India started their 2015 Cricket World Cup campaign on a winning note as they recorded a 76-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, thanks to star batsman Virat Kohli's splendid ton that helped them put up a 301-run target for Misbah-ul Haq's men.
Kohli put up a 129 run second-wicket partnership with opener Shikhar Dhawan, who scored his individual 73, then went on to put up a third-wicket partnership of 110 runs Suresh Raina, who hit 74 runs off 56 deliveries that included five fours and three sixes. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's continued his struggles with the bat as he contributed only 18 runs to the Indian scoreline.
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Paceman Sohail Khan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers as he grabbed five wickets, which included the crucial wickets of Kohli, Raina and Dhoni. He delivered impressive match figures of 5-55 from his allotted 10 overs. Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad knocked 47 to set up a steady start after they began their run-chase.
However, Pakistani batsman continued to struggle on the pitch with Haris Sohail falling prey to Ravichandran Ashwin's delivery at his individual score of 36 and Sohaib Maqsood and wicketkeeper batsman Umar Akmal going for a duck. Skipper Misbah provided some stability with the bat, but he could contribute only 76 runs to the Pakistani score line.
Indian paceman Mohammad Shami grabbed four wickets as he and Umesh Yadav reduced the Pakistani batting line-up. Mohit Sharma, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja also picked one wicket each as they helped steer India to a 76-run win with 18 balls remaining.
