The escalating cross-border tensions between the two neighbouring nations add to the intrigue with KL Rahul's technique being tested by Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz's skills finding more than a match in a colossus like Virat Kohli.Įven if they feel that it's just another game, perhaps all players in their hearts know that this is a special match even if at times the reason in purely non-cricketing. He is a vital player for us.Ī cricketing rivalry that transcends beyond the realms of 22 yards will be reignited when India and Pakistan square off in a World Cup encounter that could have fascinating sub-plots with Rain Gods threatening an anti-climactic twist. He's should be ok in about two to three games, but he should come back for us at some stage during this tournament. We are professional about it and the result is what matters.Slight niggle for Bhuvi, he slipped on one of the footmarks. We never approach them from that perspective. If you focus on this game as too emotional, things can go wrong. I think they outplayed us in the Champions Trophy final, but otherwise we have played them well.

I think today was the best he bowled since he has been in England. The drift, the turn everything was really good. The ball to dismiss Babar was an outstanding delivery. Babar and Fakhar were trying to play him out, but I wanted him to have a longer spell. Rohit single-handedly winning us in the first game, a team effort in the second and showed why he's such a good ODI player again today. Then I could play the way I did and Hardik could come in and explode, that is the template we have been following and has been working for us. Rohit's knock was outstanding but to make 337 we need a team's batting effort. KL applied himself and helped Rohit, who becomes unstoppable once he scores 75-80. Virat Kohli, India captain: The pitch wouldn't have made too much of difference beside from the fact it started to spin in the later part of the match.But we wanted to bowl first to, if you bowled in the right areas, there was joy to be had.

World cup cricket 7/17/2019