Birmingham: In what was supposed to be their
‘final’ match, Pakistan batting capitulated rather timidly to the guile
of Indian bowlers in a rain-curtailed tie here on Saturday.
Barring a 46-run second wicket stand between Mohammad Hafeez and
opener Kamran Akmal, Pakistan batting floundered the way it has done all
through the tournament, with batsmen getting out to poor shot selection
and lack of application.
What must hurt Pakistan most is the fact that each batsman in the
middle order got start, but none capitalised after doing all the
hard-work.
For India, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled with reasonable pace and
appreciable movement to return with 2 wickets for just 19 runs off his 8
overs.
He recieved able support from Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin and Ishant Sharma, all of whom chipped in with 2 wickets each.
Indian ground fielding was also a revelation, with captain Dhoni
leading the way with two outstanding catches, while Virat Kohli effected
a sharp run out to go with his catch at leg slip to send back Akmal.
India boasts of an enviable line up. What remains to be seen is
whether the famed Indian batting will be able to keep its nerve against a
potent Pak attack to go into semis on a high.
Despite bowling Pakistan out for 165, India need 167 to win off their 40 overs (D/L method).
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