IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2022: Virat Kohli stars as India clinch thriller

That's it from this game. On 24th October, Bangladesh will take on Netherlands at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT) and later South Africa will face Zimbabwe at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). Do join us for the build up. Cheers!

Rohit Sharma who has lost his voice says he can't believe what just happened. Adds things like this can be expected. States they always believed and they always back themselves irrespective of the situation. Mentions the pitch had something in it for the bowlers and the pacers used the conditions well but Pakistan batted well later on. Admits it was not going to be an easy target to chase and they had to bat really well. Also says Hardik and Kohli were brilliant, they are experienced players and they took the game as deep as possible. Ends by saying it is a confidence boosting win and from where they won is more pleasing and it is probably Kohli's best knock ever.

Babar Azam says their bowlers bowled well but credit to Kohli and Pandya as stole the game. Adds with the bat, it was not easy with the swing there but they built a partnership and ended well. Shares he told boys to stick to the plans but credit to Kohli again. Reckons he utlized his main bowlers earlier because he wanted some wickets. Adds there are many positives from this game.

The crowd roars as Kohli has been handed the MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD. He says it is a surreal atmosphere. Adds Hardik told to just believe. Shares that they knew that Nawaz had one over. Adds they had a plan to go after Shaheen and Rauf. Tells that the shots in the second last over were instinctive. Says his innings at Mohali against Australia was similar but this game will rank much higher. On the crowd, says it is phenomenal. He was struggling but the crowd supported him throughout.

... TIME FOR THE PRESENTATION ...

Earlier in the day, after electing to bowl, India had Pakistan in trouble by getting the two openers early. Shan Masood though along with the rest took his side to a competitive total. In reply, India were always behind the 8-ball but a brilliant innings from Kohli who got able support from Pandya ensured it is India who have pulled a rabbit out of the hat.

Pakistan will be heart broken! This is a defeat which they sink in so easy! Even their fans in the crowd looked heart broken. Their bowlers were breathing fire earlier on. They had India right on the back foot but they just succumbed under pressure in the final phase of the innings. Bowlers like Rauf and Shaheen who are known for their excellent bowling at the death just could not handle the pressure of the big stage. To add to that, Nawaz who has had an amazing 6 months or so, turned out to be the villian. Have to believe, that no ball in the last over is what cost Pakistan the game.

India were down and out at 31 for 4, they were behind the 8-ball game big time. Then came the stand which gane India hope. Pandya and Kohli batted wonderfully. The two took their time initially, did not panic even when the run rate needed went above 11, they continued to play their own way and when the time came, the two stepped on the gas. It was the 12th over which shifted the momentum towards India where they got 20. From there on, India always managed to keep the run rate needed in tact. It came down to around 50 needed in the last three and then it was the Kohli show. It was he who started finding the boundaries and they got it down to 16 from the last over. Pandya was dismissed on the very first ball but Kohli stayed there till the end and ensured his side got over the line.

Cometh the hour, cometh the man! No matter what one is doing, get on your feet and bow down to the King! Virat Kohli, he is a player of a lifetime. What a knock. Yes, he has done it before but this was special. Very special. He has stolen a win from Pakistan. The crowd here are going bonkers. Have to say, they have witnessed a special game and a magical knock from one of the best ever, Virat Kohli!

19.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Ravichandran Ashwin, ASHWIN HITS THE WINNING RUNS! India have done it in some fashion! This is full and around off. Ashwin lofts it over mid off and that will be enough for India. Virat Kohli is in tears. He was the architect of this chase. That man deserves all the praise. KING KOHLI, TAKE A BOW. INDIA WIN BY 4 WICKETS.

19.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Ravichandran Ashwin, WIDE! Scores level! This is full and down the leg side. Ashwin leaves it alone. 

Ravichandran Ashwin walks out to bat! 2 needed in just the one ball. What a finish to the game. All three results possible. What will it be?

19.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Dinesh Karthik, OUT!! STUMPED! A quicker ball, full and down the leg side. DK misses his sweep and gets hit on the pads. It rolls back behind for Rizwan who collect quickly and clips the bails off. Karthik is found off-guarded and Rizwan does brilliantly to remove the bails. Another twist in this chase! What a game this is turning out to be! ASHWIN ON THE STRIKE. TWO RUNS NEEDED NOW.

19.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, THREE BYES! A yorker, angling on off. Kohli misses his sweep and the ball hits the stumps. Kohli is bowled but it was a free hit. The ball rolls to third man and the batters take three runs. Pakistan are asking the umpires that it should be a dead ball as it hit the stumps but it's not. 2 runs needed in 2 balls.

19.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Wide! This is way outside off, way over the tramline. Left alone. 5 runs needed now. Free hit continues.

19.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, SIX! KOHLI, WHAT A BEAUTY! India still in the game! A full toss on middle. Kohli pulls it over deep square leg for a biggie. The fielder there leaps but fails to stop it. HOLD ON, A NO BALL IS CALLED. It was above the height. Babar Azam is not happy. He has a long chat with the umpires. FREE HIT COMING UP. 6 runs needed off 3 balls.

19.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik puts in a shift! TWO RUNS! this is full and around off. Kohli drags it to long on and takes two runs. Good running. A biggie is needed. 

19.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Dinesh Karthik, A full toss, around off. Dinesh Karthik comes down the track and slams it to long on for a single. No no-ball as DK came down the pitch. Virat Kohli on the strike. 15 runs needed now.

Dinesh Karthik walks out to bat! The player who has been picked in this side as a finisher. This is exactly the role he is in the side for. He has done it before, can he do it again?

19.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, OUT! TAKEN! PANDYA GOES! New batter will be on strike! This is full and on middle, a pacers delivery. Rizwan was standing well behind than the mark. This is full and on middle. Pandya swings across the line but gets a top edge and it goes high but not far enough. Babar takes a simple catch at covers. 

The last two balls have changed the course of the game! 16 is surely chasable. The two out there will back themselves against Nawaz. Nawaz, the last time he bowled against India in the last over did not have a lot to defend and he failed to do so. This time he has 15. Can he do it? Can he hold his nerve here?

