KitSports » Australia

Centuries keep coming on flat WACA pitch….

kit-sports editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 01:13:37 +0000

Perth, Monday: Bat continued to dominate ball as Australia built a second-innings lead over New Zealand on day four of the second Test at the WACA Ground in Perth on Monday.

After Ross Taylor hit a career-best 290, the highest score ever by a visiting batsman in Australia, to steer New Zealand to a first innings lead, Steve Smith and Adam Voges posted twin centuries to help the home side recover after a shaky start.

At the close, Australia were 258 for two in their second innings, with Smith on 131 and Voges on 101, for an overall lead of 193.

It was Smith’s 12th century and fifth this year, but his first in a second innings, while for 36-year-old Voges it was just his second hundred and came in his first Test on his home ground.

Voges reached his century from the penultimate over of the day.

Smith was dropped on 96 when wicketkeeper BJ Watling put down a tough chance down leg-side off paceman Matt Henry.

Although the match appeared set to be a draw on a lifeless wicket which has offered little assistance to the bowlers over the first four days, Australia will hope to declare on the final day and dismiss the Kiwis cheaply.

Voges wasn’t giving much away about the final day’s plan, noting the flat nature of the wicket.

“I don’t think we will do them any favours,” he said.

“Ultimately that will be Steve’s decision but the good thing is we have some options.”

Taylor said he expected Australians to set the Kiwis a target.

“The odd ball’s doing a little bit to put the batter a little bit on edge,” he said.

“But knowing Australia, I’m sure they’ll come out tomorrow and try to score some quick runs and put us under pressure.

“I’m sure whatever they give us, we’ll definitely have a go, and we’ll wait and see what happens. ”

Australia already lead the three-Test series 1-0 after beating New Zealand by 208 runs at the Gabba.

In reply to Australia’s imposing 559 for nine declared after winning the toss, the Kiwis were dismissed for 624 just before lunch, their highest total against their trans-Tasman rivals on the back of Taylor’s mammoth knock and 166 from Kane Williamson.

That made it a record combined first innings total for a Test at the WACA Ground.

Kiwi hopes were then raised when Australian openers Joe Burns (0) and David Warner (24) fell early, leaving the home side precariously placed at 46 for two, with the injured Usman Khawaja (hamstring) not taking his place at number three.

The Kiwis were still 19 runs ahead at that stage, but Smith and Voges then added 212 runs for the third wicket.

Taylor was the last man to fall in the New Zealand innings as he attempted to join captain Brendon McCullum (302 v India) as only the second Kiwi to reach a triple century in Test cricket.

However, on 290 the right-hander holed out to substitute fielder Jonathan Wells off spinner Nathan Lyon to end a 37-run 10th-wicket stand with Trent Boult (23 not out).

Former skipper Taylor passed several milestones in his innings, which was his first century since November last year, and ended a form slump that even he admitted was starting to worry him.

He broke through 5,000 Test runs and posted the highest-ever score by a visiting player in a Test in Australia, as well as becoming the first Kiwi to pass 200 against Australia.

His innings, beating the 287 of England’s Reg ‘Tip’ Foster at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1903, was the third-highest ever for New Zealand at Test level.

Taylor, who put on 265 for the third wicket with Williamson, faced 374 balls and hit 43 boundaries in 567 minutes at the crease. Number 10 Southee gave the Kiwis a lead which seemed impossible on the opening day when he turned Mitchell Starc off his pads for four as they became the first visiting side to reach 600 in Australia since 2011. Starc was the best of the Australian bowlers and finished with four for 119.

AFP

Ireland vs United Arab Emirates, 16th World Cup Match in Brisbane

kit-sports editor — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:45:34 +0000

n the 16th match of the ICC World Cricket World Cup 2015, Ireland beat UAE in a nail-biting finish by two wickets with four balls to spare, in the Pool B encounter. While chasing the challenging total of 278, most of the Irish batsmen delivered at the right time. Innings by Gary Wilson and Kevin O’Brien at the end proved vital.

Ireland Innings

Over 49.2 || Score 279/8

First ball, Cusack took a single. Off the next, Dockrell collected two runs to beat UAE by two wickets in a cliffhanger.

Mohammad Naveed to bowl the final over. Three runs needed of the l

Over 49 || Score 276/8

Two runs have come from the first two balls. Single off the next. In the fifth ball Dockrell launched the bowler over long off to collect a boundary. Seven runs off the over. 3 runs required off six balls.

Amjad Javed to bowl the penultimate over of the match.

Over 48 || Score 269/8

After conceding two fours in the first two balls, Naveed gave his team the crucialwicket of Wilson. Ten runs came from the over. 10 runs needed off 12 balls. The match has come down to the wire.

GC Wilson c Amjad Javed b Mohammad Naveed 80 (69b)

Over 47 || Score 259/7

Excellent over by Javed as he not only stop the batsmen from scoring big runs but also picked up the wicket of Mooney by trapping him in front of the wicket. 20 runs off 18 balls.

JF Mooney c Amjad Ali b Amjad Javed 2 (6b)

Tight over by Amjad Javed

Over 46 || Score 256/5

Wilson has now taken the charge on his shoulders as he hit two boundaries in the over to collect 13 runs from it. 23 runs required off 24 balls. Ireland crossed the 250-run mark as well.

Naveed to bowl his 8th over.

Over 45 || Score 243/6

Immediately after completing his fifty (off 24 balls) in style by clobbering Amjad Javed for two sixes, swashbuckling batsman gave a simple catch to Naveed. John Mooney is the new man in. Ireland required 36 off 30 balls, it’s quite gettable.

KJ O’Brien c Mohammad Naveed b Amjad Javed 50 (25b)

Over 44 || Score 231/5

K O’Brien is dealing in boundaries. He smacked three more fours to take the equation down to 48 off 36 balls. Now the match is going in favour of Ireland. 24 runs have been scored in the last two overs.

Over 42 || Score 207/5

Big striker of the cricket ball K O’Brien has started hitting big shots. He has smashed four boundaries in the last two overs. 23 runs came off the last two overs.72 required off 48 balls. Meanwhile, Ireland have crossed the 200-run mark.

