T20 World Cup 2021: Shaheen’s opening spell helped us beat India, says Mohammad Rizwan

Xtra Time Web Desk: Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan credited teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi for providing the platform for the 10-wicket win against India at the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday. 

The tall paceman dismissed dangerous opener Rohit Sharma with the fourth delivery of the match for a first-ball duck and then had KL Rahul (three) and Virat Kohli (57) in his three over spell (3/31) that paved the way for a successful run chase

His effort restricted India to a below-par 151-7 in their 20 overs, a target Pakistan overhauled in 17.5 overs without losing a wicket — their first victory over India in six Twenty20 World Cup games. 

It also broke Pakistan’s jinx of 12 World Cup games (seven 50-over World Cup matches as well) without a victory against India since 1992.  

“Shaheen got us wickets at the top of the order and that proved to be the turning point,” said Rizwan after Pakistan’s victory in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage. 

Captain Babar Azam scored a 52-ball 68 not out while Rizwan hit an undefeated 55-ball 79 as Pakistan achieved their first ten-wicket win in all Twenty20 internationals. 

This was also India’s first ten-wicket defeat in Twenty20 cricket.  

Rizwan said the victory was a gift to the nation. 

“Congratulations to the whole of Pakistan and all our people as we were all waiting for this win,” said Rizwan. 

“This was my first game against India, so it’s a good thing for me. 

“I used to watch all the Indo-Pak matches on television and used to pinpoint where we made mistakes.  

“But today’s game was great and after Shaheen got those wickets we were confident we would win.” 

Pakistan next play New Zealand in Sharjah on Tuesday.

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By: XtraTime
Title: T20 World Cup 2021: Shaheen’s opening spell helped us beat India, says Mohammad Rizwan
Sourced From: xtratime.in/t20-world-cup-2021-shaheens-opening-spell-helped-us-beat-india-says-mohammad-rizwan/
Published Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 06:23:10 +0000

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