India Defeats Pakistan by Seven Wickets, Prolonging World Cup Dominance Over Arch-Rival

In a momentous triumph, India’s cricket team defeated Pakistan at the Cricket World Cup this past Saturday, marking their eighth consecutive win against the rival nation in World Cup history, a record that extends back to 1992. The match, observed by an audience exceeding 100,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, showcased India’s cricketing prowess.

Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were instrumental in causing Pakistan’s batting lineup to falter, sharing four wickets between them. Bumrah delivered a 2-19 in seven overs, while Yadav recorded a 2-35 in 10 overs. Pakistan’s team, initially at 155-2 in 29.3 overs, ultimately was bowled out for 191 in 42.5 overs, with five of India’s six bowlers securing two wickets apiece.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India’s cricket team, exhibited remarkable skill, scoring a 36-ball half-century. His performance helped India accelerate towards victory, finishing the game with nearly 20 overs remaining. Sharma scored an impressive 86 runs off 63 balls, featuring six fours and six sixes, as India concluded at 192-3 in 30.3 overs.

“Our bowling lineup established the framework for today’s win. This pitch was not designed for a score of 190; it appeared more suitable for a 280,” Sharma noted. “Our team has depth in bowlers who are capable of performing under pressure, which is something we take great pride in.”

In the tournament standings, India is at the top with six points, surpassing New Zealand on net run-rate after recording three consecutive victories. Pakistan, after suffering its inaugural loss of the series, sits fourth on the points table with four points accrued from three matches.

During the chase for the target score of 192, Shubman Gill, who recently recovered from an injury, commenced with an intense pace, scoring 16 off 11 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi (2-36). Sharma then collaborated with Virat Kohli, adding 56 runs in 42 balls for the second wicket without giving Pakistan any opportunities to intervene.

Kohli was dismissed unexpectedly—caught at mid-on off a false pull shot from Hasan Ali in the 10th over. Sharma proceeded to build a 77-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket, reaching the 100-run mark in just 13.5 overs.

Iyer remained unbeaten at 53 off 62 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, cementing India’s victory.

Earlier, Pakistan began batting in a consistent manner, adding 41 runs for the first wicket before Mohammed Siraj made the initial breakthrough by trapping Abdullah Shafique lbw for 20 runs. The subsequent period witnessed brief resistance from Pakistan, but it was effectively neutralized by India’s bowling attack.

Due to longstanding political tensions, bilateral series between the two nations have been infrequent; the teams have not met in a test series for 16 years or in any one-day international and Twenty20 series for the past decade. Last month at the Asia Cup, India declined to play in Pakistan, resulting in shared hosting responsibilities with Sri Lanka.

Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s team director, expressed disappointment over the unbalanced ambiance at the match. “It did not feel like an ICC event; it felt more like a BCCI event. The lack of enthusiasm from the Pakistani side was evident,” Arthur said, refusing, however, to cite this as an excuse for Pakistan’s performance.

The record continues to show that Pakistan has yet to claim a victory against India in Cricket World Cup matches, despite winning the title in 1992. This pattern has persisted in subsequent tournaments, including the years 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015, and 2019.

For further information, visit AP Cricket World Cup.

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• ICC Cricket World Cup Official Site
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• Jasprit Bumrah Career Stats
• Kuldeep Yadav Career Stats
• India-Pakistan Cricket Rivalry
• Previous India vs Pakistan World Cup Matches