India extended their immaculate record against Pakistan in World Cups to 8-0 as a dreadful batting collapse from their opponents set them on their way to a seven-wicket win at a packed Ahmedabad.
The 132,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium was the venue for the showpiece game in world cricket – one rarely seen these days due to political tensions – with the hordes of India supporters watching their side raze Pakistan for 191 after Babar Azam’s team lost their last eight wickets for just 36 runs once the skipper fell for 50.
Pakistan crumbled from 155-2 with India wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (2-35) striking twice in an over and seamer Jasprit Bumrah (2-19) castling Mohammad Rizwan (49) and Shadab Khan (2) in successive overs as the batting side were bundled out in 42.5 overs.
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Watch how Pakistan wilted with the bat in the heavyweight clash against India at the 132,000 Narendra Modi Stadium
India reached their target with a whopping 117 balls to spare as skipper Rohit Sharma followed his 63-ball century against Afghanistan with a 63-ball 86, smoking fives sixes, including his 300th in the format, as his men cantered to a third straight win at this World Cup.
Rohit’s charges remain undefeated against Pakistan in all 50-over World Cups after previous successes in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015 and 2019, with this latest victory an absolute thrashing as they underlined their status as tournament favourites.
India will look to make it four wins from four when they face Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday (9.30am UK time), with Pakistan hoping to bounce back from their Ahmedabad drubbing when they play Australia in Bangalore on Friday (9.30am UK time).
More to follow