Over 40 || Score 184/5

Andy Balbirnie Out! Naveed provided the crucial breakthrough to his team as Balbirnie gave as simple catch to cover fielder. Half of the team is now back in the hut. Ireland required 95 runs from 60 balls. Kevin O’Brien is the new man in. Meanwhile, Gary Wilson completed his fifty in the 40th over with the help of four boundaries.

A Balbirnie c sub (Saqlain Haider) b Mohammad Naveed 30 (41b)

Over 38 || Score 167/4

Match is still evenly poised and can be win by any team. Both the teams are under pressure and tying their best. UAE need to break this dangerous looking partnership, because if they bat till the 45th over they will turn the match in favour of Ireland.

Over 35 || Score 151/4

Wilson and Balbirnie playing well at the moment. The duo have quickly added more than 50 runs for the fifth wicket. They are collecting boundaries at regular intervals and at the same keep the scoreboard ticking with the help of singles and doubles. Krishna Chandran and Rohan Mustafa are bowling in tandem for UAE. Ireland required 128 more runs to win the match in 15 overs. Meanwhile, the batting side crossed the 150-run mark in the 15th over.

Over 27 || Score 102/4

Tauqir strikes again, Niall O’Brien walks back. The spinner is on a roll here. Niall O’Brien has done the same mistake Porterfiled did an over back. Playing across, missed the line of the ball and umpired raised his finger within a flash. Even referral goes in favour of the bowler. Ireland in deep trouble here. Gary Wilson has joined Balbirnie in the middle.

Over 25 || Score 97/2

Big wicket for UAE. Opener Porterfiled Out! In the 24th over, trying to sweep offie Tauqir, the southpaw missed the line completely and the ball hit the stumps. Not a sensible shot to play at this moment, set batsman gone. Andy Balbirnie is the new man in.

WTS Porterfield b Mohammad Tauqir 37 (64b)

Over 22 || Score 88/2

Niall O’Brien is the new man after the fall of Ireland’s second wicket. Ireland required 202 runs from 30 overs. It can still be anyone’s game as the match is evenly poised. But UAE have a slight advantage over their opponents. 16 runs have been added in the last three overs.

Over 19 || Score 72/2

Amjad Javed strikes, Joyce Out! Even after a getting so many chances, Joyce couldn’t manage to take full advantage of it and gave as simple catch to wicketkeeper in the 18th over.

EC Joyce c Patil b Amjad Javed 37 (49b)

Over 17 || Score 65/1

Offie Mohammad Tauqir has been given the ball for the first time in the match. And he bowled a tight over first up. Five runs off the last two. Ireland required 214 from 33 over and they have nine wickets in hand.

Over 15 || Score 60/1

In the 14th over, Ireland have crossed the 50-run mark. Though the required rate has reached above six but Ireland are aware of the fact that if they have wickets in hand they can score runs swiftly in the later part of the innings. In the 15th over both the batsmen hit a boundary each to collect ten from the over. And with that they have crossed the fifty run partnership as well.

Over 13 || Score 44/1

Porterfield and Joyce are trying to provide solidity to Ireland and are playing sensibly in the middle. So far they have added 40 runs for the second wicket. First bowling change as medium pacer Amjad Javed has been introduced into the attack.

Over 12 || Score 42/1

In the 11th over Javed bowled a perfect delivery to hit the wickets of Joyce. Butstrangely the bails kept glued to the stumps even after the blink of flashy lights.Can u believe this? OHH sheer luck. Do we need some amendments regarding this rule? Off the next ball Joyce played a superb straight drive to collect a boundary. Seven off the last two.

Over 10 || Score 35/1

First ten overs belonged to UAE as they not only picked up an early wicket in the form of Stirling but couldn’t leaked too many runs to keep the batsmen in check, while defending the total of 278.

Over 9 || Score 32/1

After a few misses, Porterfield played an elegant drive on the front foot that too from the middle of his bat to hit his first boundary. 11 runs off the last 12 balls. Both the batsmen are finding feet now.

Over 7 || Score 21/1

Joyce played a crunchy pull off Naveed in the seventh over to collect his firstboundary. Ireland need a lot of such shots to chase the total successfully. Eight runs have come in the last two overs.

Over 5 || Score 13/1

Guruge and Naveed are bowling on a disciplined line. And so far they have been successfully in keeping the batsmen quiet. Seven runs have come in the last three overs. Good start by UAE, while defending 278 runs.

Over 2 || Score 6/1

Early breakthrough for UAE. Manjula Guruge struck off his fourth ball of the match, when Stirling nicked one straight to the keeper. Two runs from the over. Ed Joyce is the new man in.

PR Stirling c Patil b Guruge 3 (9b)

Over 1 || Score 4/0

Porterfield opened the account for his side by guiding the first ball towards third man for a single. Four runs have come off the over.

While chasing the tricky total of 278, Paul Stirling and William Porterfield have come to open the innings for Ireland. Speedster Mohammad Naveed is set to bowl the opening over.

UAE Innings

Over 50 || Score 278/9

Riding on the outstanding knock by Shaiman Anwar (106), UAE managed to put up a challenging total of 278 in front of Ireland. In the last 15 overs, Ireland bowlers bowled on a poor line and length and paid a heavy price for it. 107-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Javed-Anwar has done the trick for the UAE.

Mohammad Naveed c & b Cusack 13 (11b)

Over 49 || Score 270/8

Finally Shaiman Anwar’s super knock came to an end as Wilson took a skier off Sorensen. Mohammad Tauqir is the new man in for UAE as they lost the wicket of the centurion. Five off the over.

Shaiman Anwar c Wilson b Sorensen 106 (83b)

Sorensen to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.

Over 48 || Score 265/7

Shaiman Anwar slams a ton. Outstanding knock by the right-hander. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Unbelievable stuff by Anwar. He reached the landmark off 80 balls with the help of ten boundaries and a six.

Over 47 || Score 246/7

Sorensen finally breaks the partnership as he got the better of Javed. The right-hander pulled the short ball but found a fielder at deep mid-wicket as he walked back to the pavilion after a useful knock. Mohammad Naveed is the new man in.

Amjad Javed c Joyce b Sorensen 42 (35b)

Over 46 || Score 238/6

In the last five overs UAE will look to add 50 more runs to take score to at least 280. O’Brien gave three singles, two extras in the form of wides and triple to concede eight runs in the over.

