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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 » Summary

India vs Pakistan Live Cricket Score, Match 22, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 16, 2019

IND 336/5 (50)
India beat Pakistan by 89 runs (D/L method)
PAK 212/6 (40)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : The D-day is here. It is game number 22 of the tournament and on paper it is just a league game. JUST. But in reality, it is nothing less than a final, if not more. The tickets for this fixture were sold out very quickly as soon as the dates were announced and now, everyone is ready. Grab your colas, your popcorns or whatever source of eating or drinking and fasten your seat belts. It is India-Pakistan again.
For a statistician, this will be nothing more than another one-sided contest. In spite of Pakistan being the better side in the previous two decades, they have never defeated India in a World Cup. And now, with tides changed, the task seems even more improbable. But this is the same Pakistan unit which beat England a few days ago, shocking the world. That is how unpredictable they are. Take them lightly at your own peril.
The experienced guys on both sides will be quietly confident but there still will be butterflies in the stomach. Do Pakistan have a mental block against India in World Cups? Will their young guns be able to shake off that block without much burden on their shoulders? Same goes to India. Having beaten Pakistan 6 times in a row in World Cups, the seventh chapter cannot be something different for the Indian fans. That brings a separate amount of pressure. Who will wilt? Who will sustain? For our sa
WEATHER REPORT - How's the weather? Will it rain? Will we get a full game? Will it be a washout? These are the common questions being asked since the last couple of days. We cannot say anything about the future but it has not rained since morning. However, the skies are getting overcast. This is what the forecast suggests - 'A mainly dry and bright start, but showers will soon start to cross from the southwest. A mix of sunny spells and heavy showers will then prevail, the showers turning heavy
PITCH REPORT - Michael Clarke says the toss won't matter a lot. States it looks a good wicket, it is a little dry and there is a little moisture underneath the wicket as there was rain yesterday. Mentions it should be a good batting wicket but you have to get through the new balls. Ends by saying the weather might play a role in the decision taken by the captains during the toss as DLS could come in play.
TOSS - It is time for the flip of the coin. The two captains are out there. Virat Kohli has the coin in his hand, he tosses it, Sarfaraz Ahmed calls tails and it lands in his favor. PAKISTAN WILL BE BOWLING FIRST!
Pakistan skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed, says the overhead conditions should assist the bowlers early on and they would want to make use of it. Informs they have two spinners and both are quality spinners and can make a difference. Ends by saying India against Pakistan is a big game and they are focused on it.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says they would have bowled first as well, the conditions are pretty good for bowling at the moment but the wicket is good, looks a little dry though and he hopes the two wrist spinners can make use of it later on. States the team which holds its nerve will probably win the game and they are very focused. Informs they have a forced change as Shikhar Dhawan has to sit out due to an injury and Vijay Shankar comes in as he gives them a lot more balance.
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (WK/C), Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim (IN FOR ASIF ALI), Shadab Khan ( IN FOR SHAHEEN AFRIDI), Hassan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir.
India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Vijay Shankar (IN FOR SHIKHAR DHAWAN), MS Dhoni (WK), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.
Time for the National Anthems! The two teams make their way out to the middle. Pakistan will sing their first and then it will be India's turn.
Done and dusted with the National Anthems! It is time for the action to get underway. Pakistan are in a huddle and now make their way out to the middle. A new opening pair for India as KL Rahul walks out with Rohit Sharma. The former will take strike and he will be facing Mohammad Amir who has the first new ball in hand. He is in excellent form in this tournament so far. Pakistan would love it if he strikes early. Two slips in place. Here we go...
0.1 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Starts off right on the money! On a length and around off, angles this one away. Rahul shuffles across and keeps it out.
0.2 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Once again on a length and around off, no movement on the first two balls for Amir. Rahul is solid in defense once again.
0.3 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Amir goes full this time, gives the ball more opportunity to do its bit. It does tail back in and Rahul strokes it to mid on by getting his front leg out of the way.
0.4 : M Amir to KL Rahul, This is wider outside off, Amir wants Rahul to play a loose shot early on. Rahul shoulders arms to it.
0.5 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Another one outside off, Rahul leaves it alone again.
0.6 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Third leave in a row! Outside off again and Rahul lets it be. A maiden to begin with by Amir. Good start for Pakistan.
Hassan Ali to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1.1 : H Ali to R Sharma, Goes fuller in length but no movement on offer. Rohit strokes it to mid off.
1.2 : H Ali to R Sharma, Just short! A loose shot. Fullish again and this one comes back in from outside off. Rohit looks to drive it with loose hands but it goes off the inner half uppishly but short of the bowler.
1.3 : H Ali to R Sharma, FOUR! Rohit and India are off the mark with a boundary! Streaky one but they won't care. Hassan Ali drags his length back and this one jags back in after pitching. Rohit looks to put bat on ball but the ball goes off the inner half, over the stumps and into the fine leg fence.
1.4 : H Ali to R Sharma, Hits the length hard and gets it to bounce nicely. Rohit stands tall and defends it onto the ground.
1.5 : H Ali to R Sharma, First runs off the middle! On the pads, Rohit works it through square leg and takes two.
1.6 : H Ali to R Sharma, Three to end a good second over for India. This is on the pads again, Rohit flicks it past square leg. The fielder gives it a chase and pulls it back before the ball crosses the ropes. Saves a run for his side.
2.1 : M Amir to R Sharma, Caught in two minds here! Rohit is a little worried about the inswinger. He first looks to defend this ball around off but then seeing it angle away, tries to leave. Too late till then and Rohit gets a bottom edge to the keeper. It goes on the bounce.
2.2 : M Amir to R Sharma, A bumper now with a lot of fizz. Sharma is beaten for pace as he looks to pull.
2.3 : M Amir to R Sharma, Good length and outside off, Sharma leaves it alone. Amir is warned OFFICIALLY for running onto the danger area. An early warning, he needs to be careful now. Sarfaraz is not happy about the early warning but the umpire says he did warn him before.
2.4 : M Amir to R Sharma, Back of a length on the pads, Rohit Sharma works it towards square leg and gets to the other end.
2.5 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Angles this one away from the batter, Rahul shoulders arms to it. Watchful start by KL.
2.6 : M Amir to KL Rahul, A single to end! Rahul works it towards square leg and takes one. He too gets off the mark.
3.1 : H Ali to KL Rahul, A little too straight this time, Rahul works it down to fine leg for one. Hassan is bowling a little too straight. They have two slips in place and this is not the line he should be bowling.
3.2 : H Ali to R Sharma, Perfect! On a length and around off, it is kept out.
3.3 : H Ali to R Sharma, FOUR! Beats the diving mid off fielder and it races away! Lovely shot. It is just a mere push there. Fuller on off by Hassan. Rohit uses the pace and strokes it past the mid off fielder and it races away to the fence.
