6 signature moments from the India vs Pakistan match that don't fade away

India defeated Pakistan yet again in a World Cup clashAfter having lost the tournament opener against New Zealand, India were on the verge of elimination and were facing Pakistan at Eden Gardens in a high-octane clash.There was a dispiriting rain delay that greeted the players though, and the match finally started after conceding four overs to the rain gods. The most anticipated match of the group stages of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 was reduced to 18 overs a side, much to the disappointment of everyone.But once the action began, all those morose thoughts were banished. Pakistan posted a fighting total of 118 in their allotted quota of 18 overs, overcoming a slow start on a difficult pitch to give their bowlers something to defend.In reply, India were in a spot of bother as they lost three early wickets. But Virat Kohli along with Yuvraj Singh steadied the ship, and Kohli’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 55 ultimately guided India to a 6-wicket victory with 13 balls remaining.India’s World Cup winning streak against Pakistan continues as they have now won all the 11 matches they have played against their arch-rivals in World Championship tournaments.There were several unforgettable moments in the match, moments that don’t fade away – not unlike the Axe Signature line of body perfumes. Here is a list of 6 of those moments:

#1 Amitabh Bachchan gives everyone goosebumps with his rendition of the national anthem

Amitabh Bachchan sung the Indian national anthem before the game

This was star-studded event with a galaxy of celebrities descending on Eden Gardens to witness history. So it makes sense that the ball was set rolling by one of the country’s biggest icons.

The customary Indian national anthem before the match was sung by none other than Amitabh Bachchan, who was specially invited for the occasion. The megastar struck all the right notes with his rich baritone and soulful chords, and it was hard not to get goosebumps as you saw the passion on the Indian players’ faces during the rendition.

This was truly a moment to remember, and Bachchan Sr.’s presence at such high-profile games could well become a signature of all big matches held in India.

#2 Ravichandran Ashwin turns the ball square - literally

Ravichandran Ashwin tormented the Pakistan batsmen

In any limited-overs contest, the power-play is a very important phase of the match, even more so when the innings is reduced to 18 overs. The Pakistani openers couldn’t take full advantage of the fielding restrictions, but there was a big reason for that – Ravichandran Ashwin made the ball sing in a way that defied belief.

As he came on to bowl, there was no telling how much turn the pitch would offer. But his second ball itself answered all the doubts, as it turned almost a foot to leave the batsman dumbfounded.

Ashwin continued to extract massive turn in the remainder of his spell, and spectators everywhere were spell-bound. This was something that they had hardly ever seen before, and something that they won’t forget any time soon.

#3 Akmal and Malik craft an unexpected comeback

Umar Akmal’s knock was important for Pakistan

Most cricket watchers have become accustomed to seeing the Pakistani batting lineup folding like a pack of cards at the slightest hint of pressure. And there certainly was a lot of pressure today.

After 12 overs Pakistan were in more than a spot of bother as they were tottering 65-3 at less than six an over. At the crease were Umar Akmal and Shoaib Malik, but instead of succumbing to the pressure they started counterattacking, especially during the 14th over bowled by Hardik Pandya.

Both the right-handers were instrumental in a spirited Pakistani comeback in the last part of the innings. After they got out it was Mohammad Hafeez and Sarfaraz Ahmed who took over the responsibility, helping the team post a fighting total of 118 on the board.

This was an unexpected rearguard response from Pakistan, and made for a memorable passage of play.

#4 Indian top order falls prey to the venom of Pakistani pace

Amir celebrates picking up a wicket

The Indian top-order’s poor show against New Zealand was replicated in this match, with the body language not being too good either. No top-order batsman apart from Virat Kohli looked in any sort of control, and there was an early collapse that sent waves of panic among Indian supporters.

Mohammad Amir gave Pakistan an early breakthrough in the form of Rohit Sharma. Mohammad Sami then picked up Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in back-to-back deliveries in his first over.

India were in all sorts of trouble at that time, reeling on 23/3 after five overs. This was supposed to be a pitch that assisted spinners, but Pakistan’s bowlers had other ideas. They displayed swing, pace and control to bowl as many as three amazing deliveries to rattle the Indian camp.

#5 Kohli puts in a master-class perhaps the best of his T20I career so far

Virat Kohli was excellent for India

Virat Kohli is arguably the best limited overs batsman in the world, and his innings today goes a long way towards reinforcing that. On a track where the ball was turning square and the likes of Mohammad Amir were bowling at 145 plus, Kohli never looked out of control as he paced his innings beautifully.

Along with Yuvraj Singh, India’s captain-in-waiting made a valiant fightback and towards the end played some exquisite shots through the off-side. His knock of 55 of just 37 balls was studded with seven boundaries and one maximum.

There is a reason why he is called the King of the Chase, and he proved that right yet again. This was an innings to remember from Kohli.

#6 Yuvraj and Dhoni hit their signature sixers

Dhoni did the damage again

Yuvraj Singh played a significant role in the run chase with a good knock after a disastrous start from the top-order. His innings of 24 off 23 balls came in a time of serious pressure, and the six that he hit against Mohammad Sami was reminiscent of his glory days.

MS Dhoni came to the crease after Yuvraj’s departure, and he couldn’t possibly leave without stamping his signature on the match, could he? The “finisher” did his job well and with seven runs to win, he hit a trademark hoick down the ground for six, sealing the match in India’s favour.