KOLKATA: Pakistan’s dream to beat India in World Cup has yet again perished as India’s Virat Kohli helped his side to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Pakistan at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in the World Twenty20 Super Ten game on Saturday.
However, on the other hand the Pakistan Women Team, led by Sana Mir, defeated India by two runs in a riveting contest which was decided on DL method at Delhi Stadium.
Pakistan’s women side were 77/6, requiring 20 runs off 24 balls when heavy showers stopped play. Pakistan were 2 runs ahead on DL method and persistent rain meant they ended up on the winning side after the cut-off time.
The match between men started after a delay start due to rain. Pakistan, while batting first in an 18-over encounter scored 118-5 in their allotted quota of overs.
Shoaib Malik top-scored for Pakistan with 26 off 16 balls courtesy three boundaries and one six on a track which turned widly.
Ahmed Shehzad contributed 25 top of the order off 28 balls, while Umar Akmal scored 22 off 16 to add to the Pakistani total.
For India, Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bhumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Suresha Raina and Hardik Pandya bagged one wicket apiece.
In their chase, Kohli was untouchable once again as he hit seven boundaries and a maximum.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Sami took two wickets for Pakistan.
The man of the match award went to Virat Kohli for his half-ton.
Speaking to the post match ceremony, Shahid Afridi said that he misread the pitch and were short 30-35 runs. He said that bowlers didn’t bowl well, ‘especially I didn’t bowl well’ he added.
MS Dhoni said that he is pleased to get the win and the way Kohli performed. He said that he was also not expecting for the pitch to turn so much.