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Cricket

'Thriller on the way' - Fans hail Indian bowling after Pakistan finish at 159/8 against India in the 20-20 World Cup

Here's how fans have reacted for the first innings from Pakistan batters who struggled against a fiery Indian bowling attack.

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Jennifer
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India vs Pakistan

India vs Pakistan (Image Source: Twitter)

India and Pakistan locked horns in their opening match of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 at Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, Sunday. After being forced to bat first, Pakistan lost their skipper Babar Azam on the very first ball of the second over bowled by Arshdeep Singh. 

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Mohammad Rizwan, the wicketkeeper who opened alongside the 'Men in Green' captain, also perished in quick succession for just 4 runs. Pakistan lost 2 wickets within the powerplay and remained at 32 at the end of six overs. 

However, Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood joined hands to lift the team and ensured that they remained in the race. Ahmed, who reached the fifty-run landmark, perished for 51 runs and it paved way for the epic collapse. 

Fans react to Pakistan’s senseless batting

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Pakistani fans, who were angered by the Men in Green’s batting, opined that the batters played senseless shots and added that they tried to hit along the long-boundary region. Right after Ahmed made his way back to the dressing room, Pakistan lost two quick wickets of Shadab Khan and Haider Ali. 

Asif Ali, who came in after Haider, returned to the dressing room after making only 2 runs for the team. Masood, who remained at the other end, scored a half-century and rescued the team yet again. Pakistan ended up gathering 159/8 on the board at the end of the first innings. 

Hardik Pandya, who picked up a two-for to his name in the game, said before the match that the Melbourne ground would always remain close to his heart. Further, the Indian allrounder added that the fans would see him bowling in the showpiece event and said that he would give his best for the team. 

“Have many fond memories here, I made my T20I debut in Australia, and from there the journey has continued. It's good to be back here, you can't get a better place to play sport and enjoy. The body is fine, I think you should put that topic about my body on rest, you will see me bowling. We are playing international cricket, it's not only about Pakistan bowlers,” Pandya said before the match. 

India Pakistan 20-20 World Cup 2022