BIRMINGHAM: As expected, India downed Pakistan by 124 runs in the arch-rivals’ ICC Champions Trophy opener at Edgbaston Ground here on Sunday.
Set a revised target of 289 in 41 overs following three rain interruptions, Pakistan, while chasing, could muster only 164, with injured last man Wahab Riaz unable to bat as India raced home with 44 balls to spare. Earlier, a dazzling knock by Rohit Sharma helped defending champions India made 319 for the loss of three scalps after losing the toss. Rohit was the top scorer with 91 in the match reduced to 48 overs per side after first rain by interruption. But the real damage was done to Pakistan during a blistering third-wicket stand of 93 in 59 deliveries between India captain Virat Kohli (81 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (53), with both batsmen dropped. Hardik Pandya hit the first three balls of Imad Wasim’s last over of the innings for six on his way to 20 not out. Mohammad Amir was the pick of Pakistan’s attack with none for 32 in 8.1 overs in what was the first Group B match of a tournament featuring the world’s top eight ODI sides for both the arch-rivals. India plundered 72 runs in their final four overs as Pakistan’s attack wilted.