3.4 : H Ali to R Sharma, BEATEN! Rash shot! Shorter in length and outside off, Rohit looks to slash at it but there is not that much width on offer. He gets beaten. The ball also moves away after passing the bat. Sarfaraz has no problem to collect it though.
3.5 : H Ali to R Sharma, Goes wide of the crease and then angles it on off, Rohit is solid in defense. So after the initially shaky start, Rohit now seems to be hitting the middle.
3.6 : H Ali to R Sharma, Just as I write that, an unconvincing defensive shot. Length and around off, this one comes back in. Rohit looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
4.1 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Amir continues bowling it on a length and angles it away. Rahul leaves it alone.
4.2 : M Amir to KL Rahul, FOUR! Good shot! Rahul had no intentions to keep that down. It is short and on middle, Rahul is up for the challenge. He goes back and pulls it over the square leg fielder for a boundary. First for him.
4.3 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Almost drags it on! Rahul gets carried away with the last boundary. He looks to smash this through the off side but goes too hard at it and also away from the body. He gets an inside edge past the leg pole and towards the keeper.
4.4 : M Amir to KL Rahul, On the fuller side outside off, Amir may have rolled his fingers on this delivery. Rahul shoulders arms to it. The umpire walks down to the middle of the wicket, has a look and then warns Amir for the SECOND TIME OFFICIALLY! Amir really needs to be careful, one more mistake and he can't bowl in this game.
4.5 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Back of a length on off, Rahul keeps it out.
4.6 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Well bowled! Once again rolls his fingers on this delivery. It pitches and moves away. Rahul ends up playing inside the line and gets beaten.
5.1 : H Ali to R Sharma, On a good length and around off, Rohit blocks it late.
5.2 : H Ali to R Sharma, Back of a length and on middle, Rohit works it towards mid-wicket for one.
Amit - I know why Amir is continuously stepping on that danger area. Pakistan are fielding two spinners in their side today. By landing on those areas, Amir wants to create some footmarks which will assist his team's spinners. Well, Amit, Sarfaraz may not want to lose out Amir so early in this innings, just to help his spinners.
5.3 : H Ali to KL Rahul, Goes short this time and around off, Rahul gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
5.4 : H Ali to R Sharma, FOUR! Short, wide and smashed! Width on offer outside off and Rohit pounces on it. He slaps it past the diving cover-point fielder and it races away to the fence. Sarfaraz is not happy with that line and rightly so.
5.5 : H Ali to R Sharma, Sarfaraz is happy with this though. Hassan lands it on a length and outside off, Rohit shoulders arms to it.
5.6 : H Ali to R Sharma, SIX! Stand and deliver! Trademark Rohit Sharma. Slightly shorter and on off, the key here was Rohit picks the length early. He just leans back a little and pulls it high and handsome over the mid-wicket fence. A very good over for India, 12 from it.
6.1 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Good length and outside off, it is left alone.
6.2 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Another good delivery! Around off and Amir gets it to slant away. Rahul leaves it alone.
Just like you bat in partnerships, you bowl in partnerships as well. Amir is building pressure at one end while Hassan is releasing it at the other. Pakistan need pressure to be built from both ends. A bowling change might be seen soon.
6.3 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Good length and just outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
6.4 : M Amir to R Sharma, Good running! Rohit drops it towards the off side and takes off. The fielder does score a direct hit at the keeper's end but Rahul was well in.
6.5 : M Amir to KL Rahul, Good delivery again! Length and on off, Rahul ends up playing outside the line, he gets an inside edge to short fine leg.
6.6 : M Amir to KL Rahul, A bye! Length and outside off, Rahul lets it be. This bounces just ahead of Ahmed who fails to stop it cleanly and a run is taken. A good over though from Amir. He is keeping it tight, Pakistan need the same from the other end.
Wahab Riaz is on now! This change was on, Hassan Ali was not bowling that well.
7.1 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Starts off with a ball on the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
7.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Shorter in length and on middle, this one skids through. Rohit awkwardly pulls it towards square leg for one.
7.3 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Back of a length on off, Rahul stands tall and defends it onto the ground.
7.4 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Another back of a length delivery, Rahul waits for it and then guides it down to third man for one.
7.5 : W Riaz to R Sharma, A little fuller and on off, Rohit lunges and defends it onto the ground.
7.6 : W Riaz to R Sharma, FOUR! Just over! Wahab goes short and on the body, Rohit helps it on its way, hits it uppishly but just over the jumping short fine leg fielder and into the fence. Spoils the over, another good one for India.
Imad Wasim is on now! Change from both ends for Pakistan.
8.1 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, False start for Imad as he bowls this one down the leg side. Rahul looks to flick but misses. Wided.
I Wasim to KL Rahul, On the stumps, this is pushed back to the bowler.
8.2 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Flatter on the stumps, Rahul works it through square leg for one.
8.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Another one on the pads, Rohit flicks it through square leg and rotates strike.
8.4 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Goes wide of the crease and attacks the middle stump. Rahul strokes it back to the bowler.
8.5 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Fires this into the pads, Rahul pushes it to mid-wicket.
8.6 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, A single to end! On the pads again, Imad continues to bowl a straighter line. Rahul flicks it through square leg for one. Just the four from the over, a tidy start by Imad.
9.1 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, A big, big confusion but no harm in the end! Pakistan should have had their first wicket. A huge miss there. Wahab bowls it on middle, Rahul works it through mid-wicket. They take one, Rohit wants a second and is sprinting to the other end. Rahul initially starts off but then calls 'NO' with his hand up. Rohit does not spot that untill he reaches halfway. Zaman in the deep, picks the ball up and in a rush, without looking, throws it to the bowler's end. Wahab fails to co
9.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Good length on off, it is guided to point.
9.3 : W Riaz to R Sharma, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
9.4 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Outside off, this is guided down to third man for one.
9.5 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Another confusion! This is worked towards mid-wicket and Rahul wants a run but Rohit sends him back.
9.6 : W Riaz to R Sharma, FOUR! Brings the 50 up for the team in style! Riaz bowls it shorter and outside off, Rohit plays it late and cuts it past point. No chance for third man. Once again the last ball spoils Wahab's over. India have dominated Powerplay 1. They are 53 for no loss after it.
POWERPLAY 2 time. Danger period for Pakistan. Neither opener has been dismissed. Just like Australia experienced against India, the Men In Green might be in line for some upswing in the run rate now. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
10.1 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, FOUR! Swept and swept nice and fine! Played that with the angle. It is fired in on the pads, Rahul goes down on one knee, uses the pace of the bowler and hits it to the fine leg fence.