18.6: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, SIX! KING KOHLI! YES,HE DOES! Kohli has done what was required! 12 runs off the last two balls and the equation gets simple for the last over. 16 runs needed with probably Mohammad Nawaz to bowl that. Short and on the hips. Kohli whacks it behind square on the leg side for a biggie. 

18.5: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, SIX! OUT OF THE GROUND! Virat Kohli is playing one of his best innings here! What a shot this is! A slower bouncer and on middle. Kohli gets on top of the bounce and smokes it straight down for a biggie. Can Virat Kohli hit another boundary?

18.4: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Short in length and on middle. Pandya is hurried as he pulls it to long on for one. 

18.3: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Dots are gold right now! Just two off the half over! Brilliant from Rauf till now. A pacy short ball, outside off. Pandya slashes and misses.

18.2: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, On a length and outside off. Kohli punches on the up and to deep cover for one.

This over, this over is really crucial! With Nawaz having one left, Rauf needs to bowl a good one here. If he goes for runs here, pretty sure India will back the two out there to hit maybe even 15 or 18 in the last over.

18.1: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Full and outside off, heaved to deep mid-wicket for a single.

17.6: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Third off the over! And the equation gets closer! India still in the game untill Kohli is there. Not the best of nights for Shaheen Afridi! He gives away 17 runs and helps India get back in the game! This is angled on the hips. Kohli pulls it behind square leg for a boundary. 31 runs needed in 12 balls.

17.5: Shaheen Afridi to Hardik Pandya, Short and outside off. Pandya looks to cut but gets a bottom edge to point. A single. 

17.4: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, On middle, flicked to mid-wicket for a single. Kohli wanted another one but settles with one.

17.3: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Races to the fence! Afridi follows Kohli on the leg side. This is on middle. Kohli lofts it over covers. Three fielders converge to stop the ball but fails to do so. A boundary.

17.2: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Very full and outside off. Kohli drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 

17.2: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Wide! Short and way outside off. Left alone. Wided.

17.1: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Fifty for Kohli! King Kohli steps up on the big occasion. If he chases this down, this will be one of his best ones. Still, a long way to go. This is short and on middle, he pulls it to deep mid-wicket and the ball just bounces before touching the ropes. He loves to score runs against the arch rivals. 

16.6: Naseem Shah to Hardik Pandya, On middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a quick couple. India need 48 runs in 18 balls. A big over is needed by India.

16.5: Naseem Shah to Hardik Pandya, Excellent from Rizwan! Good stop by him! This is turning out to be a really good over for Pakistan! Short and outside off. Pandya pulls but gets a bottom edge and to the right of the keeper. 

16.4: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Very full and on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

16.3: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Swing and a miss! Well bowled! This is the slower one, short and outside off. Kohli looks to go over third man but misses.

16.2: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, This is short and outside off. Kohli shuffles across and smacks it uppishly and to deep extra-cover. Two runs. 

16.1: Naseem Shah to Hardik Pandya, This is full and on the pads. Pandya whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

15.6: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, On middle, slightly short. Pandya nudges it to mid-wicket. They look for two but settle with one. 54 runs needed in 24 balls.

15.5: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Length and outside off. Pandya swings and misses.

15.5: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Three wides! Nothing going Pakistan's way at the moment. Short and down the leg side. Pandya misses his pull. Mohammad Rizwan gets a big hand on it or else that was going to the fence. Afridi cuts it off at fine leg. Two runs.

15.4: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Length and outside off. Kohli slaps it to the left of mid off for a single.

15.3: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, On a length and around off. Kohli looks to work on the leg side but mistimes it back to Rauf.

15.2: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Uses the pace! This is outside off, dabbed to third man for a single. 

15.1: Haris Rauf to Hardik Pandya, Rauf serves a short ball, outside off, nips a bit away. Pandya looks to cut but misses.

14.6: Naseem Shah to Hardik Pandya, 10 from the over then! The 100 is up for India and they need anotehr 60 in 5 overs. Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one.

14.5: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Well bowled! A yorker this time and on middle, this is jammed down to long on for one.

14.4: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Clipped away and that races away to the fence. Kohli is on a roll now! Poor delivery again with fine leg up! Kohli steps out and this is full and on the pads. He clips it past short fine leg for a boundary.

14.3: Naseem Shah to Hardik Pandya, Another short one, slower again, Pandya pulls it through mid-wicket. Just another single.

14.2: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Excellent stuff from Naseem Shah! Bangs it short and on middle, making the batter hit towards the longer part. Kohli pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

14.1: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Easy two! On middle, Kohli works it with soft hands through mid-wicket. Two taken. Excellent running again.

13.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A really good over from Shadab. Brilliant comeback from him after going for a boundary earlier on. This is tossed up outside off, it is dragged through mid-wicket for one.

13.5: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Kohli wanted a run but is rightly sent back! On middle, Kohli steps out but does not get to the pitch of it. He looks to work it on the leg side but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the off side. Kohli wants a run but is sent back.

13.4: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Shorter and on middle, a little bit of extra bounce, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

13.3: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Hardik misses out! Shorter and outside off, Pandya cuts but finds point. He had enough time to pick the gap there.

13.2: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Gives it air, bowls it fuller and outside off, it is hit down to long off for one.

13.1: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Cut away! A boundary to begin this over as well. Pakistan seem under pressure now and runs have started to flow all of a sudden! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past cover. The fielder in the deep runs to his left, dives but fails to stop it.

12.6: Shaheen Afridi to Hardik Pandya, A superb delivery to end the over! Still a good one for India! A yorker on middle, this is jammed back to the bowler.

12.5: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Kohli now makes room, steps out and looks to go over covers but this goes off the inner half as it is angled into him towards deep mid-wicket for one.

12.4: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, FOUR! That is a poor ball and Kohli puts it away! With fine leg up, that is not where you want to bowl. it is on the pads, Kohli plays it behind short fine leg for a boundary.

