Virat Kohli and cancer survivor Yuvraj Singh starred as India thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets on Sunday to stay alive in the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.
India, who would have been knocked out of the tournament had they lost, skittled Pakistan for 128 on a slow pitch and then surpassed the modest target in 17 overs, thanks largely to Kohli’s unbeaten 78 off 61 balls.
A sell-out crowd of 35,000 at Colombo’s Premadasa stadium, including Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, saw India continue their stranglehold on Pakistan in major world meets.
Pakistan have never beaten India in either the 50-over World Cup or the World Twenty20, in which they contested a thrilling final in 2007.
Sunday’s match was only the third Twenty20 international between the two countries and the result set up a thrilling shoot-out for the two semi-final berths from group two.
Australia lead the group with two wins, India and Pakistan have one each, while South Africa have lost both matches so far.
The last round of group matches will be played on Tuesday with Australia taking on Pakistan and India playing South Africa.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2012.
COMMENTS (17)
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At least you guys won the toss..... Cheer up
There are so many why in pak parformance. 1 why imran in the sqad. 2 why thay bat 1st 3 why arafat?
@Pungi:
@Polpot: This is Cricket not Kargil ++++++++++++++++++++++
True: that was ‘do or die’ too and well……you lost!
First I'd like to give thanks to Almighty Allah as I always start every conversation by doing so and not because I am a hypocrite putting on a display of fake piety. Also, how would Allah know that I am thankful if I didn't announce it in front of a TV camera?
Secondly, I'd like to thank Almighty Allah for showing us the true shortcomings of the Pakistani team. We were lucky to salvage a win against South Africa and against India our batting was hopeless, our bowling was wayward, our fielding and wicket keeping was comical and our captain was clueless.
@Maverick It wasn't do or die.. we are still placed better in group standings than India..! Ultimate goal is T20 cup...Let's see who takes that!
@Polpot: True: that was 'do or die' too and well......you lost!
Virat Kholi is just a ROCKSTAR!!. What class, elegance , masterstrokes. The time he hit saeed ajmal (Who went wicket less in the game) for SIX was like music to ears. WOW !! We are so lucky that we keep on producing such dynamis batsman. Now can't wait for unmukt to play in National side. Uff !!
I have always said and believed that Pakistan has one of the weakest batting line up,absolutely no class at all,I just spare jamshed as he is a newcomer and has shown some promise rest of them are no better than average club class cricketers.
India VS Pakistan in WCs should be banned now.
I never saw girls in india so crazy about cricket.This is not any war.It is just a game. So take it easy girls.
Pakistan's brittle batting was again exposed. Mohammed Hafeez and Shahid Afridi should take full responsibility for this dismal performance.
pakistan played like club team
Meek surrender...........................
Green Shirts LOST good chance on sunday,now its look hard to reach semi-final.GOOD LUCK TEAM PAKISTAN.