India vs Pakistan - Salvation for India

Team India gave some warmth to the locales amidst the freezing weather conditions in Delhi. A 2-1 series loss still hurts, though the sting of it has somehow reduced. A washout could have led to severe circumstances given the opposition i.e Pakistan. Today’s win for Team India has definitely salvaged some pride for the defending world champions.

Indo-Pak clashes have always caught the fascination of spectators and brought the best out of players as well. Today’s encounter was nothing short of amazing. Chasing a minuscule total of 168 in as many as 300 balls (50 overs), Pakistan were bowled out 10 runs short of the target with 1.1 overs to go.

Indian batting is going through a serious trough at present. Again, the wickets fell in a heap. We were yet again rescued by valiant efforts of our Captain Charisma – MS Dhoni. Well played Sir! The Indians today fell prey to the Magician Saeed Ajmal, as he spun his tantalizing web around Indian batsmen and made them dance to his tunes. His ability to finish off the tail is indeed commendable. Indian batsmen had no answer to the cunning off-spinner who deservedly claimed a fifer! Mohammed Irfan did get his share of luck when he bagged two wickets. Junaid Khan, though not among the leading wicket takers today, could not be scored off. His economy rate of 1.90 more than justifies the fear he inflicts on the Indian batsmen.

Accurate bowling and miserly fielding were responsible for snatching victory from the jaws of a certain defeat today. Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed again and so did the debutant Shami Ahmed. Ishant Sharma, apart from the last over, bowled brilliantly and played the role of senior pacer well in the absence of the stalwart Zaheer Khan. Ashwin was the most expensive of the Indian bowlers. R. Jadeja bowled a splendid spell and responded to the captain’s trust by giving away just 19 runs in 10 overs. Take a bow, Mr. Jadeja! India managed to steam-roll Pakistan’s batting line-up, making them fall short of target by 10 runs.

MS Dhoni was adjudged Man of The match and rightly so, for his skilful captaincy and gritty batting which saved India’s blushes.