10.2 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Well played again! Rahul uses his feet but does not get to the pitch of the ball. He still manages to chip it over the mid-wicket fielder. They take two. Imam in the deep fumbles and an extra run is taken.
10.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On the pads again, this is worked towards short fine leg for one.
10.4 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, BEAUTY! That has straightened! This is pitched around leg, the ball straightens after pitching. Rahul looks to play it with a closed face of the bat but misses to get hit high on the pads.
10.5 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Wayward throw! Another run out opportunity missed! Rahul pushes this towards point and sets off. Rohit responds. Shadab is quick to the ball but releases a wild throw by diving across to his right, way too away from the keeper. Pakistan have not started well in the field. Maybe the nerves of such a big game has gotten to them. This is one example as Shadab is usually a brilliant fielder and he has messed up big time over here.
10.6 : I Wasim to R Sharma, A dot to end! On off, Sharma keeps it out. 9 from the over, another productive one for India.
Shadab Khan into the attack now.
11.1 : S Khan to KL Rahul, FOUR! Bad ball to start. Short and wide outside off, turning away, Rahul uses the width, goes deep in his crease and cuts it behind point for a boundary.
11.2 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Another bad ball, short and wide outside off, cut through point for a single this time.
11.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, More rubbish from Shadab. A plethora of half trackers from the leg spinner. Rohit picks the length in a trice and wallops the pull in the mid-wicket region. Almost gets a boundary but Hassan Ali runs to his right and stops the ball well. Two runs taken.
11.4 : S Khan to R Sharma, SIX! Oh dear. Bad, worse, worst nothing beyond the superlative. This is a horror start from Shadab. After bowling it short, he does not land this one at all. Rohit pulls it over mid-wicket for half a dozen.
11.5 : S Khan to R Sharma, FOUR! Now the length is full and Rohit drives it behind point. Seems like there is no fielder out when India are batting. 43rd ODI Fifty for Rohit. 7th against Pakistan. 3rd 50-plus score on the trot for him in this World Cup. Looks good to get his second ton in this edition.
11.6 : S Khan to R Sharma, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 17 from the over! Have India got the kickstart they needed?
12.1 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
12.2 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Quicker one outside off, Rahul looks to cut but misses.
12.3 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Short in length, punched off the back foot for a single.
12.4 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Full and straight, watchfully defended.
12.5 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Arrowed in on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
12.6 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Landed outside off, played straight to point.
13.1 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Full on middle, Rahul drives it straight back. 'PAKAD!' yells Sarfaraz. Shadab dives to his right but misses the ball. A single taken towards long on.
13.2 : S Khan to R Sharma, Full and outside off, pushed towards point.
13.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, Tossed up outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
13.4 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Floated around off, watchfully kept out.
13.5 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Struggling for control, bowls this too full, outside off, Rahul strokes it towards long off for a run.
13.6 : S Khan to R Sharma, Around off and outside off, pushed towards point.
14.1 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
14.2 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On off, Rohit strokes it through covers for one.
14.3 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Good stop! This pitches on off and then straightens. Rahul looks to defend but gets an outside edge towards short third man where the fielder makes a good diving stop. A run only.
14.4 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On off again, this is defended.
14.5 : I Wasim to R Sharma, A single now as Rohit eases it down to long off.
14.6 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, A dot to end a tidy over by Imad. Fires it on off, Rahul pushes it to covers.
15.1 : S Khan to R Sharma, FOUR! Lovely placement! Shadab is struggling here. He has gone for 24 in the 13 balls he has bowled. Shorter and outside off, Rohit goes back and guides it past point for a boundary.
15.2 : S Khan to R Sharma, Better! Lands it on off and gets it to spin away. Rohit puts in a good stride forward and looks to defend with soft hands but it goes off the outer half towards backward point.
15.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, Slower through the air outside off, Sharma looks to sweep but misses.
15.4 : S Khan to R Sharma, Three good balls in a row! On off, Rohit blocks it.
15.5 : S Khan to R Sharma, The googly, Rohit picks it and works it down to long on for one.
15.6 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Another single as Rahul pushes it through covers for one. A good comeback by Shadab after going for a boundary on the very first ball.
16.1 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, On the fuller side, this is hit down to long off for one.
16.2 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Another tossed up ball on off, Rohit this time eases it to long off for one.
16.3 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Rahul opens the face of the bat at the very end and guides it through cover for one.
16.4 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Works it with the angle, uppishly but wide of mid-wicket and down towards wide long on for the 4th single in the over.
16.5 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Rahul feels he missed out there! Down the leg side, Rahul looks to sweep but misses. Wided. Had he connected, it would have been a boundary.
I Wasim to KL Rahul, Flatter and on off, Rahul pushes it towards point.
16.6 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, A single to end! 6 from the over. Rahul pushes it down to long on for one.
17.1 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Slower through the air and outside off, left alone.
17.2 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Lovely bowling! Slows it up and lands it on off, Rahul leans forward and keeps it out.
17.3 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Flatter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one. The 100 is up for India. This is their first 100-run stand for the opening partnership against Pakistan in ICC ODI World Cups for India. The openers have provided the best possible start. Also, it has come up in very quick time. The foundation is laid here for a big score.
17.4 : S Khan to R Sharma, Flighted ball on off, Rohit strokes it through mid off for one.
17.5 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Another good delivery! The googly on off, Rahul defends it late onto the ground.
17.6 : S Khan to KL Rahul, A very good over by Shadab comes to an end. He ends with a slider on off which Rahul pushes to cover. Need a few more like these do Pakistan.
Drinks break. It's all India at the moment! Apart from winning the toss, nothing has gone Pakistan's way. There were a few half chances but they have not taken them and the pair of Rohit and Rahul are just dominating proceedings at the moment. 18 overs done, Pakistan have used all their main bowlers but apart from Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, to an extent, all have struggled at the big stage. They need to regroup in this mini-break and come out with some different strategy. For India, it's all
18.1 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Shortish and on off, Rohit goes on the back foot and punches it to sweeper cover.
18.2 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Beaten in flight this time, Rahul. He stays back to a full ball around off when he should have been forward but eventually does well to block it on the off side.
18.3 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Slower on off, Rahul guides it to point.
18.4 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, On off again and Rahul pushes it back from where it came.
18.5 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, On the stumps again, Rahul keeps it out. This is turning out to be another good over.
18.6 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Imad ends it well too! Back-to-back tight overs for Pakistan. The last ball is pushed through covers for one.
19.1 : S Khan to KL Rahul, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
19.2 : S Khan to R Sharma, Gets it to drift in from off and then turns it away. RS blocks it.
19.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, Very full outside off, Rohit initially looks to sweep but then seeing the length, jams it out to point.
A halt in play as Rohit needs to tie his shoe laces!