KJ O’Brien to bowl the over

Over 45 || Score 230/6

Smart cricket by the duo of Javed-Anwar. They are shuffling a bit to confuse the bowlers and are picking up their spots well.16 runs have come in the last two overs. The pair is just one run shy of completing a 100-run stand for the seventh wicket.

Over 43 || Score 214/6

Batsmen are hitting Ireland bowlers all over the park. 14 from the over. What a turnaround by UAE. Now they are dictating terms in the match. Both the batsmen have picked their areas and are smashing the bowlers whenever they are finding the ball in their zones. Poor bowling by Ireland.

Sorensen to bowl the over.

Over 42 || Score 200/6

Now the momentum is shifting towards UAE. Anwar is now dealing in boundaries as he smashed two more off Dockrell’s over. Ireland bowlers are now finding it difficult to contain the batsmen. Seamers are bowling way too short at the moment, they have to pitch the ball at good length area. Both the batsmen are milking the bowlers due to their predictable line and length. UAE have touched the 200-run mark as well in the over.

Over 41 || Score 192/6

First ball, Javed flicked it towards square leg for a boundary. Off the third Shaiman Anwar picked up a double to complete his fifty. What a fighting knock by him! In the meanwhile, Javed-Anwar have stitched the 50-run partnership as well for the seventh wicket — a much need one for the UAE. 14 runs have come from the over as Anwar celebrated his half-century by collecting his fourth boundary of the match towards extra covers.

Mooney to bowl the over.

Over 40 || Score 178/6

Anwar clobbered the bowler for a six over deep mid-wicket to hit the first maximum off the match. Another excellent over for the batting team as 11 runs came from it. Batting Powerplay proved good for the UAE as they amassed 47 runs in it without losing a wicket.

Over 39 || Score 167/6

In the 39th over. Kevin O’Brien proved a bit expensive as both the batsmen collected one boundary each off his first three balls. And then off the fourth, Javed picked another four towards cover region to score 16 in the over.

Over 37 || Score 149/6

Good over for UAE as 12 runs have come from it. Amjad Javed played two classy shots towards off side in the last two balls – from the first he got the boundary and off the next ran three.

Cusack to continue.

Over 36 || Score 137/6

Batting Powerplay. Amjad Javed is the new man in for UAE. George Dockrell has been brought back into the attack to bowl the first over of the powerplay. Set batsman Anwar pulled the last ball towards square-leg for a boundary to collect six from the over.

Over 35 || Score 131/6

Cusack finally being rewarded with a wicket. Another soft dismissal. In trying to steer the bowler towards third man Mustafa gave a simple catch to the wicketkeeper. Even after getting a solid start from the openers UAE couldn’t capitalise on that and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Rohan Mustafa c Wilson b Cusack 2 (9b)

Over 34 || Score 130/5

Dockrell and Cusack are finishing there overs swiftly and are not giving any time for the batsmen in the middle to think much. Rohan Mustafa has joined Shaiman Anwar after UAE lost the crucial wicket of Khurran Khan.

Over 32 || Score 125/5

Dockrell strikes, Khurram Out! Big big blow for UAE. Trying to place the bowler towards on side, the southpaw missed the line completely and umpire raised his finger within a flash. Though the batsman went for referral but it also went in the favour of the fielding side. Half of the UAE team is back into the hut and we are only into the 33rd over of the innings.

Khurram Khan lbw b Dockrell 36 (53b)

Over 31 || Score 122/4

First boundary from the bat of Anwar came in the 31st over by Cusack, when he smashed the bowler towards mid-on. Both the batsmen are now well set in the middle and playing sensible cricket. Six from the over.

Over 30 || Score 116/4

Interestingly, offie Paul Stirling has already completed his ten over quota. He bowled superbly in the match as his figures says it all — 10-27-2. And immediately after the completing the quota of one spinner, Ireland skipper introduced another spinner in George Dockrell. He is mixing up his bowlers well. 10 runs have come in the last two overs.

Over 28 || Score 106/4

Khurram and Anwar are dealing in single and doubles at the moment and more importantly playing according to the merit of the ball. Now the run-rate has come under four. Ireland are dominating the proceedings at the moment.

Over 25 || Score 92/4

O’Brien and Stirling are bowling in tandem for Ireland. Both have picked two wickets apiece thus far. In the 23rd over Khurram played a pull off the short ball by O’Brien to collect his second boundary of the match. Ireland have conceded 12 runs in the last three overs.

Over 22 || Score 80/4

O’Brien strikes once again as Patil walks back to the pavilion. Length ball on the off stump line, got some extra bounce, as the ball kissed the bat of Patil and went straight to the second slip fielder. UAE are in deep deep trouble now. Suddenly the ball has started assisting the seamers. Shaiman Anwar is the new man in.

SP Patil c Stirling b KJ O’Brien 2 (8b)

Over 20 || Score 75/3

Amjad Ali Out! Kevin O’Brien provides Ireland the third breakthrough. In his first over star player of the Ireland team gave his team a big wicket of opener Ali. Short ball, Ali went for a pull, failed to connect it well and found a fielder at deep mid-wicket, who took a well judged catch to perish the batsman. UAE are in trouble now they are losing wickets in a heap.

Amjad Ali c Sorensen b KJ O’Brien 45 (71b)

Over 18 || Score 69/2

Amjad Ali has reached the 40 figure mark. From here on UAE need a big partnership for the third wicket. Five runs from the over.

Over 17 || Score 64/2

Veteran batsman Khurram Khan has walked in to join Ali as UAE have lost two wickets in quick succession. Meanwhile, strike bowler Mooney has been called back into the attack for his second spell. Nine runs off the two overs.

Over 15 || Score 55/2

Stirling strikes again. This time he got the better of the new man in Chandran. The right-hander went for a drive, only managed to get the thick outside edge and Kevin O’Brien took a sharp catch at slip, after it was hit on wicketkeeper’s shoulder. Now the things are going in Ireland’s favour as their premier spinner is on roll here.

Krishna Chandran c KJ O’Brien b Stirling 0 (4b)

Over 13 || Score 53/1

Krishna Chandran is the new man in after the fall of UAE’s first wicket. Ali pulled Cusack through mid-wicket to collect his fourth boundary. And with that UAE have crossed the 50-run mark. But that was the only scoring shot in the over.

