Team India today opened its defence for the World Cup crown with a stunning 76-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval. The highlight of the game was Virat Kohli's 107, the first ton by an Indian against Pakistan in the World Cup.
With the century, Kohli also became joint second with Sourav Ganguly, behind Sachin Tendulkar, in India's list of batsmen with maximum ODI hundreds. Our correspondent reports that India has now played Pakistan six times in the World Cup, and they have been the victors on all the occasions.
Just like always, today's India-Pakistan clash was a nerve-wrecking affair. Wonder boy Virat Kohli again stole the limelight as he scored his 22nd ODI ton powering India to post 300 for 7. He was involved in two brilliant over 100-run partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina that helped the defending champions find momentum after an early road block. Kohli amassed 107, with Dhawan scoring 73 and Raina making a quick-fire 74.
Pakistan began promisingly, but 5 wickets for just 52 runs, which got them to 154 for 7 in no time, tilted the game in India's favour. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq stood like a rock amidst the fall of wickets, but even he couldn't stop the inevitable. Mohammed Shami showcased a powerful performance by bagging 4 wickets. Kohli was adjudged man of the match.
With the century, Kohli also became joint second with Sourav Ganguly, behind Sachin Tendulkar, in India's list of batsmen with maximum ODI hundreds. Our correspondent reports that India has now played Pakistan six times in the World Cup, and they have been the victors on all the occasions.
Just like always, today's India-Pakistan clash was a nerve-wrecking affair. Wonder boy Virat Kohli again stole the limelight as he scored his 22nd ODI ton powering India to post 300 for 7. He was involved in two brilliant over 100-run partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina that helped the defending champions find momentum after an early road block. Kohli amassed 107, with Dhawan scoring 73 and Raina making a quick-fire 74.
Pakistan began promisingly, but 5 wickets for just 52 runs, which got them to 154 for 7 in no time, tilted the game in India's favour. Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq stood like a rock amidst the fall of wickets, but even he couldn't stop the inevitable. Mohammed Shami showcased a powerful performance by bagging 4 wickets. Kohli was adjudged man of the match.
