Cricket World Cup 2023: Rohit credits bowlers for India's ruthless seven-wicket victory over Pakistan

Man-of-the Match Bumrah, Siraj, Hardik, Kuldeep and Jadeja all take two wicket each as the skipper weighs in with a top score

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Rohit Sharma. — PTI

By Web Desk & Reuters

Published: Sat 14 Oct 2023, 8:06 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Oct 2023, 2:39 PM

Skipper Rohit Sharma's 86 and an inspired bowling display helped India hammer Pakistan by seven wickets in their high-profile World Cup clash at the 132,000-capacity Ahmedabad stadium on Saturday.

India bowled out Pakistan for 191 after their rivals collapsed from 155-2.

They then overhauled the total with 117 balls to spare to extend their unbeaten streak against their neighbours to eight in the 50-over showpiece tournament.

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Rohit stood out in his 63-ball knock laced with six fours and six sixes to keep India unbeaten in their three matches.

He hit the ball to all parts of the ground with his delightful flicks and pulls to entertain an almost all-Indian crowd at the world's biggest cricket stadium.

India lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli -- both for 16 - before Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who hit the winning four to reach 53, put on 77 runs for the third wicket and placed India comfortably on course for victory.

Ahmedabad: India's Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the wicket of Pakistan's Shadab Khan. - PTI

"There is no doubt about it that the bowlers set up the game for us again today,” said Rohit paying tribute to Bumrah, Siraj, Hardik, Kuldeep and Jadeja, who claimed two wickets each.

“It was a great effort. We pride ourselves on whoever gets the ball doing the job for us. We spoke about that in the changing room. It can be someone's day. It can't be everybody's every day.

"All in all it is looking good, and I want to keep my fingers crossed. We don't want to get too excited or get too low, we want to stay balanced,” he added.

Pakistan, who now have two wins and one defeat in the 10-nation tournament, were bowled out in 42.5 overs, losing their last eight wickets for 36 runs in 80 balls.

The total was Pakistan's third lowest against India in the World Cup after their 173 in Sydney (1992) and 180 at Manchester (1999).

Pakistan started strongly but lost their openers before skipper Babar Azam (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (49) attempted to rebuild and hit back in their stand of 82.

Pakistan's Babar Azam was clean bowled by India's Mohammed Siraj. - PTI

Pakistan were bowled out in 42.5 overs, losing eight wickets for 36 runs in 80 balls.

The total was Pakistan's third lowest against India in the World Cup after their 173 in Sydney (1992) and 180 at Manchester (1999).

Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that his side was not up to the mark with new ball.

"We started well and we got a good partnership between me and Imam,” he said. "We were playing normally but then we had a collapse in the middle order. We did not finish well.

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Brief scores

Pakistan: 191 (42.5 overs): Babar 50, Rizwan 49; Bumrah 2-19

India: 192-3 (30.3 overs): Rohit 86, Shreyas 53*

Result: Indian won by seven wickets

Web Desk & Reuters

Published: Sat 14 Oct 2023, 8:06 PM

Last updated: Thu 19 Oct 2023, 2:39 PM

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