India kick-started their Champions Trophy title defence with a 124-run drubbing of arch-rivals Pakistan via the Duckworth/Lewis method in a rain-hit game here at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Put into bat, India’s collective batting effort saw them amass 319 for three after the match was reduced to 48 overs a side.
Set a revised target of 324 in 48 overs, which later became 289 in 41 following a third rain interruption, Pakistan were bundled out for 164 in 33.4 overs.
Openers Rohit Sharma (91) and Shikhar Dhawan (68) put on a 136-run stand before brilliant knocks from skipper Virat Kohli (81 n.o.) and Yuvraj Singh (53) took India to a commanding total.
While Kohli shrugged off his poor form, Yuvraj was at his vintage best, slamming eight fours and one six in his 32-ball knock.
The Indian bowlers then produced a disciplined effort to seal a thumping victory. Umesh Yadav was the pick of the lot, returning figures of three for 30.
All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (2/43) and Hardik Pandya (2/43) struck in the middle overs to keep India in control.
India next take on Sri Lanka at The Oval on June 8.
DH News Service
