India defeated Pakistan in the T20 World Cup opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, thanks to the partnership of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya.
On Sunday, India faced early setbacks in their chase of 160 as they lost four wickets. However, when Kohli and Pandya intervened, they assisted the team in recovering and increased the pressure on the bowlers.
Pandya (40) and Kohli (82) had a partnership of 113 runs off 78 balls before Pandya’s departure.
India suffered a setback after Panday’s dismissal, and the match entered a tense period in the last over.
When Mohammad Nawaz bowled Pandya in the final over, India still needed 16 runs. Even though Dinesh Karthik was sent back to the pavilion, the Men in Blue’s will to win did not waver despite what initially appeared to be Pakistan’s advantage thanks to Nawaz’s no-ball and Kohli’s sixer.
India had 160 for the loss of eight wickets after 20 overs. The Man of the Match trophy went to Kohli.
Mohammad Nawaz and Haris Rauf each claimed two wickets for Pakistan, but Naseem Shah only managed to claim one.
India stopped the Men in Green from scoring by getting the wicket of the dangerous Pakistani opening pair in less than five overs and gaining control of the game early on.