12.3: Shaheen Afridi to Hardik Pandya, That is really good fielding! A full toss on the pads. Kohli drives it towards cover. The fielder there dives to his left and stops it. Only one.

12.2: Shaheen Afridi to Hardik Pandya, Excellent running! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket. The weight on the shot is perfect and two is taken.

12.1: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Sees Kohli step out and goes wide outside off. Kohli chases it, it goes off the outside edge down towards third man for one.

11.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, SIX MORE! Three in the over. That is a massive over and one which could be the momentum shifter. 86 needed in 48. Run rate needed just over 10 now. Game on! This is flatter and on middle, Pandya smashes it over the long on fence for a biggie. Stand and deliver.

11.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Angled into imddle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Smart batting again.

11.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, SIX! BANG! That is a shot and a half! Steps out, gets to the pitch of it and tonks it over the long on fence. Good sensible batting. The straight boundaries are short here and Kohli targets that. This is just the kind of over India needed.

11.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, A LOUD APPEAL BUT TURNED DOWN! Is there an inside edge onto the pads. A review has been taken for caught. NOT OUT! Nothing on Ultra Edge and that is a waste of a review. Maybe Pakistan took it as it was Kohli! Kohli makes room. Nawaz follows him. He looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. It lobs towards the keeper who takes it.

11.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Nawaz drags his length back and bowls it short and on middle, it is slapped down to long on for one.

11.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, SIX! That is a powerful hit! Pandya does have the ability to change the course of the game in a few overs. Runs need now below 100. This is a top start to the over. Can they make this into a big one! Angled into the pads, this is whipped over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

10.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Two more! Really good fielding! Nice cricket all-around! On middle, this is whipped wide of the fielder at deep mid-wicket. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop. Two taken.

10.5: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Singles won't harm Pakistan! Fires it outside off, Pandya slaps it through covers and takes one.

10.4: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Just another single! Shorter and outside off, this is pushed through covers for another one.

10.3: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.

10.2: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, FOUR! Thumped down the ground! India will hope this is just the start for them! This is full, right in the slot, Pandya powers it down the ground to the long on fence.

10.1: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Straight to the fielder! Dots will build pressure! Shorter and on off, this is cut to point.

DRINKS! Pakistan are in total control of this game! India need more than 11 per over heading into the last and on such a big ground, they need a heroic effort from someone to go at that rate for such a long period. They do have two stars out there, Virat and Pandya but they'll need to play an innings of a lifetime. Pakistan on the other hand, just need to continue the same and they will finish on top.

9.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Hit back hard! A single! Flat and on off. Pandya smacks it back to Nawaz who misfields and parries it to mid on for one. At the halfway mark, India are 45/4. 115 runs needed from the last 10 overs.

9.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Very full and on off, driven back to the bowler.

9.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, This is full and outside off, skids through. Pandya looks to drive but gets an outside edge. Good stop by Shaheen Afridi at short third man.

9.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Angles a full ball on middle. Pandya works it to square leg, in the gap and takes two runs. Well placed.

9.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Full and on middle. Kohli nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Touch short and around off. Kohli uses his feet but only to hit it back to the bowler.

8.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Full and on off, eased to long on for one. Three tidy overs in a row. India completely on the back foot there. Pakistan well ahead. 

8.5: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Flatter and on off. Kohli lunges forward and blocks it out.

8.4: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, On middle. Kohli keeps it out.

8.3: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A leg-breaker, full and on off. Kohli splices his push to point. A single is there but Pandya doesn't want to risk.

8.2: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Flatter ball, outside off. Pandya slaps it to deep cover for a single.

8.1: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A leggie, full and around off. Kohli pushes it to long off for a single.

7.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Fuller ball on off. Kohli drives it to long off for a single. 

7.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Very full and on middle. Pandya works it to deep square leg for a single.

7.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Flatter, quicker and on off. Kohli bunts it to mid on for a single.

7.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, This is outside off. Pandya pushes it through covers for a single.

7.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Hardik Pandya, Tossed up on middle. Pandya prods and defends.

7.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Virat Kohli, Full and on middle. Kohli flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

6.6: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Flatter and on middle. Blocked out.

6.5: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, On middle, driven down to long on for one.

6.4: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Around off kept out.

6.3: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Around off, pushed through covers for one.

6.2: Shadab Khan to Hardik Pandya, Outside off, punched to cover.

6.1: Shadab Khan to Axar Patel, OUT! PATEL IS RUN OUT! India 4 down now. What is happening with India? A decision that will make the headlines but for now Patel is a goner. Interestingly, the way Mohammad Rizwan reacted, he knew he messed up as Rizwan slightly lost the ball while clipping the bails off. But the third umpire decision is out. Coming to the delivery - On middle, Patel tucks it to mid-wicket and looks for a quick single but that was a risky one. Kohli sends Azar from the halfway mark. Babar Azam there fumbles a bit as he throws it to Mohammad Rizwan. He whips the bails off but the replay shows the ball was coming off the mitts. It was touch and go for the third umpire. Very tough one to find a result. In the end, the big screen shows OUT.

5.6: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Very full and on middle. Kohli flicks it well past square leg for a brace. 9 runs of it but Rauf gets the big wicket of Yadav. At the end of the Powerplay, India are 33 for 3. 129 runs needed in 84 balls.

5.5: Haris Rauf to Axar Patel, Leg bye! On the pads. Patel misses his flick and it goes off the pads to square leg for a leg bye.

5.4: Haris Rauf to Axar Patel, Short of a length and outside off. Patel knocks it through covers for a couple.

5.3: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! The danger man is gone! Kohli is there but Pakistan know how important is this wicket. Haris Rauf is loving it. He is probably the best bowler of Pakistan in past couple of months. Short of a length and around middle. Suryakumar opens the face of the bat and looks to dab it away but is cramped for room and it goes of the outside edge and to the keeper. Good grab from Mohammad Rizwan.

