After inviting Pakistan to bat first in the epic clash played on October 23, Sunday, in the 20-20 World Cup 2022, the Indian bowlers produced an effective start as Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer removed Babar Azam for a duck.
Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan wicketkeeper, failed to capitalize on the opportunity and made his way back to the dressing room for just 4 runs. However, Shan Masood took his team back into the game with a crucial half-century. His knock helped Men in Green reach a total of 159 runs for the loss of 8 wickets at the end of 20 overs.
However, he could have gotten out early but Ravichandran Ashwin’s drop-catch provided life to Shan Masood. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh felt that the drop-catch shifted the match towards Pakistan.
“I guess the drop catch by r Ashwin ! Has changed the momentum of the game in favour of Pakistan ! Catches win matches !! Hopefully india can pull it back !!’ Come on lads,” Yuvraj tweeted on Ashwin’s drop-catch.
I guess the drop catch by r Ashwin ! Has changed the momentum of the game in favour of Pakistan ! Catches win matches !! Hopefully india can pull it back !!’ Come on lads 🤛 #PakVsInd
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 23, 2022
India fail to restrict Babar and his men in death overs
After producing a great start with the ball, the Indian bowlers failed to restrict the Men in Green within 150 runs. Despite picking up quick wickets in the middle overs, Pakistan managed to put on 159 runs for the loss of 8 wickets on the board.
Alongside Masood who made 52 runs and remained unbeaten, Iftikhar Ahmed’s 34-ball 51 proved to be helpful for Babar and his men. Arshdeep, who picked up a three-for to his name for India, said that he cherished the moment and added that they don’t come frequently.
“I wanted to enjoy the moment, it will never come again. The straight boundaries were big, so we tried to use it to our advantage. Tried to hit the wickets and the pads. I think we can chase this total down,” said Arshdeep after the first innings. It is a must-win game for India as fans have not forgotten the agony from the defeat against Pakistan in the previous edition of the 20-20 World Cup.