19.4 : S Khan to R Sharma, Flatter and on off, this is guided through point for an easy run.
19.5 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Another dot as Rahul defends it towards point. He wanted a run but is sent back.
19.6 : S Khan to KL Rahul, Gets away with one there Shadab! Rahul gets into position early to play the reverse sweep. Shadab looks to fire it in but ends up bowling a full toss. Rahul plays the reverse but straight to backward point. A dot to end! Just the 6 from the last 3 overs.
20.1 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On the stumps, this is pushed down to long on for one.
20.2 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Flatter and outside off, Rahul slaps it through covers for one.
20.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On off, it straightens. Takes the outside edge of Rohit's bat and rolls towards short third man for a run.
20.4 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Quicker and on off, Rahul strokes it through covers for one.
20.5 : I Wasim to R Sharma, This is worked to the left of mid-wicket who dives over the ball and a run is taken.
20.6 : I Wasim to KL Rahul, Good running! This is worked to the longer part of the ground towards square leg and the batters take two.
STAT ALERT! Whenever India's openers have put on a century stand in the ODI World Cup, their win percentage is 86 percent! (6 of 7 prior instances).
Shoaib Malik is on now!
21.1 : S Malik to R Sharma, Flatter and on off, Rohit keeps it out towards the off side and takes one.
21.2 : S Malik to KL Rahul, Shorter on middle, Rahul whips it towards deep mid-wicket for one.
21.3 : S Malik to R Sharma, Works it with the turn through square leg for one.
21.4 : S Malik to KL Rahul, SIX! Just clears the fence! Fifty for Rahul. He has ensured India don't miss Dhawan here. He went about things slowly but a good innings nevertheless. There is a ton on the offering here. Rahul gets to his half ton in style. Sees the length is short, rocks back and pulls it in the gap in the mid-wicket region. It goes all the way.
21.5 : S Malik to KL Rahul, On middle, Rahul paddles it towards short fine leg for one.
21.6 : S Malik to R Sharma, Another single as Rohit works it through mid-wicket for one. Expensive start by Malik.
Here comes the Professor. Pakistan desperately need Hafeez to strut his experience.
22.1 : M Hafeez to R Sharma, FOUR! Good afternoon, Professor! What a welcome to the senior guy. Tossed up around middle, Rohit comes down the track and bashes this past Hafeez to the long on fence!
22.2 : M Hafeez to R Sharma, Outside off, pushed through point for a single.
22.3 : M Hafeez to KL Rahul, Comes down the track and drives it straight to short cover.
22.4 : M Hafeez to KL Rahul, Around middle, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
22.5 : M Hafeez to KL Rahul, SIX! Oh wow. Rahul gets into the act now. Don't look like India are interested in the Professor's classes. Tossed up outside off, Rahul comes down the track and lofts it cleanly inside out over wide long off!
22.6 : M Hafeez to KL Rahul, Dangerously picks this from the off and middle stump, sweeping it fine but straight to short fine leg. Rahul wants a single but Rohit sends him back. Good call. That went very quickly to the fielder. 11 each from the opening overs of the 2 part-timers.
Wahab Riaz is back on! Just the one over for Malik.
23.1 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Length and outside off, Rohit plays it late down towards third man for one.
23.2 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, A bumper but it is a wild one! Way down the leg side, wided.
W Riaz to KL Rahul, Back of a length on off, Rahul defends it onto the ground.
23.3 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Back of a length again on off, Rahul goes back and keeps it out. Wahab now gets an OFFICIAL WARNING for running onto the danger area. So Amir already has been given two and Wahab now has one. Worrying signs for Pakistan.
23.4 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, Goes around the wicket and then lands it on a length around off, Rahul guides it to point.
23.5 : W Riaz to KL Rahul, OUT! Soft dismissal and Pakistan have finally got the much-needed wicket. It has come completely against the run of play though. A good ball though from Wahab. It is just behind the driving length on off. Sticks in the wicket a little. Rahul looks to drive it through covers but ends up chipping it straight to Azam there. He makes no mistake and reverse cups it safely. Rahul will be disappointed as there was a century for the taking. He played a handy role though in the
Indian skipper Virat Kohli comes on at number 3, replacing Rahul. Is 57 short of becoming the fastest to 11,000 ODI runs.
23.6 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Needles shot first up by Kohli. He goes after a very wide delivery. Ends up chopping it to point. End of a successful over for Pakistan.
Hassan Ali is back on. 3-0-27-0 so far.
24.1 : H Ali to R Sharma, Short and way too wide outside off, Sharma looks to cut but misses. Wided.
H Ali to R Sharma, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
24.2 : H Ali to V Kohli, Outside off, Kohli slaps it through covers for a run. Gets off the mark with a confident shot.
24.3 : H Ali to R Sharma, FOUR! Fortunate one! Second time today he has got a boundary in that fashion against Hassan and the bowler can't believe his luck. Shorter and outside off, Rohit looks to guide it down to third man but the ball comes back in sharply. It hits the under edge and goes over the stumps and then to the fine leg fence.
24.4 : H Ali to R Sharma, Good length again around off, this is guided through backward point and towards third man for one.
24.5 : H Ali to V Kohli, Goes short! Kohli mistimes his pull but gets it through the vacant mid-wicket region for two.
24.6 : H Ali to V Kohli, Back of a length on off, Kohli defends it onto the ground. Hassan Ali continues to be expensive.
25.1 : W Riaz to R Sharma, On middle, Rohit works it with the angle towards mid-wicket.
25.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Lovely shot! Just times it through covers and takes two. Nicely used the pace of the bowler there.
25.3 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Back of a length on off, Rohit plays it late and down to third man for one.
25.4 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Good running! Kohli taps it towards point and takes off straightaway. Rohit responds and a run is completed with ease. 150 up for India.
25.5 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Slower one on off, Rohit strokes it through covers for one.
25.6 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Angled into the batsman, Kohli looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. A muted appeal from the bowler but he is the only one doing so.
26.1 : H Ali to R Sharma, Outside off, it is left alone.
26.2 : H Ali to R Sharma, SIX! Majestic shot! Into the 90s is Rohit Sharma. Short and wide outside off, Sharma slaps it right off the middle and the ball sails over the point fence.
26.3 : H Ali to R Sharma, Good comeback! On a length and around off, Sharma goes back and defends it onto the ground.
26.4 : H Ali to R Sharma, Length again on off, Rohit guides it to point.
26.5 : H Ali to R Sharma, On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one.
26.6 : H Ali to V Kohli, Excellent running! Length and around off, Kohli looks to drive with hard hands but it goes off the inner half towards square leg. They run the first one hard and then go for the second, complete it. Another expensive over by Hassan Ali. His second spell has gone for 19 and he has bowled only 2.