5.2: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR!  Suryakumar looks to good touch! This is fraction short and around off. SKY is quick to pick up the length as he pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

5.1: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav, On a length and on top of off. Yadav hops and drops it to point.

4.6: Naseem Shah to Suryakumar Yadav, Outside off, Suryakumar Yadav guides it down to third man and takes one. Tidy from Naseem Shah!

4.5: Naseem Shah to Suryakumar Yadav, On middle, this is pushed to mid on.

4.4: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Outside off, this is guided towards point. Kohli waits for the ball to go past the man and then takes a run.

4.3: Naseem Shah to Suryakumar Yadav, Three more! Angled into the pads. Yadav clips it past square leg. Yet again long boundaries. Three taken.

4.2: Naseem Shah to Suryakumar Yadav, Leading edge but safe! On middle, this lands and moves away. Suryakumar Yadav looks to work it on the leg side but it goes off a soft leading edge towards cover.

4.1: Naseem Shah to Suryakumar Yadav, Beaten! Length and outside off, this one swings away. Yadav looks to push at it but is beaten.

 Naseem Shah to change sides.

3.6: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Another dot to end! End of a successful over by Rauf! Angled into the pads, this is clipped to square leg.

3.5: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, On middle, Kohli defends it.

3.4: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav, Three! Shorter and on off, Yadav just stays back and pushes it through covers. Three taken. Yadav is off to a flier here.

3.3: Haris Rauf to Suryakumar Yadav, FOUR! Nicely played! Wonderful shot! Fuller and on middle, Yadav shows the full face of the bat and creams it past mid on. This guy won't hold back. He will play his shots and that is a lovely one to get off the mark.

Suryakumar Yadav has already walked in. Rohit Sharma has just told to wait as the third umpire checks the catch. It is clearly a fair catch. 

3.2: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, This is interesting! They have gone upstairs to check for the catch but Rohit has already walked back! The SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT! OUT! IT IS A CLEAN CATCH! Rohit knew and that is why he already back in the hut. This is a beauty from Rauf and he gets the Indian skipper. Pakistan all over India at the moment. This is on a length and around off, this lands and moves away. Rohit has a tentative poke at it. It goes off the outside edge. Iftikhar Ahmed takes a really good catch diving to his right and low. Rohit starts walking back and Pakistan are celebrating.

3.1: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Good length and on off, extra bounce. Hits the splice of the bat as Rohit looks to defend.

Change. Haris Rauf is into the attack. 

2.6: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, A loud shout but too high! Length and around off, this one comes back in, goes past the inside edge of Kohli's bat and hits the top of the pad. Too high. End of another good over by Pakistan.

2.5: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, From around the wicket now, probably because the ball is not swinging. Length and on off, Kohli looks to push it on the up but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

2.4: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, That is a top shot! Nice way to get off the mark! Fuller and on off, Virat Kohli strokes it through covers. Takes two. Did not look to hit it hard, just placed it.

2.3: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Raelly good from Pakistan so far! This is just outside off, on a length. Left alone.

2.2: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Drop and run! On off, this is pushed towards mid off for one.

2.1: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Outside off, left alone.

1.6: Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, End of a brilliant over from Naseem Shah! Length and on off, Kohli defends.

Virat Kohli is the new man in.

1.5: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, OUT! TIMBER! Naseem Shah gets rid of KL Rahul yet again and he has played on yet again. This dismissal was so similar to the way he got out in the Asia Cup a few months back. Good length and on off, this one comes back in a touch. Rahul looks to play it with an open face of the bat. It goes off the inside edge and then onto the stumps. Perfect start for Pakistan.

1.4: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Another one on a length and around off, defended.

1.3: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Two more! Shorter and outside off, Rahul guides it down to third man and takes two.

1.2: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Better! Just a tad full! On off, Rahul strokes it nicely to mid off.

1.1: Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Going down leg! Rahul is disappointed he did not put that away! Angled into the pads, Rahul looks to flick but misses. Half an appeal but turned down. Naseem Shah was looking to shape it away from the leg stump line but no movement there. Needs to correct it if no movement.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Naseem Shah.

0.6: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Two to end! A decent start for India! Fuller and on off, Rohit just leans into it and strokes it through covers. Two taken.

0.5: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, On the fuller side again, Rohit plays it late and towards cover. He is worried about the one coming back in and hence, is playing it late.

0.4: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Really good stop! This is way too far outside off, on the fuller side, it is jammed out towards point. The fielder dives to his left and makes a half stop. A run taken.

0.3: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Rohit is off the mark too! Shaheen looks to go full again but serves another full toss on the pads, it is clipped through square leg for one.

Halt! Rohit Sharma has some issues with the sightscreen which needs to be resolved. 

0.2: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Close! Fuller and around off, KL Rahul looks to push at it, this one comes back in a touch, it goes off the inside edge down to fine leg for one. Rahul and India are underway.

0.1: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Just short! What a start that would have been for Pakistan! No swing though first up! Shaheen goes full, he ends up bowling a full toss but it dips towards the end. Rahul plays a check-shot. It goes uppishly but lands just short of Shaheen.

We are back for India's reply. The players are out in the middle. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to open for India. Shaheen Afridi to start with the ball. Left-arm seamer to Rahul first. A slip in place. Let's go...

...THE CHASE...

The target is a stiff one! Pakistan have a brilliant bowling attack but India have a star-studded batting line-up. What will be interesting is, will the Pakistan bowlers get the same amount of movement as the Indian bowlers got earlier on? If they do, their pacers can be deadly. Stay tuned for what could be an amazing second half.

Arshdeep Singh is down for a chat. He says he just enjoyed the moment as he feels it may not come again. Adds they targeted the wickets and the pads as the square boundaries were big. Hopes they will chase it down.

India were absolutely brilliant with the new ball! Especially Arshdeep Singh who was easily the pick of the bowlers. He was well supported by Kumar first and then Shami. However, the Indian spinners just weren't upto the mark. They let the pressure off in the middle overs. India did manage to pull it back well though courtesy Hardik and but they will feel they gave a little too many runs towards the end. They would have loved to have kept Pakistan to below 150 but the death bowling was once again the issue for their side.