Over 12 || Score 49/1

Stirling strikes, Berenger Out! And the offie has done the trick for Ireland. A soft dismissal though. The right-hander played an double minded shot to give a simple catch to short mid-wicket fielder. Five runs have come in the last two overs.

AR Berenger c Porterfield b Stirling 13 (25b)

Over 10 || Score 44/0

Another bowling change. Spinner Paul Stirling has been introduced into the attack. It would be interesting to see whether there is any help for the spinner in the wicket. One runs from the over. A solid start by UAE as they have put up 44 runs on the board without losing a wicket in the first ten overs.

Over 8 || Score 42/0

Off the second ball Berenger collected his first boundary with the help of an expensive cover drive. After a gap of two balls, Ali went for a flashy drive, got a thick outside edge but found himself lucky as the ball went past the slip fielder for aboundary. Good over for UAE as 11 runs came from it.

Sorensen with his 4th over.

Over 7 || Score 31/0

First bowling change. Medium pacer Alex Cusack has been given the ball to roll the arm in the 7th over. Ali is not missing a single opportunity to score runs. He is driving and flicking well. Tight over first up by Cusack as he conceded mere four from it.

Over 5 || Score 26/0

Steady start by UAE openers. Pitch is looking good for batting. Ball is hardly doing any thing. Ireland are still hunting for their first wicket.

Over 4 || Score 23/0

The first ball Ali faced got the inside edge of his bat as the ball missed the stumps and wicket-keeper to cross the boundary ropes. Ali has quickly moved to 16. Seven runs off the over.

Sorensen with his second over.

Over 3 || Score 16/0

Amjad Ali is looking solid in the middle. He is placing the ball in the gaps to collect two’s and three’s. Ball is coming nicely on to the bat. Eight runs have come from the over.

Mooney to continue.

Over 2 || Score 8/0

First run for UAE came from the bat of Amjad Ali, when he worked the ball through square leg for a single off the third ball of the match. Ali then dispatched Sorensen towards mid-on to hit the first boundary of the match. Bowling is not doing much. It means good line would be the key for the bowlers here.

Amjad Ali and Andri Berenger have come to the middle to open the innings for UAE while speedsters John Mooney and Max Sorensen are starting the bowling proceedings for Ireland.

Toss: And the news from the center is that Ireland have won the toss and will bowl first.

Ireland`s Kevin O`Brien has warned his side their World Cup win over the West Indies will “mean nothing” if they don`t see off the United Arab Emirates in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Victory against their fellow Associate nation would leave the Irish on the brink of the quarter-finals after they started the tournament with the latest of several World Cup wins over a Test team courtesy of a four-wicket triumph against the West Indies in Nelson on February 16.

Read more: ICC World Cup 2015 schedule

Several members of the Ireland side play for English county teams and they will look to the likes of Middlesex`s Paul Stirling, who made 92 against the West Indies, and Sussex`s Ed Joyce, who scored 84, to carry on from where they left off in a match where Somerset left-arm spinner George Dockrell took three for 50.

Ireland and the UAE have met several times in lower-level International Cricket Council competitions in recent years and all-rounder O`Brien was impressed by the way the Middle East side nearly pulled off an upset before losing to Zimbabwe by four wickets in their opening Pool B match.

UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir, reflecting on the Zimbabwe defeat, said: “We had quite a few positives from the game. The batters batted well and the bowlers did a decent job, but it was definitely an opportunity missed.”

The UAE`s display was all the more impressive given they are a part-time side made up of mainly expat players from India and Pakistan.

Wednesday`s match is another chance for both sides to show the strength of international cricket below Test level, with the ICC under fire for their plans to reduce the number of teams at the World Cup from 14 to 10 come the 2019 edition in England.

Eight places will be reserved for the world`s top eight one-day international sides.

The best way to rise up the standings is to beat higher-ranked teams yet there is no obligation between this World Cup and the next for the Test nations to play teams such as Ireland and the UAE.

Ireland Squad

William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien, Andrew Balbirnie, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, John Mooney, Max Sorensen, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young

United Arab Emirates Squad

Amjad Ali, Andri Berenger, Krishnachandran Karate, Khurram Khan, Swapnil Patil, Shaiman Anwar, Rohan Mustafa, Amjad Javed, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Tauqir, Nasir Aziz, Manjula Guruge, Fahad Alhashmi, Kamran Shazad, Saqlain Haider

Sports Journalist Norman Kochannek in MCG Commentary Box with Sachin Tendulkar…………

Chaminda Perera — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 08:04:34 +0000

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015…..

India vs Pakistan Live Cricket Score ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Pool B match at Adelaide, Pakistan 224 in 47 overs: India win by by 76 runs

kit-sports editor — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 14:40:34 +0000

(India (IND) take on Pakistan (PAK) in their first match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Pool B at Adelaide on Sunday. Catch Live Cricket Scores of the match here)

What a match! India were dominant right from the beginning and it never looked like Pakistan were threatening enough in the game. Virat Kohli roared back into form with a brilliant century — his 22nd in ODI cricket — and one would feel that Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were unfortunate to not get the big ones today. Apart from the batsmen coming back in form, it was really good from India’s perspective to have their bowlers doing what is required of them.

India maintain their domination as the scoreline against Pakistan is 6-0 now. Pakistan have to look into their approach as they were never confident with the bat. Here’s Nishad Pai Vaidya’sfinal report of the match from the Adelaide Oval of this India vs Pakistan clash.

Bringing you the highlights from India’s sixth straight win over Pakistan in Cricket World Cup history.

Misbah-ul-Haq: The pitch was good, but India played well. Our bowlers came well in the end. 300 was gettable if you batted 50 overs. We have to look forward, can’t focus on this game and not look forward. Have to try and win the next one to get momentum back.

MS Dhoni: I think it was very good performance started by the batsmen. Important to give bowlers of extra 20 runs. Partnership was important as bating over here not easy at it has a invariable pace. Long partnership with Shikhar and virat was crucial. Then Raina consolidated with Virat, which was crucial. 8-10 day break was important. Plus we have had people who have come all the way from India for the match, it all helps as it has helped us in the field. Didn’t like to be over-expressive on the field.

Virat Kohli is Man of the Match for the splendid innings of 107.