27.1 : W Riaz to R Sharma, This is angled into the batsman, Rohit works it to mid-wicket.
27.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, On the body, this is pulled towards fine leg for one.
27.3 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Good length on off, Kohli does well to defend it by taking one hand off the handle.
27.4 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Extra bounce there! Wahab is bending his back. Back of a length on middle, it takes off after pitching. Hits Kohli on the glove as he tries to defend.
27.5 : W Riaz to V Kohli, A little bit of width on this one outside off. Kohli guides it down to third man for one.
27.6 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Slower one but it comes out wrong. Way too wide outside off, left alone. Wided.
W Riaz to R Sharma, Another easy run as Rohit taps it towards backward point.
Mohammad Amir is back! He was brilliantly in his first spell. Can he get either of Rohit or Kohli here? That is probably why he has been brought back on.
28.1 : M Amir to R Sharma, On the pads, this is worked towards fine leg for one. Moves onto 95.
28.2 : M Amir to V Kohli, Back of a length on off, it is kept out.
28.3 : M Amir to V Kohli, Almost does get Kohli. Amir angles this across Virat. Kohli looks to guide it down to third man but misses. A few words by Amir but Kohli does not respond.
28.4 : M Amir to V Kohli, Back of a length again on off, Kohli pushes it to mid off.
28.5 : M Amir to V Kohli, Continues bowling it on a length and around off. VK defends it out. Just the run from the over so far.
28.6 : M Amir to V Kohli, It remains that way! Full and outside off, Kohli shoulders arms to it.
Shadab Khan is back on.
29.1 : S Khan to R Sharma, Full and flighted outside off, Sharma drives it through covers and takes a single.
29.2 : S Khan to V Kohli, Keeps a slip in place and bowls it short on off, Virat moves back and punches it down to long on for one.
29.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, Flatter and shorter again on off, it's stroked from the crease to sweeper cover for another single in this over.
29.4 : S Khan to V Kohli, Loopy and full on off, Kohli leans into the drive and chips his drive wide of the cover fielder for one.
29.5 : S Khan to R Sharma, Moves to 99, Rohit! A delightful cover drive by Rohit and he returns for the second run.
29.6 : S Khan to R Sharma, 24th ODI HUNDRED FOR ROHIT SHARMA! Becomes the second Indian after Kohli to hit a ton against Pakistan in the ICC ODI World Cup. What a knock by the Hitman! He reaches there by cracking a short ball through cover-point for one. The Indian dressing room is on its feet. This is also his third fastest hundred in this format. We all know, he doesn't sit back quiet after hitting a century, watch out Pakistan, here comes Rohit aiming for his fourth double hundred.
30.1 : M Amir to R Sharma, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. The batsmen have run through for a single.
30.2 : M Amir to V Kohli, FOUR! You need not run for such shots! Outstanding. Not a very bad delivery, it is on a length and around off, Kohli stands tall and hits it on the up through covers.
30.3 : M Amir to V Kohli, Good length on off, Kohli guides it to point.
30.4 : M Amir to V Kohli, Slower one outside off, Kohli guides it down to third man for one.
30.5 : M Amir to R Sharma, Rohit now plays it down to third man for one.
30.6 : M Amir to V Kohli, Goes for a surprise short ball, Kohli is up for the challenge though. He pulls it over mid-wicket and takes two.
31.1 : S Khan to R Sharma, This is flatter and on off, Rohit pushes it down to long on.
31.2 : S Khan to V Kohli, The batsman has driven it through mid-off. They pick up a single.
31.3 : S Khan to R Sharma, Just short! This is fired outside off, Rohit slaps it uppishly but well short of the point fielder who misfields and a run is taken.
31.4 : S Khan to V Kohli, The googly on middle, it is kept out.
31.5 : S Khan to V Kohli, Very full on off, Kohli hits it wide of long off and takes two. The 50-run stand is up. This pair is building up on the good start provided by the opening wicket. They are going along at a good pace too.
31.6 : S Khan to V Kohli, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. One run added to the total.
Imad Wasim is back! His figures read 7-0-33-0.
32.1 : I Wasim to V Kohli, This is fired outside off, Kohli looks to run it down to third man but the ball hits the higher portion and then the middle and rolls towards point.
32.2 : I Wasim to V Kohli, Flatter and on middle, Kohli pushes it down to long on for one.
32.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, In the air... but soft! Rohit did well to take one hand off. This is floated on off, Rohit looks to drive but the ball sticks on the surface. He takes one hand off the handle and hence, it lands well short of the fielder at extra cover.
32.4 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Flatter now on off, Sharma pushes it through covers for one.
32.5 : I Wasim to V Kohli, This is eased down to long on for one.
32.6 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Another single as Rohit punches it down to long on.
33.1 : S Khan to R Sharma, Well bowled! Sees Rohit come down and shortens the length. RS adjusts and cuts it to point.
33.2 : S Khan to R Sharma, Flatter and outside off, Rohit looks to cut but ends up chopping it towards short third man for one.
33.3 : S Khan to V Kohli, This is hit through covers and Kohli takes a run.
33.4 : S Khan to R Sharma, Big turn there! More than Pakistan, India would love this as it could only get worse. Slower through the air outside off, Rohit lets it be. It turns and bounces away sharply.
33.5 : S Khan to R Sharma, FOUR! That went to the fence in a jiffy. Rohit plays the slog sweep and it runs away from the deep mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.
33.6 : S Khan to R Sharma, A couple to end another good over for India. Rohit pushes this wide of long on and takes two.
34.1 : I Wasim to V Kohli, On off, defended.
34.2 : I Wasim to V Kohli, Flighted on off, Kohli strokes it towards cover where the fielder gets a hand to it and deflects it towards long off. One taken. 200 up for India.
34.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Easy two! Rohit works it wide of deep square leg and takes a brace.
34.4 : I Wasim to R Sharma, On the stumps, it is kept out.
34.5 : I Wasim to R Sharma, EDGED AND FOUR! No slip in place! Imad lands this on off, it straightens. Rohit looks to push at it but ends up playing inside the line. The ball goes off the outside edge and to the third man fence.
34.6 : I Wasim to R Sharma, A dot to end! So despite the boundary, just 7 from the over. Rohit pushes this to the right of the bowler who gets there and saves a run.
Wahab Riaz is brought back on!
35.1 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Pacey ball! Short and hurries onto Kohli. He looks to pull but the ball hits the glove and rolls towards the leg side for one.
35.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Back of a length on off, Rohit pushes it to covers.
35.3 : W Riaz to R Sharma, FOUR! Up and over! Slower one and it is short and outside off, Rohit cuts it over point and it races to the fence.
