ICC CWC 2019: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul demolish multiple records against Pakistan

XtraTime Web Desk: Indian openers Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul gave the Men in Blue a fascinating start on a crucial World Cup match against the arch-rivals Pakistan at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday.   

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed tried to capitalize the overcast conditions as he opted to bowl first after winning the toss, but both the openers batted cautiously at first and later hammered all Pakistan bowlers.  After the Men in Blue crossed half century  in the power play Sarfaraz called his spinners on both sides but it didn’t affect the Indian batsmen as they took 21 runs in the first two overs of the spinners Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan.

Hitman scored his half century in just 34 deliveries. India reached 100 in just 17.3 overs.

Rahul who got the opportunity to open the innings in place of injured Shikhar Dhawan along with Rohit Sharma has registered multiple records to their name. The duo put together the first 100-run opening stand for India against Pakistan in World Cups. The previous record for the highest opening stand for India against Pakistan in World Cups belonged to Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. The duo had stitched together a 90-run stand in Bengaluru in 1996 World Cup.

The stand was finally broken by Wahab Riaz in the 24th over the match by dismissing KL Rahul for 57 off 78 balls. But not before Rohit and Rahul had put together a 136-run stand – the highest Indian partnership for any wicket against Pakistan in World Cup cricket.

Previously the record stood with Dhawan and Kohli when they had put on 129 runs in Adelaide in World Cup 2015.

This was also the fifth highest opening stand for India in World Cups and the fifth highest partnership for any wicket against Pakistan in the world event.