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‘Babar ko samaj nahi aa raha kya kiya jaye’ – Fans react to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s superb opening stand against Pakistan

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put the Pakistani bowlers under the sword on a hot day at Colombo. The India openers went after the Pakistani pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem […]

Sep 10, 2023 5:57 pm

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put the Pakistani bowlers under the sword on a hot day at Colombo. The India openers went after the Pakistani pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. The early introduction of spin did not stop the Indian batting juggernaut on a good batting pitch.

India played against Pakistan on 2^nd September during the group phase of the tournament. The Indian team was bowled out for 266 thanks to fifties from Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan. Babar Azam won the toss and had no hesitation in putting India into bat first considering the overhead conditions.

Indian openers race past 100 run stand

Rohit Sharma seemed the man on a mission as he whacked Shaheen Shah Afridi for a huge six. The Indian skipper became the first-ever batter in international cricket to achieve this feat against the Pakistani pacer.

Shubman Gill was dropped off his first ball by Afridi off the bowling of Naseem Shah. The right-hander then hit Afridi for 3 fours each in his 2^nd and 3^rd over. Afridi was taken off the attack after conceding 31 runs from his 3 overs. The left arm pacer had also injured his finger while attempting to take the catch Gill’s catch.

Rohit Sharma was all at sea against Naseem Shah in the first few overs. The 36-year-old in fact tried to break loose when the dot balls were mounting up. Rohit Sharma charged down the track as the Pakistani team went up in appeal. The DRS was taken by Babar Azam but there was no edge found.

Shubman Gill then got to his 8^th ODI half-century when he took a single off Shadab Khan. It was his 2^nd fifty of the tournament after his half-century against Nepal. Rohit Sharma though went after Shadab Khan hitting him for 2 sixes and a four. The Indian captain welcomed the Pakistani leggie with another six as he reached his 50^th ODI half-century.

The Pakistani bowling attack had no clue to the Indian batting that was on display. India went into the first drinks break at 118/0 from 16 overs. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill both were looking good for a big score. The Indian pair had put their 4^th century stand in their 12^th game as openers.

Here’s how the fans reacted:

Hundred runs partnership by Gill & Rohit from just 13.2 overs.

– India on a roll….!!!! pic.twitter.com/HxkcgSi1fH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 10, 2023