35.4 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Now a couple! Too easy at the moment for India. This is worked through mid-wicket and the batters take two.
35.5 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Plays this one late and guides it down to third man for one.
35.6 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Another single to end! This is on the pads, it is worked to fine leg for one. 24 from the last 3 overs and that too without any risk taken.
Drinks break. India are motoring! They are looking to bat Pakistan out of this game. 14 overs to go and the Men in Blue have two set batsmen in middle. Rohit Sharma is going great guns and Virat Kohli is playing the supporting role superbly. With the firepower left in the Indian batting order, they will be targeting a total close to 350, if not more. Pakistan have been very clueless in the field. They usually do well in the death overs and that's what Sarfaraz will be banking on at the moment. W
36.1 : I Wasim to V Kohli, On off, Rohit guides it to short third man.
36.2 : I Wasim to V Kohli, Very full on the pads, this is whipped down to long on for one.
36.3 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Shorter and on off, Rohit guides it through point for one.
36.4 : I Wasim to V Kohli, Floated up on off, Kohli hits it wide of long off and a run is taken.
36.5 : I Wasim to R Sharma, Rohit dances down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He strokes it to long off for one.
36.6 : I Wasim to V Kohli, A single to end! 5 from the over. Kohli hits this one down to long on and gets to the other end. End of Imad Wasim with the ball for tonight. Not bad figures for him. He finishes with 10-0-49-0.
37.1 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Length and on off, Kohli plays it late down to third man for one.
37.2 : W Riaz to R Sharma, FOUR! If you bowl short to Sharma, you will be punished. Short and on the body, Rohit swivels and pulls it over backward square leg for a boundary.
37.3 : W Riaz to R Sharma, On the bounce! Goes short again and on the body, Rohit pulls it uppishly but on the bounce to fine leg. One run.
37.4 : W Riaz to V Kohli, A little too straight again, Kohli looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and rolls towards square leg. Leg bye taken.
37.5 : W Riaz to R Sharma, Lovely shot! Stays leg side to the delivery and manages to guide it through backward point. Third man gets across to his right and keeps it down to two.
37.6 : W Riaz to R Sharma, A quick single to end! Full and on middle, Rohit strokes it towards mid on.
Change in bowling. Hassan Ali returns. He has been very expensive in first 5 overs, conceding 45. Time for redemption?
38.1 : H Ali to R Sharma, FOUR! Hassan is a marked man! Starts his new spell with a short ball and Rohit pulls it without any issue over mid-wicket for a boundary.
38.2 : H Ali to R Sharma, OUT! Rohit Sharma is gone! No double century this time. Tries to be cheeky and that brings his downfall! Hassan delivers it on a length outside off and Rohit shuffles across the stumps with the intention of spooning it over short fine leg. But he doesn't get the desired connection and Wahab Riaz takes a simple catch inside the ring. Sharma is gutted with himself. He wanted to get his fourth double ton at the grandest stage. Anyway, a handsome knock by The Hitman and he w
Hardik Pandya is the new man in. He can add to Pakistan's misery here. If he gets in, he can take the game away quickly from Pakistan.
38.3 : H Ali to H Pandya, Pandya defends it from within the crease.
38.4 : H Ali to H Pandya, Short in length and outside off, Hardik cuts it powerfully and it races away. The sweeper cuts it off at the very last moment and saves two for his team.
38.5 : H Ali to H Pandya, On the pads, Pandya flicks it in the gap at mid-wicket and calls for two. Completes it with ease.
38.6 : H Ali to H Pandya, Short and outside off, Pandya tries to cut but misses. End of a successful over from Hassan.
Shadab Khan is back on!
39.1 : S Khan to V Kohli, FOUR! Welcome back into the attack, Khan. Short and on middle, Kohli goes back and pulls it in the vacant mid-wicket region and bags a boundary.
39.2 : S Khan to V Kohli, Misfield and another run! Shorter and on off, Kohli slaps it towards cover. They take one. The fielder fumbles and they run another.
39.3 : S Khan to V Kohli, This is guided towards short third man for one.
39.4 : S Khan to H Pandya, BEATEN! Floats it up on off, Pandya looks to drive it through the off side but is beaten by the away turn.
39.5 : S Khan to H Pandya, The batsman has driven it through mid off. One run added to the total.
39.6 : S Khan to V Kohli, Another misfield! This is pushed towards long on where the fielder runs to his right but does not stop the ball cleanly. Two taken.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled! Maximum of 5 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. We are into the final 10 overs of this Indian Innings. With the likes of Pandya and Kohli at the crease and Dhoni - The Finisher yet to come, Pakistan are staring at a total around 350, if not more, unless they lift their bowling.
40.1 : H Ali to H Pandya, Very full on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
40.2 : H Ali to V Kohli, Very full on the pads, Kohli works it towards fine leg for one. 250 up.
40.3 : H Ali to H Pandya, Short of the keeper! Slower one and outside off, Pandya slashes but the ball takes the outside edge and goes on the bounce to Ahmed.
40.4 : H Ali to H Pandya, Very full on the pads again, Pandya flicks it towards fine leg and gets to the other end.
40.5 : H Ali to V Kohli, Another very full ball, difficult to get under those. Kohli hits it to long on and takes one.
40.6 : H Ali to H Pandya, Good running again! Slower one on middle, Pandya works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket. The weight on the shot is perfect so two taken. Still only 6 from the over. Pakistan will take that.
Wahab Riaz is back into the attack. He has been very good at the death for Pakistan. They will need him to do the same.
41.1 : W Riaz to V Kohli, FOUR! Not the best start for him but the perfect start to the over for India. Full and on off, easy pickings with mid off up. Kohli lofts it over that fielder and bags a boundary. Pressure on the bowler.
41.2 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Now cleverly guides it down to third man and takes one.
41.3 : W Riaz to H Pandya, Goes short and outside off, Pandya looks to pull but the ball rushes onto him and it ends up going to mid off.
41.4 : W Riaz to H Pandya, Played to the point region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
41.5 : W Riaz to V Kohli, On middle, Kohli hits it back to the bowler.
41.6 : W Riaz to V Kohli, A single to end as Kohli works it through square leg and gets to the other end. So despite the boundary early on, only 7 from the over.
42.1 : H Ali to V Kohli, Slower one on off, Kohli drops it towards point and gets to the other end.
42.2 : H Ali to H Pandya, SIX! That has gone off the top edge! Outrageous. Speaks volumes about the quality of the bat now-a-days. Also, it was a slower one outside off, Pandya is completely foxed. He is way too early into the slog. The ball goes off the top edge and clears the third man fence.
42.3 : H Ali to H Pandya, Lovely bowling! Another slower one outside off, Pandya does not pick it again and is way too early into the shot. Misses and it goes closely past the off pole.
