*There is something that brings the best out of the Indian cricket team when it's up against Pakistan in a World Cup event.*
Even at the height of their near-total domination of India during the 1990s, Pakistan somehow struggled to get the better of their sub-continental giants. As such, India's all-win record against their neighours across two tournaments - the 50-over World Cup and the World T20 - remained intact on a sultry Friday with M S Dhoni and company completing a clinical seven-wicket win in the Super-10 opener of the ongoing World T20 here at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
After the Indian bowlers limited the Pakistan innings to an insignificant 130 for seven, the batsmen replied with 131/3 in 18.3 overs to stretch their winning streak — which began at the SCG in Australia in the 1992 World Cup — to 9-0. Victory appeared imminent once the Pakistan innings imploded against a combination of high quality spin and pace bowling, but three quick wickets during their chase sent some jitters in the Indian camp.
Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina then joined forces in the middle to once again deny Pakistan their maiden win over India in a World Cup.
"We tried our level best but unfortunately, we couldn't get the result that we wanted to," said Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez later while looking at the positives in another defeat. "I think there are a lot of things still to come in this tournament and we are looking ahead. There were some positives from this game and we are looking forward to the rest of the tournament."
Since that Sydney game, India have maintained a stranglehold that Pakistan have repeatedly failed to free themselves from. From Bangalore (1996) to Manchester (1999) and from Centurion (2003) to Mohali (2011), India have been hard nuts to crack in the 50-over World Cup. They have been equally dominant in World T20s, winning all the four meetings from 2007 to the present edition.
India defeated Pakistan twice in the inaugural tournament (including the final) in South Africa while their third win came in Sri Lanka in 2012. Friday's win has helped India maintain a unique streak that they should be immensely proud of. Reported by Deccan Herald 58 minutes ago.
Even at the height of their near-total domination of India during the 1990s, Pakistan somehow struggled to get the better of their sub-continental giants. As such, India's all-win record against their neighours across two tournaments - the 50-over World Cup and the World T20 - remained intact on a sultry Friday with M S Dhoni and company completing a clinical seven-wicket win in the Super-10 opener of the ongoing World T20 here at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
After the Indian bowlers limited the Pakistan innings to an insignificant 130 for seven, the batsmen replied with 131/3 in 18.3 overs to stretch their winning streak — which began at the SCG in Australia in the 1992 World Cup — to 9-0. Victory appeared imminent once the Pakistan innings imploded against a combination of high quality spin and pace bowling, but three quick wickets during their chase sent some jitters in the Indian camp.
Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina then joined forces in the middle to once again deny Pakistan their maiden win over India in a World Cup.
"We tried our level best but unfortunately, we couldn't get the result that we wanted to," said Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez later while looking at the positives in another defeat. "I think there are a lot of things still to come in this tournament and we are looking ahead. There were some positives from this game and we are looking forward to the rest of the tournament."
Since that Sydney game, India have maintained a stranglehold that Pakistan have repeatedly failed to free themselves from. From Bangalore (1996) to Manchester (1999) and from Centurion (2003) to Mohali (2011), India have been hard nuts to crack in the 50-over World Cup. They have been equally dominant in World T20s, winning all the four meetings from 2007 to the present edition.
India defeated Pakistan twice in the inaugural tournament (including the final) in South Africa while their third win came in Sri Lanka in 2012. Friday's win has helped India maintain a unique streak that they should be immensely proud of. Reported by Deccan Herald 58 minutes ago.