When Shan Masood walked in, it wasn't easy to bat. They had lost Babar early and the new ball was doing a lot. Rizwan also followed soon and Pakistan were 2 down for 15. Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood then weathered the storm and once they got their eye in, started scoring fluently. Iftikhar Ahmed changed the momentum and the tide in the space of 7 balls but once he fell, there was a procession. From 91 for 2, they ended up being 120 for 7. However, Masood who got a fine half ton up and along with the tail have taken their side to a very good total.

That is a brilliant recovery from Pakistan and they will surely be the happier of the two sides in the break! They really have to be thankful to Shan Masood who played an absolutely brilliant knock. Yes, he did not go at a very high strike rate but hung in there when needed and is the main reason for his side to get to a total which can be considered par.

19.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Haris Rauf, TWO BYES! This is full and outside off. Rauf swings and misses. Masood runs across. The keeper throws it to Kumar who has a shy at his side but misses. The ball rolls to long off and another single is taken. Two to end. PAKISTAN END WITH 159.

19.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Haris Rauf, Two dots! Well done Kumar! Good comeback! Kumar bowls it outside off again. Rauf is swinging everything but fails to connect again. 

19.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Haris Rauf, DOT BALL! This is full and outside off. Rauf swings across the line and misses. 

19.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Haris Rauf, SIX! FIRST BALL SIX! What a shot! Pakistan eyeing 165 probably now! On a length and on the pads. Rauf whacks it high over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 

19.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shaheen Afridi, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Now what Masood expected! Afridi goes after playing a decent cameo. Short of a length and on middle. Afridi opens his body up as he looks to pull but miscues it completely and it goes off the leading edge back for Kumar who takes a simple catch. Haris Rauf will be on the strike.

19.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Full and outside off. Masood pushes it to mid off for a single. Masood is betting on Afridi to hit some lusty blows.

19.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Wide! Starts with a delivery way outside off. Masood leaves it. A wide to start the final over.

18.6: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, On the pads, clipped behind square on the leg side for one. 14 runs off the over. Not the end Arshdeep Singh wanted but still a brilliant spell. 150 up!

18.5: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, Leg bye! A yorker, angling down. It goes through the legs of Afridi who looks to whip. Dinesh Karthik gets a big hand on it as he dives to his right and removes the pace from it. One run.

18.4: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, FOUR! Six and now four! The Pakistani fans get their voice back. This is full and outside off. Afridi thumps it straight down past mid off for four runs. 

18.3: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! Where has this come from? Afridi with a biggie. Short in length and on off, sits nicely for Afridi who pulls it hard and over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 

18.2: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, Short of a length and on off. Masood taps it to backward point for on. Fifty for Masood. That is a top effort by him. He made his comeback recently into the Pakistan side, has not had the best of times recetly after being picked in the XI but what a time to come back to form. A big game, his side was in deep trouble when he walked out and he has bailed them out of it and taken them to a good score. Needs to stay there till the end though.

18.1: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, Short in length and on off. Afridi splices his push to third man for a single. 

17.6: Mohammad Shami to Shaheen Afridi, Only a single! Length and on the pads. Afridi flicks it behind square leg for a single. He will keep the strike.

17.5: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, Way down the leg side, Shan helps it to fine leg for a single. Shaheen Afridi has a free hit here. He will look to go big.

17.4: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, Drops it short and on middle. Shan backs away to ramp it but misses.

17.3: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, FOUR! JUST WIDE OF MID ON! Well timed! This is full and angling on middle. Masood flicks on the up, Ravichandran Ashwin dives to his left but it goes away from him and into the fence. 

17.2: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, FOUR! Fourtunate one! Masood won't mind though! On a length and on leg. Masood makes room to drive but gets an outside edge and it races to the third man fence.

17.1: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, This is full and just around leg. Masood shuffles in his crease looking to scoop it away on the leg side but misses.

16.6: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, This is full and outside off. Afridi hits it past cover for a couple of runs. 150 still possible for Pakistan as Shan Masood is still out. He is out for a long time and needs to make the most of it. 

16.6: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, Wide! A yorker but just straying down the leg side. Afridi misses his flick. That was very close to the pole.

16.5: Arshdeep Singh to Shaheen Afridi, On the pads, this is flicked behind square leg for a brace.

16.4: Arshdeep Singh to Asif Ali, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Asif Ali goes now! What a night Arshdeep Singh is having! One to remeber for a while! Singh bangs it short and on middle, the ball does not much much. Ali tries to duck but keeps his bat hanging in front of him. The ball hits the gloves and goes behind for Dinesh Karthik to take it. 

16.3: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, Tad short and on middle. Masood plays it to point again. He looks for one more but Virat Kohli is quick to the ball and keeps it down to one. 

16.2: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, On middle, fuller. Masood guides it uppishly to deep point for a couple.

16.1: Arshdeep Singh to Asif Ali, Touch fuller and on off. Ali knocks it to point for one.

15.6: Hardik Pandya to Asif Ali, This is full and on middle, Ali pushes it to mid on for a single. Excellent spell from Pandya. Just four overs remaining now and Shan Masood plays a key role as Pakistan look for 150 from here.

15.5: Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Nawaz's stay is over! What a comeback from Pandya! his third wicket and this is really good bowling from him! Nawaz stays on the back foot and again looks for a short ball but Hardik cramps him and pushes his length further. This is on middle. Nawaz tries to play the upper cut but gets a faint edge and Dinesh Karthik makes no mistake. 

15.4: Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Nawaz will be the aggressor now, clearly! This is full and around off. Nawaz makes room for himself and powers it to deep extra-cover for a boundary.

15.3: Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Nawaz, On a length and on middle. Blocked out.

15.2: Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Nawaz, FOUR! Nawaz read the field! He anticipated a short ball and stays on the back foot. This is outside off and Nawaz ramps it over backward point for a boundary.

15.1: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, Length and on middle. Shan Masood pulls it to deep square leg for one.

