After nearly an hour of rain delay, the highly anticipated 2024 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan began in New York. Pakistan won the key toss in cloudy circumstances and ordered India to bat first.
However, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had no intention of sitting and watching, opening his account with a deuce off the first delivery against left-arm bowler Shaheen Afridi. Following a dot in the second delivery, the elegant right-hander hit his signature stroke off the third ball.
Rohit Sharma casually performed a great pickup shot and dispatched a full delivery from the pads into the bleachers for a maximum.
Here’s a look at the amazing hit by the Indian captain:
Rohit’s maximum elicited wild shouts from the Indian presence in the audience, with even Afridi in awe of the strike. However, the ace pacer responded well with three dot balls to conclude the over with India on 8/0.
The penultimate ball was a typical Afridi delivery that slanted back into Rohit Sharma, but a minute LBW claim was overturned after Pakistan captain Babar Azam said there was some bat involvement.
Unfortunately, just as things were heating up, the skies opened up, halting play.
Team India unchanged while Pakistan made a lone change
Team India is fielding the same XI that defeated Ireland by 8 wickets in the tournament opener.
While there were thoughts of giving left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav a game, Rohit Sharma and the management refused. Meanwhile, Pakistan welcomed back in-form all-rounder Imad Wasim in lieu of the severely underperforming Azam Khan.
Due to injury, Imad was unable to play in Pakistan’s opening Super Over loss against the United States. The teams are playing in the T20 World Cup for the eighth match, with India leading 6-1.
As things stand, play is scheduled to restart at 9.30 PM IST, with no overs lost.
