India put up a thoroughly professional performance to thrash arch-rivals Pakistan by seven wickets in a one-sided opening group league encounter to launch their ICC World Twenty20 campaign in style, here on Friday.
At a packed Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, the Indian spinners did a commendable job in restricting Pakistan to a modest 130 for seven after electing to bowl.
Chasing the target, the Indian batsmen sent the opposition bowlers on a leatherhunt to canter home by seven wickets with nine balls to spare.
India thus maintained their clean slate against Pakistan in World Cup events as this is their fourth victory against the traditional foes in the marquee tournament of shortest versions.
Two in-form batsmen Virat Kohli (36 not out) and Suresh Raina (35 not out) made useful contributions as they added 66 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket to finish the match in style.
Kohli hit four fours and a six during his 32-ball knock, while Raina’s runs came off 35 balls with equal number of boundaries and six.
The victory also was a sweet revenge for India’s last over loss against Pakistan at the same ground in the Asia Cup less than a month ago.
Today everything went right for the ‘Men In Blue’ as they outbatted, outbowled and out-thought Pakistanis with Dhoni marshalling his resources really well.
After three quiet overs, Rohit Sharma (24) decided to attack Junaid Khan as he cleared the short fine leg fielder for a boundary and slashed hard enough over point to get a six. The over got India 12 runs