Match Highlights: The Indian Show

Pakistan, after winning the toss and opting to bat, quickly regretted their decision. The Indian pacers, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, caused chaos with early wickets, setting the stage for a spin symphony. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) put on a clinic, making the Pakistani middle order look like they were batting with their eyes closed. Only a late, unexpected cameo from tail-ender Shaheen Afridi (33 off 16) gave Pakistan’s total a shred of respectability, pushing them to 127/9.

Chasing 128, India’s openers came out swinging like they had a dinner reservation. Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) played a blistering knock, making sure the scoreboard operator earned his pay. Though a few quick wickets fell, it was captain Suryakumar Yadav (47* off 37) and a calm Tilak Varma (31 off 31) who stitched a crucial partnership. SKY then finished things off in his typical flamboyant style, launching a six into the stands to seal the deal and the match in a flash.

In the chase, Abhishek Sharma provided an explosive start, smashing Shaheen Afridi for a four and a six in the opening over. Despite early losses of Abhishek and Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) and Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 40, guiding India to victory with composure. The dew factor played a role in the second innings, making batting easier under the lights.