Live Score Pakistan 220 in Overs 47: Mohit Sharma continues. Indians are all smiles. It’s all over as India win by 76 runs. 6-0 . Sohail Khan goes for a big stroke but ends up lifting high in their air, and Umesh Yadav takes a simple catch. India win by 76 runs. NOT OUT: Mohammad Irfan 1 (5)

OUT! Sohail Khan c Umesh Yadav b Mohit Sharma 7 (10)

Live Score Pakistan 220/9 in Overs 46: Mohmmad Irfan has come out to bat and Mohammed Shami peppers him with two short balls to start off. Four overs remaining. India need one more wicket to maintain their domination. BATTING: Sohail Khan 4 (7), Mohammad Irfan 0 (2)

Live Score Pakistan 220/9 in Overs 45.4: All over for Pakistan? Shami continues from around the wicket, cramps Misbah for room. The Paksitan captain tries to clear the man at mid-on but Ajinkya Rahane takes a simple catch. BATTING: Sohail Khan 4 (7)

OUT! Misbah-ul-Haq c Ajinkya Rahane b Mohammed Shami 76 (84)

Live Score Pakistan 220/8 in Overs 45: Umesh continues with Sohail on strike. The right-hander hits a four on the fourth ball like a proper batsman, hitting it past the fielder at short midwicket. Umesh has been a bit erratic. The asking rate is past 15 an over now. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 76 (80), Sohail Khan 4 (7)

Live Score Pakistan 215/8 in Overs 44: Virat Kohli and Sohail Khan have a bit of conversation in the middle. They have a bit of a row going on. But it’s Misbah who has turned on the heat with three consecutive boundaries off Jadeja. 86 runs needed off 36 balls. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 76 (80), Sohail Khan 0 (1)

Live Score Pakistan 203/8 in Overs 43 DROPPED! Mohammed Shami fails to grab the ball as it was a very tough chance off Mohit Sharma. But Mohit soon strikes as Yasir is out caught at mid-on. Fine innings but reckon the game is over. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 63 (71), Sohail Khan 0 (1)

OUT! Yasir Shah c Umesh Yadav b Umesh Sharma 13 (23)

Live Score Pakistan 200/7 in Overs 42: Yasir Shah reaches out to one outside the off stump and sweeps a four off Ravichandran Ashwin. It was a confident strike, proving he can bat. There is appeal for leg before on the second last ball of the over. The required run rate is now past 12 an over. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 63 (71), Yasir Shah 11 (22)

Live Score Pakistan 196/7 in Overs 41: Another impressive over by Umesh Yadav as he does not allow any room to Misbah to free up his arms. Just two runs given. Pakistan need 104 from 54 balls with three wickets in hand. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 63 (71), Yasir Shah 7 (15)

Live Score Pakistan 194/7 in Overs 40: Misbah hits a boundary off reverse sweep in Ravindra Jadeja’s 40th over in the innings. Misbah is showing confidence in Yasir, who has played sensibly so far in the innings. Their partnership is of 40 runs now. Misbah is beaten on the final ball of the over as he went for a mighty heave. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 63 (69), Yasir Shah 6 (12)

Live Score Pakistan 188/7 in Overs 39: Umesh Yadav comes on to bowl as MS Dhoni is looking to contain Misbah who is on an aggressive mode now. An excellent over by Umesh as he does not let the batsmen go for many runs, only four runs taken. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 58 (65), Yasir Shah 5 (9)

Live Score Pakistan 184/7 in Overs 38: Ravindra Jadeja comes on to bowl the 28th over and keeps it very tight to not let the Pakistan batsmen score many runs off him. Misbah and Yasir scramble for three runs in all. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 56 (61), Yasir Shah 4 (7)

Live Score Pakistan 181/7 in Overs 37: First half-century for Pakistan as Misbah-ul-Haq is kind of leading a lone battle here. The Pakistan captain is playing strokes all over the park as he is not looking like giving up easily. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 55 (58), Yasir Shah 2 (4)

Live Score Pakistan 169/7 in Overs 36: Misbah thinks it’s time to take the attack to the opposition as he starts off R Ashwin’s over with a huge six. The final ball is again hit for a boundary as Pakistan are trying to get some quick runs here. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 44 (53), Yasir Shah 1 (3)

Live Score Pakistan 154/7 in Overs 35: Pakistan are falling apart quite quickly here. In and out for Wahab Riaz as well who gets an outside edge and MS Dhoni takes a clean catch to get rid of the tail ender. India are on course for a big win here. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 31 (48), Yasir Shah 0 (2)

OUT! Wahab Riaz c MS Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 4 (2)

Live Score Pakistan 149/6 in Overs 34.1: Mohammed Shami strikes on a full-toss delivery as a mishit from Shahid Afridi has been collected brilliantly by Virat Kohli. Pakistan in deep, deep trouble now. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 30 (47),

OUT! Shahid Afridi c Virat Kohli b Mohammed Shami 22 (22)

Live Score Pakistan 149/5 in Overs 34: Misbah makes room to smash a four off Umesh’s first ball in the over. The required run rate is well over nine an 0ver now and Pakistan need a boundary and a couple of singles every over to stay on track. 10 runs scored from that over.BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 30 (47), Shahid Afridi 22 (21)

Live Score Pakistan 139/5 in Overs 33: After just scoring one from four deliveries, Misbah gives himself some room and tries to smash the ball towards the covers but it’s straight to the fielder. Misbah seems to get impatient as he tries to smash the ball over mid on but again mistimes it and goes straight to the fielder at mid on. Tries it again but manages to get a single this time.BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 21 (42), Shahid Afridi 21 (20)

The Indian section of the south stand are the most vocal. The Pakistan fans in the easy have gone quiet and understandably so. Batting powerplay taken three overs before it would become mandatory.Mohammed Shami back into the attack as Misbah and Afridi look to steady ship

Live Score Pakistan 137/5 in Overs 32: Shahid Afridi pulls a short ball by Ravindra Jadeja towards mid-wicket for a single, Misbah then follows it up with a single. Jadeja manages to conatin Afridi as he concedes just a run off the fourth ball after the third ball was a dot. Misbah then plays the next two deliveries cautiously. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 20 (37), Shahid Afridi 21 (19)

