• October 24, 2021

Pakistan beat India first time in a World Cup match: Imran Khan congratulates team and captain Babar

DUBAI Oct 25: Pakistan brought to an end India’s near-three-decade domination of them in the world stage in the most convincing fashion, embarrassing their arch-rivals by 10 wickets in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup here on Sunday.

Skipper Babar Azam stroked his way to 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters.

Earlier, Virat Kohli’s half-century helped India recover from a disastrous start and post 151/7 against Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cup match on Sunday. Besides Kohli’s 49-ball 57, Rishabh Pant slammed 39 in 30 deliveries.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and invited India to bat first but the early blows were landed by the men in green as openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul departed within three overs. Kohli and Pant then joined forces to add 53 runs in quick time before the latter was caught out by leg-spinner Shadab Khan (1/22 in four overs) off his own bowling in the 13th over.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s former captain and current Prime Minister Imran Khan and the cricket board’s president Ramiz Raja on Sunday expressed their delight and congratulated the team for its comprehensive win over India in the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

Pakistan drubbed India by 10 wickets in a Super 12 game for their first win over their arch-rivals in a World Cup match in 13 attempts.

“Congratulations to the Pakistan Team & esp to Babar Azam who led from the front, as well as to the brilliant performances of Rizwan & Shaheen Afridi. The nation is proud of you all,” Imran, who led to the country to its first World Cup (50-over) triumph in 1992, tweeted.

Ramiz, who was made the president of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this year, was also delighted with the victory.

“Alhamdolilla…It’s the first one, the most magnificent one but remember journey has just begun.. such a proud moment for all Pakistanis and thank you boys for providing us this moment to cherish,” Ramiz, also a former Pakistan skipper, wrote on his Twitter handle.

Intent on breaking their run of losses, Pakistan restricted India to 151 for seven after electing to field in the T20 showpiece’s blockbuster game.

Pakistan then made light work of the target of 152, completing the win with 13 balls to spare.

Skipper Babar Azam stroked his way to an unbeaten 68 while his opening partner, Mohammad Rizwan, smashed 79 not out as the Indian bowlers struggled to contain the two batters.