42.4 : H Ali to H Pandya, FOUR! Easy-peasy! A high full toss on the pads, Pandya says thank you very much and whips it over backward square leg for a boundary.
42.5 : H Ali to H Pandya, A dot! Quick and outside off, Pandya is late in the cut shot.
42.6 : H Ali to H Pandya, Now a couple! 13 from the over. Slower one and shorter in length. This is pulled gently towards mid-wicket for two.
Mohammad Amir is back! He was exceptional in his first spell and will have to be at his best at the death.
43.1 : M Amir to V Kohli, Brilliant running again! Also, Kohli brings his 51st fifty. Consecutive fifties for him and it is another top knock. He gets there by working it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
43.2 : M Amir to V Kohli, FOUR! Dismissed! Brute! Full and on off, Kohli shuffles across and smashes it through mid off. 6 from the first two balls.
43.3 : M Amir to V Kohli, Make that 7 as Kohli chops this towards point for a quick run.
43.4 : M Amir to H Pandya, FOUR! Slapped! Another outstanding shot! Slower one and on off, Pandya stands tall and slaps it through covers for a boundary.
43.5 : M Amir to H Pandya, OUT! In the air... taken! Pandya holes out. Amir has the last laugh. This is full and on middle, Pandya brings out the helicopter shot. Does not get the power he needed to clear the ropes behind and it goes towards wide long on where Azam takes it. A decent cameo from him comes to an end. Pakistan will be relieved to see his back.
Here comes the inventor of the Helicopter shot - Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The crowd has gone bonkers seeing him coming down the stairs. Can he put on a show?
43.6 : M Amir to V Kohli, Slower one on middle, Kohli pushes it down to long off for one. A wicket but 12 from it.
44.1 : H Ali to V Kohli, On off, it is pushed to cover.
44.2 : H Ali to V Kohli, FOUR! 11000 ODI runs for Virat Kohli. He is the fastest to do so and he gets that milestone up in style. He receives a ball down the leg side and just flicks it to the fine leg fence.
44.3 : H Ali to V Kohli, FOUR! Another poor ball and Hassan pays the price again. Down the leg side, Kohli works it fine, finer than the last ball and a boundary results again.
44.4 : H Ali to V Kohli, Shorter in length and on middle, Kohli pulls it through mid-wicket and takes two. So a dot to start the over but 10 from the next three balls.
44.5 : H Ali to V Kohli, 11 from the 5 balls bowled! Kohli pushes this through covers and takes one.
44.6 : H Ali to MS Dhoni, A single to end the over. He has already conceded the most runs by a Pakistan bowler in a World Cup game. Back of a length around off, Dhoni guides it down to third man for one. 12 from the over again and Hassan has gone for 84 in the 9 overs he has bowled.
45.1 : M Amir to MS Dhoni, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! No MS magic today. Amir gets two huge wickets in the last three balls he has bowled. Amir bowls this full and outside off, it is a scrambled seam delivery. There is a little extra bounce. Dhoni swings but the ball kisses the outside edge and goes into the hands of the keeper. 350 now looks a tough task with Dhoni gone.
0.0 : Vijay Shankar is in next. Interesting move to send him ahead of Kedar Jadhav, who has a SR in excess of 100 in ODIs.
45.2 : M Amir to V Shankar, BEATEN FOR PACE! Length and outside off, Shankar looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
45.3 : M Amir to V Shankar, Does the smart thing now by guiding it down to third man and giving the strike to Kohli. First run for Shankar in the World Cup.
45.4 : M Amir to V Kohli, 300 up for India. Short and on middle, Kohli looks to pull but it goes off the bottom towards mid-wicket and the batsmen take two.
45.5 : M Amir to V Kohli, On the body, it is worked through square leg for one.
45.6 : M Amir to V Shankar, A dot to end a very good over by Amir. Just the 4 and a wicket from it. Back of a length on off, Shankar guides it to point.
Wahab Riaz is back!
46.1 : W Riaz to V Kohli, Just over! Slower ball and shorter in length outside off, Kohli initially looks to cut but then tries to bail out. The ball though hits the bat and lobs over the point fielder for one.
0.0 : There is some drizzle in the air now. Virat Kohli is visibly not happy that the umpires are not going off.
46.2 : W Riaz to V Shankar, Length and on off, Shankar strokes it to covers.
46.3 : W Riaz to V Shankar, Back of a length on the body, Shankar pulls it towards deep square leg for two.
A catch has been taken behind the wickets. The finger goes up after the appeal is made. Vijay Shankar though is very sure that he has not edged it. He takes the DRS and calmly walks up to his captain to have a chat. There was some noise. Maybe, that was of the bat hitting the surface.
46.4 : W Riaz to V Shankar, NOT OUT! A big gap between bat and ball and the on-field call has to be overturned. Good use of the technology by Shankar. This is full and outside off. Shankar looks to hit it through the off side but there is some noise as the ball passes the bat. Sarfaraz takes it and appeals. The umpire raises the finger. Shankar reviews and is looking confident. Replays roll in and they show that the noise was of the bat hitting the ground. Vijay survives to fight another day.
Update 1345 local (1245 GMT) - It's raining now! The players are heading back to the pavilion and the hover cover comes on to protect the playing area. Slowly, slowly more covers are coming on. As soon as Pakistan started to pull things back just a bit, they have to go off. Let's hope that the rain passes away soon and India get to bat their full quota of overs. Stay tuned for more updates...
Update 1407 local (1307 GMT) - The rain has reduced into a drizzle and it's looking a lot brighter than it was a few minutes back. The groundsmen are at work and there is one Super Sopper rolling across the stadium. Still waiting for the official verdict on whether India will come out to bat again or not. Stay tuned, we will keep you posted.
Update 1428 local (1328 GMT) - Some good news coming in! The drizzle has also stopped and the hover cover is coming off. The two umpires came a little while back to inspect the conditions. There were a few worrisome patches inside the ring but it seems the groundsmen will dry that out quickly. Umpire Marais Erasmus gives a thumbs up to the dressing room of both teams. We are hearing that the match will resume in 12 minutes, i.e. 1440 local (1340 GMT). The mid-innings break will be 15 minutes. Im
It's time to resume. Virat Kohli and Vijay Shankar are coming down the stairs of the dressing room. They are waiting near the boundary line for the other players to join. Now, the Pakistani players are in the middle. Shankar will be on strike. Wahab Riaz to complete his over. Here we go again...
46.5 : W Riaz to V Shankar, Goes full around off, Shankar mistimes his shot in the air over covers for a run.
46.6 : W Riaz to V Kohli, WIDE! A slower ball bouncer! Bounces above the batsman's ahead as he tries to pull. Wided.
