Pakistan vs. India: Overs 15 to 30 – ICC World Cup Semi-Final
What India needed was a wicket to get themselves back in the game, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 getting themselves in a stronger position with every passing ball. Muhammad Hafeez looked increasingly dangerous and the Indians needed to get him out.
Munaf Patel answered India’s call and on the third ball of the 16th over he had the danger man out. Hafeez made the worst possible shot selection when he tried to sweep the bowler and the ball sailed straight into the wicket keeper Mahindra Singh Dhoni’s gloves. His 43 run knock was well constructed though it had a feeling of an unfinished innings to it, and Hafeez showed his disappointment as he made his way back to the pavilion.
Younis Khan entered the fray for the Pakistanis as he looked to ensure no more damage was done by the Indian bowlers. Asad Shafiq was still battling admirably as the two batsmen rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard steadily ticking.
Indian Captain Dhoni looked to add more pressure onto the Pakistani batsmen and he introduced Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh to do just that. The Pakistani batsmen were resilient and frustrated the bowlers.
That did not deter Yuvraj though, as he got his side’s third wicket in the 34th over when he bowled Asad Shafiq. The Pakistani batsmen will probably be livid with himself for trying to play a cut shot when the ball was coming straight at the stumps. He failed to make any contact with the ball and in the end he had to depart for only 30 runs as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 were finding their way back in the match.
Yuvraj was at it again in his next over when he sent Younis Khan packing. The pressure seemed to have gotten to the batsman as he tried to free his arms. The ball flew straight at Suresh Raina who made no mistake with the catch.
The match was now in the Indian’s favor as they had two new Pakistani batsmen at the crease. Umar Akmal and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 had a job on their hands as they looked to steady the ship for the Pakistani side.
Yuvraj Singh was in on the action again as he fumbled a chance for a run out that could have had Umar Akmal out. He was made to pay when Akmal smashed him for a four and a six in the 30th over.
The match was still in the balance at 130 runs for 4 wickets after 30 overs. Pakistan had wickets in hand and India had the run rate under check as the game nears the crucial period of the last twenty overs.
Tags: