Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has said that his side was always in the game while Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan were batting.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan posted an 82-run stand in 17.1 overs and got out when both were set. Babar (50) was bowled by Mohammad Siraj while Jasprit Bumrah removed Rizwan (49).
Hardik Pandya while talking to Star Sports after the game said both of them didn't take any chances. "Babar and Rizwan were timid. They didn’t take any chances, which is why we thought we were always in the game. They didn’t attack us, which is why we were able to bowl dot balls."
Hardik added that they knew if any one of Babar or Rizwan will get out, it will allow them to take more wickets.
"I have seen that if two players bat in the same way, then if one gets out, then it opens up a lot of doors," he added.
India bowled out Pakistan for 191 and then chased down the target in just 30.3 overs to win the match by 7 wickets and keep their unbeaten run in the tournament intact.
Rohit Sharma (86) and Shreyas Iyer (53*) led the run chase under lights after Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the Indian bowlers triggered a Pakistan collapse as they fell from 155 for 2 to 191 all out in 42.5 overs.
It must be noted India jumped to the first position of the ICC World Cup 2023 points table. With three wins in three matches, the home side continued their excellent form and maintained a positive 1.821 net run rate (NRR).
Meanwhile, Pakistan are at fourth with an NRR of -0.137. They will now play Australia on October 20.
- Babar Azam