Live Score Pakistan 134/5 in Overs 31: Mohit Sharma keeps it tight as he tries out a few slower deliveries and both the batsmen are finding it hard to get runs off his bowling. Misbah then playes an excellent shot to square leg, but gets just a single. Excellent over, just two singles from that over. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 19 (34), Shahid Afridi 19 (16)

Live Score Pakistan 132/5 in Overs 30: Shahid Afridi gets a much needed boundary from that over from R Ashwin. Misbah on the other end in keen on giving as much strike as possible to Afridi. Eight runs from that over. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 18 (30), Shahid Afridi 18 (14)

Live Score Pakistan 124/5 in Overs 29: Shahid Afridi look to pull Mohit Sharma off the second ball, but the ball thuds into the hands of MS Dhoni. Dots of the first two deliveries. Yorker from Mohit Sharm fetches Afridi a run through mid-wicket. Misbah then plays the ball to deep square leg and brings Afridi back on strike. Slower delivery by Mohit and Afridi plays it to cover for another single. Misbah then gets two off the final ball . BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 15 (27), Shahid Afridi 12 (11)

Live Score Pakistan 119/5 in Overs 28: Ravichandran Ashwin returns to bowl his third maiden over in the innings. Pakistan need 182 to win from 132 balls with five wickets in hand. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 12 (25), Shahid Afridi 11 (7)

Live Score Pakistan 119/5 in Overs 27: Shahid Afridi rocks back to hit a six on the leg side, but then he hits again in the air inside out as the ball drops short of Virat Kohli deep in the cover region. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 12 (19), Shahid Afridi 11 (7)

Live Score Pakistan 109/5 in Overs 26: India are all fired up as Shahid Afridi ducks a bouncer from Umesh Yadav. India would be delighted to see Umesh back in rhythm in the second spell after a poor start. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 10 (16), Shahid Afridi 3 (4)

Live Score Pakistan 105/5 in Overs 25: Pakistan have lost half of their side and need 195 runs to win this clash. Shahid Afridi has joined Misbah-ul-Haq in the middle. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 8 (13), Shahid Afridi 1 (1)

Live Score Pakistan 103/5 in Overs 24.4: MS Dhoni appeals for a caught behind and goes for the review, and Captain Cool is right! Jadeja draws Umar Akmal forward and there is a faint edge. India are all over Pakistan at the moment. Time for Boom Boom Afridi. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9),

OUT! Umar Akmal c MS Dhoni b Ravindra Jadeja 0 (4)

Live Score Pakistan 102/4 in Overs 24: Umar Akmal has joined Misbah in the middle with his side in deep trouble. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9), Umar Akmal 0 (2)

Live Score Pakistan 102/4 in Overs 23.4: In an out for Sohaib Maqsood. Umesh Yadav has struck twice in the same over as Maqsood is caught in the first slip by Suresh Raina, who takes a sharp catch. Pakistan in big trouble now! BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9)

OUT! Umar Akmal c Suresh Raina b Umesh Yadav 0 (2)

Live Score Pakistan 102/3 in Overs 23.2: Shehzad falls to pressure as he slices one really hard but is caught by Ravindra Jadeja who fumbles but holds onto the catch. India right on top with the wickets now. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9)

OUT! Ahmed Shehzad c Ravindra Jadeja b Umesh Yadav 47 (72)

Live Score Pakistan 101/2 in Overs 23: Pakistan need 200 runs to win from remaining 27 overs with eight wickets in hand. The required run rate is above seven an over and India need to keep taking wickets to maintain the pressure. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 47 (72), Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9)

Live Score Pakistan 98/2 in Overs 22: Umesh Yadav was erratic early on and MS Dhoni has brought him back again to bowl in these middle overs. Shehzad is a little restless at the crease as he is trying to take a couple of risky singles. Umesh improvises, beats Shehzad as the batman tried to play on the off side. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 46 (71), Misbah-ul-Haq 3 (4)

Live Score Pakistan 97/2 in Overs 21: Ravindra Jadeja comes on to bowl the 21st over and he cramps up Shehzad for room on the first four deliveries. Four runs off the final two balls as Pakistan inch closer to the 100-run mark. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 46 (66), Misbah-ul-Haq 2 (3)

Live Score Pakistan 92/2 in Overs 20: Ashwin continues as Shehzad makes room to hit a four off the Indian spinner. The right-hander is applying himself really well, as this time he comes down the track to lift over the fielder at mid-off. Pakistan need a couple of good overs to shed off the pressure. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 42 (61), Misbah-ul-Haq 1 (2)

Live Score Pakistan 81/2 in Overs 19: Shehzad continues as he collects a couple on the off side. Pressure on Pakistan increasing as the asking rate is now past seven runs an over. Close shave for Ahmed Shehzad as a run-out appeal goes in his favour. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 34 (57), Misbah-ul-Haq 0 (0)

Live Score Pakistan 79/2 in Overs 18: Ashwin continues as he maintains a tight line and gets some turn off the pitch to keep Sohail at the crease for a major part of the over. And strikes on the final ball to remove the batsman! Sohail Khan gets a tossed up delivery and edges to Suresh Raina in the first slip. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 28 (48)

OUT! Haris Sohail c Suresh Raina 36 (48)

Live Score Pakistan 79/1 in Overs 17: Ravindra Jadeja is into the attack after the drinks break. Haris Sohail and Ahmed Shehzad have been batting well in the past couple of overs as the scoreboard is not stalled. Fine effort by Dhawan to save a boundary. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 30 (52), Haris Sohail 36 (42)

Live Score Pakistan 72/1 in Overs 16: Ravichandran Ashwin continues as Pakistan batsmen scramble to add five more runs to their total. Pakistan now need 229 runs to win from 34 overs with nine wickets in hand. The required run rate is more than 6.70 right now. It’s time for drinks.BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 28 (48), Haris Sohail 31 (39) READ: Haris Sohail, Ahmed Shehzad continue to lead Pakistan’s charge

Live Score Pakistan 67/1 in Overs 15: Mohit starts off with a lose delivery on the pads as Sohail gets two runs on the leg side. Mohit is doing a decent job for India as this is his fifth over and he has not given away many runs. Shehzad and Sohail bring up their 50-run stand for the second wicket. The second last ball of the over is hit over the mid-off fielder for four. India need wickets to keep pressure on Pakistan. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 26 (45), Haris Sohail 28 (36)