14.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Just the single to end! Fuller and on the pads, it is hit down to long on for one.

14.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Two more! Outside off, this is guided past point for two.

14.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, PUT DOWN! Harsh to call it a drop though! Good effort from Ashwin! Masood steps out and hits it hard and back towards the right of the bowler. Ashwin sticks his right hand out, it hits the hand and goes towards cover. Two taken.

14.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Mohammad Nawaz, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

14.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Mohammad Nawaz, On middle, defended.

14.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Mohammad Nawaz, WIDE! Down the leg side. Wided.

14.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Shorter and outside off, this is slapped past cover for one.

Mohammad Nawaz comes in.

13.6: Hardik Pandya to Haider Ali, OUT! TAKEN! Haider Ali has gifted his wicket here! Not sure what Pakistan are doing here. This is really poor. They have lost three wickets for hardly any runs. On a length and around middle, Haider Ali looks to heave it across the line but just like Shadab, he hits it high up in the air. Suryakumar Yadav takes it nicely at deep mid-wicket.

13.5: Hardik Pandya to Haider Ali, Back of a length and on middle, defended.

13.4: Hardik Pandya to Haider Ali, Two! Fuller and on off, Ali lifts it over cover. Two taken.

13.3: Hardik Pandya to Haider Ali, Another dot! On middle, defended. Things have now gone quiet for Pakistan.

Haider Ali is the new man in.

13.2: Hardik Pandya to Shadab Khan, OUT! TAKEN! That is a really good catch from Suryakumar Yadav! Shadab's stay is a short one and not a good one. He clears his front leg and looks to tonk this length ball over the long on fence. He only manages to hit it high up in the air towards long on. Suryakumar Yadav takes a really good catch. This is a really good passage of play for the Indians.

13.1: Hardik Pandya to Shadab Khan, BEATEN! Another excellent delivery! A length delivery, it yet again zips off the surface and moves away. Shadab is beaten as he tries to block.

12.6: Mohammad Shami to Shadab Khan, A single to end a brilliant over from Shami! Just the kind his team needed. Shadab comes down the track and looks to go over mid off but mistimes it towards the fielder there for one.

12.5: Mohammad Shami to Shadab Khan, That is a beauty! Pace, bounce and movement. Good length and on off, this lands and moves away. Khan is beaten as he tries to push at it.

12.4: Mohammad Shami to Shadab Khan, FOUR! SHOT! That is some shot to get off the mark! Pure timing! Fuller and on off, this is timed past mid off and it races away to the fence.

12.3: Mohammad Shami to Shadab Khan, Around off and on a length, this is guided to point.

Shadab Khan comes in.

12.2: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, OUT! THAT IS PLUMB! Fifty and out for Iftikhar Ahmed and that is a welcome wicket for India. They needed as Iftikhar Ahmed was going great guns. This is full and straight, on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed just misses a straight ball to get hit on the pads. A loud appeal and the finger is raised. Can India build from here?

12.1: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, A loud shout but turned down! An inside edge saves Iftikhar Ahmed! Fuller and on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to play it with a straight bat but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Mohammad Shami comes back probably for one over.

11.6: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fifty for Iftikhar Ahmed! What a knock and what a time to play this. Pakistan were in deep trouble and he has taken them to safer shores. Needs to continue though. Gets there by cutting this past point, the fielder in the deep runs to his left and keeps it down to three.

11.5: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, Now pushes this one through and on the pads. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

11.4: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! That is the three in the over and 4 in the last two. This one is not as long as the last two but still the same amount of runs. This is fired outside off, it is hit towards long off. The connection is not that great. The fielder leaps, takes it but is falling over the ropes. He tries to throw it back in but ends up doing it outside the boundary line. Momentum has shifted completely here.

11.3: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! Over the fence yet again! Iftikhar Ahmed is turning the tide in favor of Pakistan. He is a six-hitter and it is on display here. Another top shot. Steps out, gets to the pitch of it and powers it well over the long on fence for another biggie. Axar under huge pressure now.

11.2: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, Drags his length back and fires it into the pads. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

11.1: Axar Patel to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! BANG! Iftikhar Ahmed is in his elements. He is a big hitter and has nailed this one. Welcome into the attack, Axar Patel! He knows Axar does not turn it a lot and hence, plays it with the angle. Plays the slog sweep and clears the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Change. Axar Patel to bowl now.

10.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, Good sensible batting! Gets the biggie, now works it towards mid-wicket and takes one.

10.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, SIX! That is a meaty blow! You have to really hit it well if you want to clear the fence here! Iftikhar Ahmed steps out and gets to the pitch of it. He tonks it well over the long on fence for a biggie. Much-needed and it is the first of the game.

10.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, this is pushed to the right of the bowler who stops it well.

10.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, DROPPED! Not an easy chance though! Iftikhar Ahmed makes room, this is tossed up on off, it is hit towards cover. Rohit leaps but ends up tipping it over. It goes towards long off for two.

10.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, Was that a chance? Iftikhar Ahmed steps out, this is fired on the pads. He looks to flick but misses, it goes between his legs. The keeper fails to take it cleanly and it goes towards short fine leg.

10.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

DRINKS! Pakistan have recovered well, after losing two early, Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed are taking them to safer shores. Also, they would now look to accelerate with the conditions getting easier to bat. They will be aiming for something around 150. India on the other hand, will know a score around 150 could be a tricky one if the conditions remain the same. They will look to continue the good work after the break.

9.6: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, Leg bye! On the pads, tickled off the pads to square leg for a leg bye. Pakistan are 60 for 2 at the halfway mark. A bit behind the 8-ball but have done really well after losing both the openers inside the Powerplay. 

9.5: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, Drops it short and on middle. Ahmed pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 

9.4: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, FOUR! A welcome boundary for Pakistan! The stand moves to 43 now. Pandya gives too much room here for Ahmed to free his arms. This is outside off. Ahmed hits it past backward point and the ball races into the fence.

