India's debut match in the Champions Trophy against the arch rival Pakistan was a real bang on, the players did their best in clinching the debut for their country. Pakistan's fielders possibly felt the same way, a shock to the system after having kept India relatively quiet for 35 overs. Kohli, who on Saturday had dismissed reports of a rift with India coach Anil Kumble, was equally contemptuous of Pakistan's attack during a blistering innings of 81 not out off just 68 balls that included six fours and three sixes. "From that regard, as a cricketer, we really enjoyed this game, that's all I can say", said Kohli. Apart from Sharma, Dhawan, Kohli and Yuvraj, it was great to see Hardik Pandya play that wonderful cameo.
The ICC events and the Asia Cup remain the only platforms where India and Pakistan face each other now.
Harbhajan, in his blog for the official website of the International Cricket Council, mentioned that the opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan was worth 136 priceless runs which set up a "solid platform" for India.
"When he got out, I took over". Pakistan won the toss and put India to bat and in response, Kohli's side posted a mammoth target of 319. "He's a game changer with the bat".
Not just the big defeat, there were also concerns in the Pakistani camp over the fitness of several players like Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz.
Pens one win away after blowout
While Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena played host to Game 5, Nashville's Bridgestone Arena hosted a sold-out watch party. And he got plenty of goal support in Pittsburgh's 6-0 win over the Nashville Predators .
"Alright, let's get something straight first off. Wahab Riaz was fully fit". He snared the wickets of Imad and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed in 27th and 29th overs respectively to end any hopes of Pakistan's revival.
However, one of the main factors which helped India win the match on Sunday against Pakistan was good team strategy. "Obviously I'm really happy the way things have gone for India and I'm looking forward to the game against South Africa", Harbhajan told India Today's Boria Majumdar in an exclusive chat.
"India and Pakistan can't play bilateral series till the terror from Pakistan remains".
Hasan eventually had Yuvraj lbw on review but it was all too late. Yuvi, along with Kohli made crucial partnership. A blizzard of boundaries followed, with Kohli flat-batting Hasan down the ground for six to complete his fifty. Except opener Azhar Ali who scored 50 runs off 65 balls, no batsman could survive against the superb bowling by Umesh Yadav, Pandya and Ravidra Jadeja.
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