Arshdeep Singh jolts Pakistan at the start, finds redemption on Twitter

Arshdeep Singh bowled a dream first spell and Hardik Pandya displayed his true worth in the back-10 as India restricted Pakistan to a manageable 159 for eight which they chased down in the final over of the World Cup opener in Melbourne on Sunday. Young Arshdeep (3/32) removed skipper Babar Azam (0) and Mohammed Rizwan (4) in his first two overs to set the tone for India's fine performance in the match.

A good first over by Bhuvneshwar where he consistently got late movement set the tone beautifully for Arshdeep to take over the baton and inflict a telling damage.

It was the first delivery that Babar was facing and Arshdeep got a perfect inswinger that darted back enough to force the Pakistan captain play across the line. There was no doubt about the leg before decision, though the Pak skipper went for a review.


The world's top-ranked T20I player right now, Mohammed Rizwan, played and mostly missed, and was dismissed when Arshdeep very cleverly slipped in a well-disguised short ball and Bhuvneshwar at fine-leg boundary took the easiest of catches. Pakistan was reduced to 15/2 in just 4 overs and Arshdeep was suddenly a hero.

Many saw it as Arshdeep's redemption after the young pacer was heavily targeted after he dropped a crucial catch against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 Super 4 match two months ago. There were memes this time too, but this time they were celebrating him.

Chasing 160 for a win, Virat Kohli owned the grand stage with a knock for the ages as he powered India to an epic four-wicket win in the final over.

King Kohli, as his fans call him, conjured up a magical and memorable unbeaten 82-run knock to anchor the chase after India were left in tatters at 31 for 4.

Hardik Pandya, who struck 40 off 37 balls in a partnership of 113, played an important role in the chase.

What is the outcome of the match?
India won their World Cup opener due to Virat Kohli's superlative 82 off 53 deliveries.

Who is the host of the T20 World Cup?
ICC Men's T20 World Cup is the Twenty20 cricket international championship. Australia is the host nation this year.