We are just a handful of hours away from witness another chapter add to the already storied rivalry between India and Pakistan. While Saturday (June 8) was power-packed with 4 mouth-watering clashes, the larger focus was certainly on the big one that is today in New York. With both India and Pakistan addressing media houses in the pre-match press conferences, the cricketing world continued to provide some startling stories. On that note, let us look back and skim through the eye-catching stories from Saturday.
Rohit Sharma doesn’t need Virat Kohli?
Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of team performance ahead of their match against Pakistan. He stressed that over-reliance on any one player, even Virat Kohli, is not ideal. While acknowledging Kohli’s experience and past achievements, Rohit wanted everyone to contribute and not expect Kohli to single-handedly win them the game. This comes after Kohli’s absence from the warm-up match and a mediocre performance in the previous match.
Rohit Sharma to miss the IND vs PAK clash?
The Hitman faced another injury scare during a net session before their crucial match against Pakistan. He was reportedly struck on the fingers by a throwdown specialist’s delivery. This comes after he retired hurt with an elbow injury during India’s first World Cup match against Ireland. Thankfully, Rohit continued batting after being checked by the team’s medical staff, suggesting the scare wasn’t serious. Moreover, he attended the press conference and will not miss the crucial clash against Pakistan.
Did Indian fans want to throw Shaheen Afridi in water?
A video emerged online showing a funny encounter between Indian fans and Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi. These fans, who journeyed from Vancouver for the match, engaged in lighthearted banter with Afridi. One fan jokingly requested Afridi to go easy on star Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It took a humorous turn when someone said to “throw him in the water,” likely referring to a nearby fountain. Despite this playful jab, Afridi stayed calm, even taking pictures with all the fans. While the comment might seem harsh, it was probably meant as a lighthearted joke before the high-tension India-Pakistan clash.
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Only 2 of the 15 Indian player practices before IND vs PAK
A surprise emerged ahead of India’s crucial T20 World Cup match against Pakistan. Star players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma skipped the team’s optional training session, as reported by journalist Vimal Kumar. While these pre-match sessions were not mandatory, the absence of both these veterans was noteworthy. Only Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube, who haven’t been in top form, opted to train.
Afghanistan humble New Zealand!
To raise a few eyebrows, Afghanistan dominated New Zealand in Match 14 of the T20 World Cup. This marked Afghanistan’s first-ever win against the Blackcaps in international cricket. Chasing a modest target of 160, New Zealand’s batting fell apart against Afghanistan’s potent spin attack. Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi were the star performers, claiming four wickets each to dismantle the Kiwi batting order. This emphatic 84-run victory propelled Afghanistan to the top of Group C, showcasing their potential as giant slayers in the tournament.
Sri Lanka in massive trouble!
Bangladesh sprung a surprise in their T20 World Cup opener, defeating Sri Lanka by two wickets in Dallas. This victory marked a strong turnaround for Bangladesh, who had recently struggled against the USA. Despite Sri Lanka setting a modest target of 125, Bangladesh’s chase went down to the wire, showcasing Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess. Bangladesh ultimately secured the win in the 19th over, claiming their first points in the tournament. Conversely, this loss extended Sri Lanka’s winless streak in the World Cup, receiving a massive hit to their Super 8 prospects.
