India win big against archrival Pakistan

Defending champions India began their World Cup 2015 with a convincing 76-run win against archrival Pakistan in a high-flying match at the Adelaide today.

Pakistan, on the other hand, failed to deliver on a promising run chase.

Winning the toss and batting first, India were restricted to 300 by extraordinary depth bowling by the Pakistani seamers. Sohail Khan made a five-wicket haul.

India, showing prospect of a total beyond 325 riding on the century of Virat Kohli, stumbled and lost their way to the fast bowlers in the last five overs.

The Indians started slow and cautious before losing Rohit Sharma early in the innings.

Dhawan, 73, and Kohli struck steadied India before Pakistan could pull back running out Dhawan. Kohli, 107, eventually went on to strike his 22nd century and Suresh Raina 74.

In reply, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq was the only man who could show some resilience with his brave 76 at the depth of the innings.

Pakistan were bowled out in the 47th over at 224 runs.

Mohammad Shami was the most successful of the Indian bowlers claiming four wickets. Yadav claimed two while Mohit Sharma, Ashwin and Jadeja took one apiece.

The pitch, according to report, was a good surface to bat on – flat and dry. Commentators said that the minimum par score on the wicket was 280.

The atmosphere inside Adelaide Oval was electrifying, typical to an India-Pakistan match. The stadium was filled to the brim and the noise absolutely amazing.

India

RG Sharma, S Dhawan, V Kohli, AM Rahane, SK Raina, MS Dhoni*†, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, UT Yadav, MM Sharma and Mohammed Shami

Pakistan

Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq*, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal†, Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Irfan