Fired-Up Men In Blue Prove Too Hot For Pakistan

Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah and Jadhav restrict the opponent to ameagre total before Rohit leads the victory charge

- Amol Karhadkar

The atmosphere was electric and the players charged up, but the big battle — despite the result pleasing a majority of spectators in the stands — between India and Pakistan turned out to be a lop­sided affair, just like their last meet­ing in the Champions Trophy final in 2017.

While Pakistan had domi­nated proceedings that even­ing at The Oval, it was India’s turn to avenge the loss, that too in style, with an eight­ wicket win in just 29 overs here on Wednesday.

After the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jas­prit Bumrah, along with ‘Mr. Utility’ Kedar Jadhav, had bundled Pakistan out for 162 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the writing was clear on the wall.