score line.
Indian pacers Mohmmad Shammi grabbed four wickets with an economy rate of 35 as he and Umesh Yadav (2/50) reduced the Pakistani batting line up . Mohit Sharma picks 2 wickets while Aswin and Ravindra Jadeja picked one wicket each helping steer India to a 76 –run win with 18 balls remaining.
On Feb 22 –Sunday , India will take on South Africa at Melbourne in its second match in Group “B”, which begins from 9 AM IST . India will play its third match against UAE on 28 February.