Live Score Pakistan 58/1 in Overs 14: Ravichandran Ashwin has come into the attack with Shehzad on strike. Ashwin is right on the money as he starts off with a maiden over. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 20 (42), Haris Sohail 25 (33)

Live Score Pakistan 58/1 in Overs 13: Five runs scored as Shehzad hit a boundary to Mohit Sharma and then took a single off the final ball. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 20 (36), Haris Sohail 25 (33)

Live Score Pakistan 53/1 in Overs 12: Interesting change as MS Dhoni has called upon Suresh Raina in the bowling attack. Brace yourself for some very quick overs as the Indian spinners are coming on. Pakistan go past the 50-run mark with couple of singles in that over. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 15 (30), Haris Sohail 25 (33)

Live Score Pakistan 47/1 in Overs 11: Mohit Sharma continues as Pakistan have somewhat slowed down in their scoring rate. It has been quite a while that India have leaked a boundary, and the pressure has certainly increased a little bit on Pakistan. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 10 (26), Haris Sohail 24 (31)

Live Score Pakistan 46/1 in Overs 10: Another good over from Mohammed Shami as Pakistan batsmen are able to manage only one more run from the over. Pakistan now need 255 runs to win from 40 overs. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 10 (23), Haris Sohail 23 (28)

Live Score Pakistan 45/1 in Overs 9: Mohit Sharma continues to keep it tight as Sohail is able to get off the strike only on the second last ball of the over. Mohit signs off from the over with a delivery beating Shehzad outside off-stump. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 10 (19), Haris Sohail 22 (26)

Live Score Pakistan 44/1 in Overs 8: Shami continues as Shehzad is trying find gaps. He finally gets one as a short ball is slapped for a boundary towards the midwicket region. Indian bowlers are getting a little indisciplined BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 10 (17), Haris Sohail 21 (21) READ: Pakistan recover after early blow

Live Score Pakistan 39/1 in Overs 7: Mohit Sharma oversteps and Sohail fails to make most of the scoring opportunity here. Mohit improvises in the rest of the over as Pakistan add only five runs. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 6 (12), Haris Sohail 21 (20)

Live Score Pakistan 34/1 in Overs 6: Sohail continues as he collects two runs from the off side. Bit of frustration as Shami bowls it very short and it is a wide delivery. Shami improves his line and beats Sohail outside the off-stump. MS Dhoni has a rare blip as he hits on the wrong end when the batsman had come down halfway on the pitch. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 6 (12), Haris Sohail 17 (14)

Live Score Pakistan 28/1 in Overs 5: Haris Sohail gets his first boundary as the ball had width on offer and he put it away in the third man area. Shami runs hard but could not stop the ball. Umesh needs to be a little tight with his line as he needs to maintain pressure from the other end as well. Umesh banged one very short and Dhoni did well to stretch his hand and stop it. Wide. The second last ball is hit for a four, as well as the final ball through covers. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 5 (11), Haris Sohail 14 (9)

Live Score Pakistan 14/1 in Overs 4: A misfield from Mohit Sharma gives Haris Sohail an extra run on the first ball. Mohammed Shami is bowling an excellent spell here and India would want him to keep bowling like this. BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 4 (10), Haris Sohail 2 (4) READ: Pakistan off to shaky start

Live Score Pakistan 11/1 in Overs 3.2: Younis Khan is OUT! Mohammed Shami surprises the Pakistan veteran with the short ball which hits the gloves and Dhoni takes a simple catch. The big gun Younis Khan is out! Game on! BATTING: Ahmed Shehzad 4 (10),

OUT! Younis Khan c MS Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 6 (10)

Live Score Pakistan 11/0 in Overs 3: Younis hits the first four in the innings as Umesh Yadav bowls one on pads, and the right-hander puts it away for boundary towards midwicket region. The second last ball is the same, and Shehzad collects a couple of runs in the same area. BATTING: Shehzad 4 (10), Younis 6 (8)

Live Score Pakistan 4/0 in Overs 2: Mohammed Shami comes on bowl as Pakistan are looking for a steady start. Shami is all charged up as he is bending the back and trying to bowl really fast. Younis Khan is watchful early on, leaving the balls outside the off-stump. Younis off the mark on the final ball. BATTING: Shehzad 2 (6), Younis 1 (6)

Live Score Pakistan 2/0 in Overs 1: Ahmed Shehzad and the big man Younis Khan come out to open the innings. Umesh Yadav with the ball. And he starts with a wide. Well bowled, pitched on off and swinging away. And another dot. And that is the first run off the bat. Bowled on the pads and Shehzad works it away. Oh that was a play and miss. Great ball from Umesh! Beat Younis completely. No run. Good ball again. BATTING: Shehzad 1(4), Younis 0(2)

The Indian Team gets together for a team photo. The Pakistan openers, Ahmed Shehzad and Younis Khan, walk out to bat.

India have done really well on this wicket to put up a huge target against Pakistan. Virat Kohli scored a fine century, and Shikhar Dhawan too looked set for a ton unless that run out had not happened. India would be a little sad as they could not garner many runs in the end overs, but nevertheless, it’s about bowling well here on. Here is Nishad Pai Vaidya’s innings report of India vs Pakistan from the Adelaide Oval.

Live Score India 300/7 in Overs 50: India were certainly be a bit rattled by the quick wickets but they have done exceptionally well to put up a strong target against Pakistan in this clash. Mohammed Shami and Ravishandran Ashwin. BATTING: Mohammed Shami 3 (3), Ravichandran Ashwin 1 (1)

Live Score India 296/7 in Overs 49.2: Sohail Khan gets another wicket as Mahendra Singh Dhoni walks back to the pavilion. And Ajinkya Rahane has followed him back as well. India are yet to cross the 300-run mark. BATTING: Ajinkya Rahane 0 (0)

OUT! MS Dhoni c Misbah-ul-Haq b Sohail Khan 18 (13)

OUT! Ajinkya Rahane b Sohail Khan 0 (1)

Live Score India 296/5 in Overs 49: Pakistan bowlers are doing a good job by not giving India many lose balls in the end overs. Like Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz too keeps it very close to the wickets. And gets rid of Ravindra Jadeja on the final delivery of the second last over. BATTING: MS Dhoni 16 (10)