9.3: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, Back of a length and on middle. Masood gets on the front foot to defend but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls away off the pads and a quick single is taken.

9.2: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, Short in length and outside off. Ahmed opens the face of the bat and plays it to third man for a single.

9.1: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, Touch fuller and outside off, holds a bit. Ahmed pushes on the up and through point for a couple of runs. 

8.6: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, Touch short and on top of off. Ahmed goes back and cuts it past point for one more. Another tidy over by India. 50 up for Pakistan. They need to change the gears now. 

8.5: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Around off, flat. Masood slaps it through covers for a single.

8.4: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Ashwin flights a bit, this is full and outside off. Masood uses his feet and smashes it to wide of long off for two.

8.3: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, This is full and on middle. Ahmed eases it to long on for a single.

8.2: Ravichandran Ashwin to Iftikhar Ahmed, Tossed up, outside off. Ahmed punches it to point.

8.1: Ravichandran Ashwin to Shan Masood, Leg bye! Ashwin starts with a carrom ball, flat and on the pads. Shan misses his flick and it goes off the pads to square leg for a leg bye.

7.6: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, Lovely delivery! A length ball, outside off and swings away. Ahmed has a feel for it, he looks to push but misses.

7.5: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, On a length and on middle, Ahmed blocks it out.

7.4: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, On middle, kept out.

7.3: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, NOT OUT! The ball just bounced on the ground before Ashwin takes it. Masood's stay continues. Short ball from Shami from 'round the wicket and angling in. Masood pulls but again fails to hit well. It goes off the top edge to fine leg. Ravichandran Ashwin was a bit late to run forward and as a result, the ball didn't carry there. 

Has that been taken? India are celebrating but it has been taken upstairs. SOFT SIGNAL IS OUT! Big moment in the game as this partnership was going along nicely.

7.2: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, Leg bye! Shami is still getting some swing, this one tails in on the hips, it is flicked to fine leg for a leg bye.

7.1: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, On a length and outside off. Ahmed chops it back to the keeper. No run this time.

7.1: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, Wide! Short and down the leg side. Ahmed misses his flick.

6.6: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, EDGED AND FOUR! Pandya bangs a bouncer on middle. Masood pulls, it goes off the top edge and wide of the man at fine leg for a boundary. Well played in the end. Shan Masood knew where the fielder was and played it very late. Pakistan are getting a move along. 9 runs off the over. A stand also building. 

6.5: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, Goes fuller now on middle, Ahmed forces it to mid-wicket for a single.

6.4: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, On a length and outside off. Shan dabs it to third man for one.

6.3: Hardik Pandya to Shan Masood, Sharp work from Pandya! This is on the hips. Masood fends it away on the leg side and looks for a run which was not available. He is clearly sent back. Pandya runs across, collects and hits at the striker's end. Masood looks in and the replay confirms it. Shan Masood calls the physio as he has some trouble with his finger. The extra bounce caused some pain there. 

6.2: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, THREE RUNS! Ahmed pushes hard this time for the third! Short in length and outside off, this is pulled over mid-wicket for three runs. The umpire check for a short run and the batter looks fine.

6.1: Hardik Pandya to Iftikhar Ahmed, BEATEN! This is on a nagging length, outside off and gets it to shape a bit away. Ahmed has a poke at it but misses.

5.6: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, A single to end the over! Length and on middle, Ahmed clips it past square leg for one. At the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan are 32/2. India will be happy off the two at the moment. 

5.5: Mohammad Shami to Iftikhar Ahmed, Change of pace from Shami! On the hips and Ahmed works it to square leg. 

5.4: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, Three runs! Good running! Good shot as well! Shami again tries to angle in but strays it down the leg side. Masood flicks it past square leg. The square boundaries are big and the fielder chases it down. 

5.3: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, FOUR! Good shot! A loosener from Shami! This is way outside off, on a length. Masood steps across and punches it through point. Quick outfield and it races into the fence. 

5.2: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, On a length and on middle, extra bounce and at good pace as well, at 140 clicks. Shan Masood looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads.

5.1: Mohammad Shami to Shan Masood, Shami angles it back in from 'round the wicket and on middle. Masood is hurried as he keeps it out on the leg side.

Change. Mohammad Shami is into the attack. 

4.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Iftikhar Ahmed, A dot to end! Good carry for the bowler. Outside off, left alone.

4.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Iftikhar Ahmed, FOUR! Whacked away! Shorter in length and on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed drags it wide of the fielder at mid on and finds the boundary. Positive start for Iftikhar Ahmed!

4.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Iftikhar Ahmed, Outswinger but outside off, left alone.

4.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Iftikhar Ahmed, Two more! On middle, Iftikhar Ahmed works it through mid-wicket and takes two. He is off the mark. Played that well. Was quick to get the front pad out of the way.

4.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Three more! Shorter and on the body, Masood pulls it through square leg, long boundary and hence, does not go all the way. Three taken.

4.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Shorter and angling away from off. Masood looks to cut but misses.

Iftikhar Ahmed is the new man in. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to continue.

3.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! TOP EDGE AND TAKEN THIS TIME! Arshdeep Singh is pumped up! He has got two of the best Pakistan batters in this line-up. Really smart bowling, takes Rizwan by surprise by bowling a bumper on middle. It gets big on Rizwan who is probably on the front foot for the fuller ones. He still looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and goes straight to fine leg where Kumar makes no mistake. Pakistan in deep trouble now.

3.5: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Rizwan, In the end... it lands short! On the pads, Rizwan looks to flick, this holds in the surface a touch and it goes off the leading edge towards mid on. Kohli runs in and dives forward but it lands short.

3.4: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Rizwan, BEATEN AGAIN! This is top class pace bowling! Yet again, it begins on middle and then shapes away. Rizwan is beaten as he tries to block.

3.3: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Rizwan, BEATEN! This lands on a length, it pitches and then moves away. Rizwan is beaten as he tries to defend.

3.2: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, Now follows the boundary with one! On the pads, this is worked towards square leg for one.