W Riaz to V Kohli, FOUR! Delicate! Lovely from Kohli. Slower one on off, Kohli plays it very late and guides it very fine on the off side and bags a boundary at third man. Sarfaraz is not happy with his bowler. The last ball spoils the over. 9 from it.
47.1 : M Amir to V Shankar, A dot! Gold dust at this stage! Length and outside off, Shankar looks to hit it over mid off but misses.
47.2 : M Amir to V Shankar, Goes very full and on middle, Shankar works it out to mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Sensible from him, he just needs to give the strike over to his skipper at the moment.
47.3 : M Amir to V Kohli, Shorter and outside off, Kohli slaps it through cover-point and takes two.
47.4 : M Amir to V Kohli, OUT! Amir has got the better of Kohli yet again! Another big wicket in the context of the game. This could probably make a difference of at least 20 runs to the final score. Amir bangs it short and it is a quick one. It zips through. Kohli looks to pull but ends up getting a top edge towards the keeper. Amir starts running in celebration and then Kohli has a look at the umpire. Now the bowler turns to see back and umpire Erasmus nods. The Indian skipper is off. Another t
Kedar Jadhav arrives in the middle. He has a strike rate of 102.5 in ODIs and India will love if he gets going from the word go.
47.5 : M Amir to K Jadhav, Back of a length on off, Jadhav guides it to point.
47.6 : M Amir to K Jadhav, A single to end! Jadhav guides it down to third man. Another good over for Pakistan. They are once again finishing strongly. Just the 4 runs and a wicket from it.
48.1 : W Riaz to K Jadhav, That has slipped out of Wahab's hand. A full toss outside off, Jadhav fails to put bat on ball. It has been wided.
W Riaz to K Jadhav, Slower one outside off, Jadhav guides it down to third man for one.
48.2 : W Riaz to V Shankar, Full again on off, Shankar mistimes it to cover for a single. Singles are something Pakistan won't mind at the moment.
48.3 : W Riaz to K Jadhav, Another wide! Way too wide outside off, left alone.
Strange! The Ultra Edge is now shown of the Virat Kohli dismissal and it's detecting nothing. India have a referral left but it seems that the Indian skipper also felt that he hit it.
W Riaz to K Jadhav, FOUR! Over mid off and a boundary! A welcome boundary for India. Full and on off by Riaz. Jadhav nonchalantly lofts it over mid off and bags a boundary. India would love a few more.
48.4 : W Riaz to K Jadhav, OUCH! That might have hurt! A short one and it skids through. Jadhav is very late in the pull. The ball hits the glove and rolls towards mid-wicket for one. The fielder does have a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
48.5 : W Riaz to V Shankar, A couple now! Wahab goes short again, Shankar looks to pull but gets a top edge which lands in the deep backward square leg region.
48.6 : W Riaz to V Shankar, A single to end! A low full toss outside off, it is hit towards sweeper cover for one. 12 from the over. A good one for India.
49.1 : M Amir to V Shankar, DROPPED! A tough chance! Amir goes full and on middle, Shankar hits it firmly back towards the bowler. Amir jumps and looks to take it with both hands but the ball bursts through and goes down to long on for one.
49.2 : M Amir to K Jadhav, Just short! More importantly a dot! Slower one wide outside off, Jadhav swings but gets an outside edge which falls just short of Sarfaraz.
49.3 : M Amir to K Jadhav, Another excellent delivery! A very full ball on middle, all Jadhav can do is jam it out towards mid off for one.
49.4 : M Amir to V Shankar, FOUR! Another welcome boundary for India! This was a delightful stroke. Amir bowls it full and outside off, it is the seam-up ball. Shankar lofts it over covers and the ball goes into the fence.
49.5 : M Amir to V Shankar, WIDE! Just outside the tramline on the off side and it has been wided. A marginal call as Shankar did move across to the off pole.
M Amir to V Shankar, Full and on middle, Shankar hits it down to long on and takes one. One ball to go, a biggie to get over 340. Can India do so?
49.6 : M Amir to K Jadhav, No, they can't! Just the single on the last ball. Jadhav dances down the track and Amir bowls it short. KJ mistimes it towards deep cover for one. A decent last over from Amir. 9 from it. INDIA END WITH 336/5!
A fine finish by India then to end on 336. The rain break did not hamper them much as there were only 20 balls left. With the rain spicing up the pitch a little, this now adds a new dimension to the total. Earlier, it was a challenging total on a good pitch. Now, it is a daunting task on a quickened track.
The impetus was laid by a new opening pair today, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul registering a 136-run opening stand. That was followed by a 98-run partnership for the second wicket and at that stage, it looked like 350-360 was on the cards. But Rohit's wicket stalled the runs a little and the new batsmen found it difficult to score runs. Yet another strong show from the Indian top 3, with each crossing 50.
Not the greatest of bowling displays by Pakistan, especially after electing to bowl. They had the conditions in their favour, with the skies overcast but could not make much use of those. And with the ball not swinging around much, they lost patience and started spraying it around. Mohammad Amir continued his resurgence with a 3-wicket haul to follow his 5-fer against Australia. None of the others were impressive. Imad Wasim was economical but he just focused on curtailing the batsmen and did no
KL Rahul is down for a chat with Michael Clarke. Rahul says that it has been a while since he opened in ODIs and is happy that he could get the team off to a good start. Stresses that given the fact that Pakistan's new-ball bowlers swing the ball a lot, it was a plan to see off the first 10 overs. Admits that he was nervous, but not because it was India-Pakistan but because he had to wait for more than 2 years in the sidelines to feature in the ODI team. On the pitch, Rahul reckons that the pitc
337 to win then. Pakistan faltered chasing 308 against Australia. India's bowling attack is much more penetrating than the Aussies and bowls with much more control. All the best then.
Welcome back. No. Go back. We should have started by now, but the heavens have opened up again. Umbrellas are up in the stands and it is coming down pretty heavily. The good news is, only the hover cover is on, so this may not be a big delay. In fact, bright sunshine is now enveloping the ground. Should not be far from the start.
UPDATE - 3.15 PM LOCAL (1415 GMT) - Ohh the fickle English weather. Plenty of sunshine 5 minutes back, heavily overcast now. It has started to drizzle again and the umpires are heading back. There is a massive patch of dark cloud checking the attendance at Old Trafford and its facilities, whether the ground can take the rain or not and the inspection by this rain cloud might take a while.
Scratch all that. The players are back on the field. Scratch all that which was scratched any which ways. The players go off again! Boy, this is frustrating. The players had come onto the field, but just when Imam-ul-Haq was taking guard, the drizzle returned and the players were asked to go. Now, the hover cover comes on and ironically, the ground is bathed in sunshine. Virat Kohli sits in the dugout and is having a smile about that.