India vs Pakistan ICC CWC 2023 Match 12 Report

India vs Pakistan ICC CWC 2023 Match 12 Report: On paper, it was supposed to be competitive, but on the pitch, it became a complete annihilation of one side. India cruised through Pakistan in the most anticipated match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, clinching a 7-wicket victory to sit on top of the point table.

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India vs Pakistan ICC CWC 2023 Match 12 Report: On paper, it was supposed to be competitive, but on the pitch, it became a complete annihilation of one side — Getty Images

8 wickets while adding 36 runs. Indian bowlers completely disoriented Pakistan. And every bowler took a piece of it. Two wickets each by five different bowlers scripted the match, and what could have been a high-chase thriller turned into a wet cracker as India comfortably sealed the win

Pakistan Started Well, But…

India won the toss and elected to bowl, a surprising choice given their historical tendency to make Pakistan chase. The early exchanges were tense, with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq displaying amazing composure in facing India’s super-duo Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. While Bumrah posed a challenge, Siraj was dispatched with relative ease. The departure of Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq momentarily disrupted Pakistan’s stability, but Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan resurrected their innings.

Pakistan’s innings displayed a sense of maturity rather than flamboyance. They approached the game with patience and an understanding of the challenges presented by the pitch. India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with different players contributing to claiming all ten of Pakistan’s wickets. Despite the tight spells from India’s bowlers, Pakistan’s stand-in captain, Babar Azam, reached his first half-century of the tournament.

India vs Pakistan ICC CWC 2023 Match 12 Report — Getty Images

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From 155/2 to wrapping for 191

At one point, Pakistan stood at 155 for 2, seemingly well-positioned for a competitive total. However, the tide dramatically turned when Siraj dismissed Babar Azam with a ball that kept low, disturbing his off-stump. In the following delivery, a mix-up between batsmen nearly resulted in a runout. After a calm first 30 overs, Pakistan’s calm demeanor was disrupted. Kuldeep Yadav recognized the opportunity, altering his strategy to exploit Pakistan’s vulnerability.

Kuldeep’s well-executed plan targeted Saud Shakeel, who favored the sweep shot. According to the India vs Pakistan ICC CWC 2023 Match 12 Report, a subtle change in length and trajectory deceived Shakeel, trapping him leg-before-wicket. In the same over, Kuldeep claimed the wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed, who was unfortunate to chop the ball onto his stumps. India introduced panic into Pakistan’s innings, and the match’s complexion changed irreversibly.

Jasprit Bumrah, who had remained wicketless until then, dismantled Mohammad Rizwan with a brilliant off-cutter, setting off a chain reaction. Pakistan’s lineup began to unravel, with Shadab Khan’s off-stump toppled by a quicker delivery from Kuldeep. India’s Hardik Pandya dismissed Mohammad Nawaz, and Ravindra Jadeja wrapped up the tail. In the span of a few overs, Pakistan went from a poised position to a state of disarray.

With Pakistan folding for just 191, India’s victory seemed inevitable. The Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill wasted no time in chasing down the modest target. Rohit, in particular, showcased aggressive intent, while Gill also contributed to the fast start. Although Virat Kohli fell, Rohit continued his onslaught, reaching his 300th ODI six and delivering an exquisite sliced six over cover.

Despite Rohit’s departure, India faced no real pressure during the run chase. Shreyas Iyer supported Rohit’s stunning performance with an unbeaten half-century, ensuring India clinched a comprehensive win. KL Rahul and Iyer calmly guided India to victory, concluding the match that was, for the most part, decided during a frenetic ten-over spell of Pakistan’s innings.