Pakistan have opened their World Championship T20 2021 campaign with a resounding 10-wicket victory over arch-rivals India to clinch the first position in Group 2 at the Super 12 stage. It was also a historic victory for Pakistan as they defeated India for the first time in a World Cup match.
Shaheen Shah Afridi ran through India’s innings and then dismissed Virat Kohli at his death to lead to Pakistan’s victory. Captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were impeccable as they chased down the target of 152 runs in more than two overs.
Afridi got Pakistan off to a dream start when Babar chose to field, catching Rohita Sharma lbw for a golden duck in the first over. In his next confirmation, he bowled KL Rahul through the gates.
Suryakumar Yadav tried to put the pressure back on Pakistan, but after several offensive attacks, he was denied one behind by Hasan Ali.
Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli then declared themselves for 53 runs before falling to Shadab Khan on 39 off 30.
Kohli continued with 57 off 49, but fell in search of adding points before his death.
India ended at 151/7. Shaheen Afridi took 3/31 while Hasan Ali took two wickets.
Pakistani batsmen Babar and Rizwan played brilliantly to complete the chase without any mistakes. Rizwan scored 79 off 55 and Babar scored 68 off 52.
India’s position in 2021 World Cup T20 table
With this victory, Pakistan now tops the T20 Super 12 Group 2 World Cup. India are second, but only because no other team in the group has played yet.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka scored 172 runs for the loss of five wickets to defeat Bangladesh. They finished second in Group 1 of the Super 12 stage behind England.
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Australia is at the third position, followed by South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies.
Afghanistan will begin their campaign for the 2020 FIFA World Cup on Monday, when they face Scotland in the second match of the Group 12 Super 12.