India beats Pakistan at CWC 2015

History repeated itself  as India went on to win their match against arch rival Pakistan. This win also meant that India remained undefeated against them in world cups .Extending their record to 6-0, India comprehensively defeated Pakistan by 76 runs on the back of Virat Kohli's 22nd ODI century.

More than the victory and the stats that go with it, what really interests me , is the record that these teams have at the world cups. Going head to head in ODIs, Pakistan has clearly been the superior side. In the 127 times that these teams have met, Pakistan has been the winner on 72 occasions while India is languishing with 51 wins , while 4 matches have resulted in draws/ties or no results.

But the question still persists , Why has Pakistan failed to win a single match in six attempts? Perhaps it's not about the talent that these teams possess it's more about handling the pressure.When one plays for either of the world's two most cricket crazy nations there will always be huge expectations from him. It is these situations that either makes you or breaks you . Unfortunately for Pakistan , very few positives can be taken out for them . Barring some individual performances, the team's collective effort has never been quite up to the mark (MIsbah and Sohail Khan in this case).

Getting back to this particular match , I feel Pakistan had a great chance going into the match. Considering India dismal performances in the recent tri series and rather forgettable practice matches. I consider Pakistan had an upper hand, but brushing aside all the pressure , Indians had a strong start with Dhawan scoring his 12th ODI fifty and in the process also making a 129 runs partnership with Kohli. Later, quick fire 74 from Suresh Raina meant India posted a decent total of 300 in their 50 overs.
    
While chasing, Pakistan had a tough beginning losing their first wicket for just 11 runs.The pressure was now on Pakistan as it was the experienced Younis Khan who was out for 6. While Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail tried to steady the chase, building a patnership of 68 runs between them. Once this pair was broken, Pakistan was never able to set the tempo for their chase .

     

Tidy bowling from R.Ashwin and pace unit meant that soon from 102-2, Pakistan fumbled to 154-7. Skipper Misbah ul Haq did try to salvage the innings with his fine knock of 76 but  the support from the other side of the pitch was  never there and Pakistan was all out for 234. Giving India their 6th victory against them in world cups. Sadly enough for Pakistan they would have to wait for another four years to break this jinx..