World Cup jinx continues, Pakistan loses another match against India

Pakistan failed to break the World Cup jinx against India, failing to score adequately against a disciplined spin attack. Shikar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma started slowly, but soon put on a partnership of 50 of eight overs.

Though both openers and Yuvraj Singh departed in quick succession, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina overhauled the total with nine balls to spare, putting on an unbeaten partnership of 66 in 50 balls. Raina was dropped on 7 by Afridi.

Saeed Ajmal was the pick of the bowlers, extracting good turn and bounce. The only disappointment for India would be the way Yuvraj lost his wicket, playing across the line. His form will be crucial in the tournament.

Earlier, Indian spinners performed admirably to restrict Pakistan to a modest 130 for seven in the opening group league game of the ICC World Twenty 20-20. India captain MS Dhoni’s decision to field three specialist spinners—Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin— and bowl first on a slowish track was vindicated as the trio gave away only 63 runs between them in 12 overs.

Mishra (2/22), Jadeja (1/18) and Ashwin (0/23) all got a bit of help from the track, which had a bit of bite and turn on offer. While Ashwin bowled round the wicket to deny the batsmen any room, Jadeja bowled wicket-towicket with the odd delivery turning away from the right-hander.

Mishra too was bang on target with his flighted leg breaks and varied the length of his deliveries and pace through the air. Dhoni rotated his bowlers brilliantly not letting the opposition settle down.