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India lost both openers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, cheaply after Pakistan captain Babar Azam opted to field in the high-octane clash between the arch-rivals at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 9). Kohli was dismissed for just 4 runs off three balls, while captain Rohit departed for 13 off 12 balls during the T20 World Cup 2024 clash.
Virat Kohli’s dismissal
Rain interrupted play after the first over, and Kohli came to the crease when the game resumed. He started promisingly by elegantly driving a full-length delivery from Naseem Shah through the covers for a boundary on the first ball he faced after the restart. However, Shah bowled a short, slow, and wide ball on the third delivery, tempting Kohli to go for a big hit.
Expecting a quicker delivery, Kohli misjudged the pace and timing of the ball, leading to a mistimed cut shot that sailed straight into the hands of the fielder at point to fielder Usman Khan. The dismissal was a result of meticulous planning by the Pakistani captain. Just two balls earlier, Babar had adjusted the field, moving a gully fielder to point, which ultimately set the trap for Kohli’s dismissal. This is only the second time Kohli has been dismissed by Pakistan in T20 World Cups.
Also READ: IND vs PAK: Here’s why Azam Khan not playing today’s match | T20 World Cup 2024
Rohit Sharma’s wicket
Following Kohli’s departure, Rohit was also dismissed cheaply. The Indian captain fell to Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi after scoring 13 runs off 12 balls. Afridi delivered an inswinger on a good length, targeting the pads. Rohit attempted to whip the ball into the leg side but didn’t get the middle of the bat, resulting in a fine catch by Haris Rauf, stationed at deep square leg, who moved to his left to complete the dismissal.