Ahmedabad, Oct 14: Indian captain Rohit Sharma struck a 63-ball 86 and India fired on all cylinders in what was supposed to be war minus the shooting, blowing away arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in a World Cup face-off that ended in a damp squib after causing unbridled hysteria and logistical hassles.
In what is seen as the pinnacle of cricket by fans in the subcontinent, Indian captain Rohit Sharma emerged as the undisputed star of the match, scoring quick runs to power his team to the modest target of 192 with as many as 19.3 overs to spare.
Jasprit Bumrah was a tiger on the prowl and Mohammed Siraj displayed wolf-like aggression before skipper Rohit completed the annihilation as India produced a near-perfect performance in one of the most lopsided World Cup games between the arch-rivals.
Rohit just casually flaunted his repertoire of strokes, which included a pull shot behind square of Shaheen Shah Afridi and a square driven six off Haris Rauf, as India were home by 8.05 pm local time.
The win was India’s eighth in the 50 over global event, where Pakistan had never been able to match their neighbours in terms of skill, strategy or execution since 1992.
Just like he brushes his teeth, drinks water, pulling and hooking is a part of Rohit’s daily chores. The 1150 gram willow is an extension of his arm and those strong but supple wrists does its job at his beck and call. On the day, it responded to his call 12 times – six of which went over the ropes.
People love to err on side of caution but Rohit is ready to err on side of risk – whether its spin of coin or dismissing a fast bouncer from his presence.
There will be days when he might fail and look silly but on days he succeeds, he would look regal, like he did on Saturday.
It is very difficult to better perfection but if anything was synonymous with perfection, then decimating Pakistan for 192 in 42.5 overs would come closest.
Five bowlers, showing different facets of bowling and sharing equal spoils is rarity but there couldn’t have been a more opportune setting to tick all boxes like Rohit’s men did on the day.
Bumrah (2/19 in 7 overs), Siraj (2/50 in 8 overs), Kuldeep (2/35 in 10 overs), Hardik Pandya (2/34 in 6 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/35 in 9.5 overs) were relentless in their pursuit of choking the opposition into submission.
This Pakistan team never had the depth to compete with India and that one T20 World Cup game which India lost in Dubai back in 2021 was just an aberration.
For the 1 lakh plus spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the garba started one day in advance and the story of this absolute dominance by India will be remembered for times to come.
For the rest of the country, Bengal can celebrate an early Durga Puja and in the northern part of India, it could an early Diwali. (PTI)