3.1: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, FOUR! Tickled away nicely! Have to believe Masood will be the apt batter for Pakistan in these conditions having played a lot of cricket in England. He plays this well. Lets the ball come to him, it is on the pads. It is worked fine to the fine leg fence. Welcome boundary.

2.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, Another yes and no situation but no harm done! On the pads, Rizwan looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards mid-wicket. Rizwan wants a run but is sent back. Another testing over comes to an end.

2.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Mix-up but a single in the end! Another yorker on middle, Masood jams it out towards square leg. They think of a run but then stop, eventually go for it and complete it.

2.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Another one hits the pad! On the pads. Masood looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

2.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, That is a jaffa! Well played in the end! A yorker, that tails back in late from off. Masood somehow gets bat on ball, it goes off the inside half down to fine leg for two. Very tough for the batters, the good thing for Pakistan is, the two are surviving for now.

2.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Another appeal but turned down! Missing leg probably. This begins around middle and leg and comes back in. Masood looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

2.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, Outstanding bowling! Length and on middle, this one jags back in. Masood looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

2.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Shan Masood, WIDE! This is short and wide outside off, swings away furuther. Masood slashes but misses. Wided.

1.6: Arshdeep Singh to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! The last ball releases a little pressure that was building. Nicely played by Rizwan. He is aware about the ball coming back in and hence does not plant his front foot across. Arshdeep Singh goes for the inswinging yorker but ends up bowling a full toss. It is worked down to fine leg for a boundary. First of the game.

1.5: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, Run out chance goes abegging! How did Virat Kohli miss from there? Shan Masood, what were you just doing? Clear signs of nerves. There was never a run there. In the end though, he made it in. On off, this is pushed towards mid off and Masood takes off. Kohli picks the ball up and he is quite close to the stumps. He has a shy but misses. Masood was nowhere in the picture. Kohli probably had more time than he thought. Masood though is off the mark and that should settle the nerves for him too.

1.4: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, BEATEN AGAIN! Now goes back to taking it away. This is a little wider outside off. Masood goes after it but misses.

1.3: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, Outstanding from Arshdeep Singh and this is very tough for Pakistan. Especially against two bowlers who can swing the ball both the ways! This is on off and he brings it back in this time. It comes in way too much. Masood looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

1.2: Arshdeep Singh to Shan Masood, BEATEN! That is a beauty! Lovely away shape! It is on a length and around off, moves away. Masood is beaten as he tries to defend.

Shan Masood walks in at number 3.

1.1: Arshdeep Singh to Babar Azam, A HUGE APPEAL AND THE FINGER IS RAISED! Babar has a first-baller or does he? He has taken it upstairs but that looks out. Ultra Edge shows no bat and now it is time for Ball Tracking and it shows THREE REDS! OUT! Babar does walk back on the very first ball he faces and the crowd here erupts. That is a body blow for Pakistan. Their skipper walks back for a duck and this is a tremendous start for India and Arshdeep Singh who is playing his first World Cup game. He gets probably the best batter in Pakistan's line-up. We have seen Azam having problems against a left-arm seamer who brings the ball back in and that is case here again. Arshdeep starts on middle and gets it to tail back in. Bowls it full and lets the ball do its part. Azam plants his front foot a little too across and then tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A huge shout and the finger is raised.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is Arshdeep Singh.

0.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, A superb start by Kumar! Half an appeal on the last ball but turned down! Length and outside off, Rizwan looks to defend by stepping outside the line of off. He misses to get hit on the pads.

0.6: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, WIDE! That is outstanding from Dinesh Karthik! Just brilliant. Kumar looks to bring the ball back in but bowls it down the leg side. This swings away even further after going past the batter. Dinesh Karthik dives to his left and stops it brilliantly. Saves four for his side. Pakistan though are underway courtesy the extra.

0.5: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, Swing and a miss again! Yet again Rizwan plays that well away from his body. This one swings away, it is well outside off. Rizwan slashes but misses.

0.4: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, Tidy from Kumar so far! Another one on a length and on off, defended.

0.3: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, BEATEN! That is loose from Rizwan. That was well away from his body. Too early probably to play something like that! Shorter and outside off, Rizwan goes after it but with no foot movement. He is beaten.

Mohammad Rizwan gets hit on his right thumb. He is feeling the pain. The physio is out. 

0.2: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, That is nasty! Rizwan is in pain. That ball has taken off. On a length and around off, this lands and there is extra bounce. Rizwan is hit on the glove as he tries to defend.

0.1: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Mohammad Rizwan, That is a beauty to begin with! Some shape away for Kumar! It is on a length and just outside off. Left alone.

The look on Rohit's face after the anthem shows what it means to play for the country. This is more than just a game. India versus Pakistan. The stage is all set. The good thing is there is no sign of rain at the moment. The Indian players are out in the middle. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are the openers for Pakistan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to find some swing as he will start with the ball. HERE WE GO...

We are just moments away from the action. The match officials walk out. They are followed by the two-set of players. Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam lead their respective team. It will be national anthems first. Pakistan's first followed by India's.

Hardik Pandya is up for a chat. He says he is excited and it's fantastic to play under such a crowd. Adds he has fond memories of playing in Australia. Shares that his body is fine and informs he will bowl later. Reckons they are playing international cricket and there are certain standards here. They are ready to face Pakistan.

PAKISTAN (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Shan Masood, Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.

INDIA (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says they wanted to bowl first too but the toss is not in their hands and now they'll try and bat well. Mentions they have prepared well, they had a good series in New Zealand and are looking forward to do well here. Informs about the combination of his side.

Rohit Sharma, the captain of India. He says it looks like a good pitch, there is grass covering but he's not sure how helpful will it be with the overcast conditions, it might swing. Adds the preparation has been good, they have been here for some time and have prepared well. He hopes they can entertain the massive crowd here. Informs about his side.

TOSS - The MCG roars as both captains walk out for the toss. Up goes the coin and it lands in favour of INDIA. THEY WILL BOWL FIRST!