OUT! Ravindra Jadeja b Wahab Riaz 3 (5)

Live Score India 292/4 in Overs 48: Sohail Khan gifts MS Dhoni a full toss, and the Indian captain rams it right into the stands or a massive six! BATTING: MS Dhoni 16 (10), Ravindra Jadeja 1 (1)

Live Score India 283/4 in Overs 47.4: Suresh Raina has fallen after a brisk innings of 74 runs off just 56 balls. BATTING: MS Dhoni 8 (7)

OUT! Suresh Raina c Haris Sohail b Sohail Khan 74 (54)

Live Score India 283/3 in Overs 47: Dhoni tries but is not able to connect on any delivery off Wahab Riaz. This is the highest score in any India versus Pakistan match in World Cup history. A very good over from Riaz as Indians are able to add only four runs off it. BATTING: Suresh Raina 74 (54), MS Dhoni 8 (7)

Live Score India 279/3 in Overs 46: MS Dhoni smashes a four through the covers to get off the mark. India would be looking to get to the 300-run mark. Dhoni collects two runs from the last ball as India add six more runs. BATTING: Suresh Raina 72 (51), MS Dhoni 6 (4)

Live Score India 273/3 in Overs 45.2: Virat Kohli has fallen to Sohail Khan after a superb innings of 107. MS Dhoni has walked out to bat. BATTING: Suresh Raina 72 (51)

OUT! Virat Kohli c Umar Akmal b Sohail Khan 107 (126)

Live Score India 273/2 in Overs 45: Mohammad Irfran bowls a full toss above Kohli’s waist but the umpire does not think it is a no-ball. Raina shuffles across to smash a four on the leg side as India are racing towards a big score right now. Irfan’s last delivery is a beamer, right above Raina’s had. BATTING: Virat Kohli 107 (124), Suresh Raina 72 (51)

Live Score India 259/2 in Overs 44: There is an appeal for caught behind by Sohail Khan and company, but replays show that the ball had brushed the thigh pad. Raina adds to Pakistan’s woes with a four on the leg side and then another one right down the ground. India are past 250-run mark now! Raina gets another four, this time on the deep square leg area. Big over for India as 14 runs come off it. BATTING: Virat Kohli 101 (121), Suresh Raina 65 (47)

Live Score India 245/2 in Overs 43: Virat Kohli’s love affair with Adelaide continues as he gets his third century on the tour at this ground. Raina too completes his half-century with a massive six and a single. Kohli struck seven boundaries for his century, while Raina smashes three sixes and a four to get to the feat! BATTING: Virat Kohli 99 (118), Suresh Raina 51 (41)

Live Score India 235/2 in Overs 42: India are not able to pick boundaries and are only settling down with singles and doubles. Raina finally breaks the shackles as he slams one off Yasir on the leg side to hit a huge six. Kohli takes a single to move on to 99. India add 11 runs from the over. BATTING: Virat Kohli 99 (118), Suresh Raina 43 (38)

Live Score India 224/2 in Overs 41: Shahid Afridi to bowl the 41st over and Suresh Raina tries to pierce the gap on the leg side. He is not able to find the gap and settles down for a couple. .BATTING: Virat Kohli 97 (116), Suresh Raina 34 (34)

Live Score India 217/2 in Overs 40: Wahab Riaz continues as he lets Indian batsmen take only two runs off the first three deliveries. Overall four runs scored in the over. India would now be looking to score quick runs. BATTING: Virat Kohli 94 (113), Suresh Raina 30 (37)

Live Score India 213/2 in Overs 39: Mohammad Irfan puts one on the leg side and Virat Kohli moves into the 90s with a boundary past the fielder at short square leg. India seemed to be a bit stalled here as they need quick runs. BATTING: Virat Kohli 92 (109), Suresh Raina 28 (29)

Live Score India 206/2 in Overs 38: Suresh Raina whacks a four towards midwicket off Riaz. Virat Kohli is beaten on the fourth ball as he is surprised by the bounce that the ball had. Strong breeze going across the field troubling the players a bit. BATTING: Virat Kohli 87 (105), Suresh Raina 27 (27)

Live Score India 200/2 in Overs 37: Mohammad Irfan is from the other end as Suresh Raina puts one towards the covers for a couple. The left-hander tries to go for the big shots but is not able to dissect the field. India bring up their 200-run mark in the 37th over. BATTING: Virat Kohli 86 (101), Suresh Raina 22 (26)

Live Score India 196/2 in Overs 36: Wahab Riaz has been summoned back in the bowling attack as India have taken the Batting PowerPlay. Indian batsmen do not attack as they take only a couple of runs. BATTING: Virat Kohli 85 (100), Suresh Raina 19 (20)

Live Score India 192/2 in Overs 35: Afridi has definitely not been his best today, and his failure to make an impact is perhaps not serving Pakistan’s cause. Only two runs added in the 35th over. BATTING: Virat Kohli 83 (97), Suresh Raina 17 (17)

Live Score India 190/2 in Overs 34: Suresh Raina hits in the air off Haris Sohail and the ball goes past the boundary ropes for a six, as Yasir Shah in the deep tries to take a diving catch. Another good over for India as nine runs come off it. BATTING: Virat Kohli 82 (94), Suresh Raina 16 (14)

Live Score India 181/2 in Overs 33: Brilliant running by the Indians as Shahid Afridi returns to the bowling attack. How costly would the drop in the last over be? India add another eight runs to their total. BATTING: Virat Kohli 80 (92), Suresh Raina 9 (10)

Live Score India 173/2 in Overs 32: Haris Sohail produces a chance but another Akmal — Umar has dropped a catch behind the wickets. They would have two in quick succession but alas.BATTING: Virat Kohli 76 (91), Suresh Raina 5 (6)

Live Score India 170/2 in Overs 31: Pakistan are persisting with Yasir Shah as India look to rebuild after the second wicket. Suresh Raina has come out to bat, which indicates that India may also be looking for quick scores. BATTING: Virat Kohli 75 (87), Suresh Raina 3 (3)

Live Score India 165/2 in Overs 30: Oh dear! India have lost a wicket here as Shikhar Dhawan has fallen after a superb innings of 73. Kohli asked for a run which was never there — Dhawan started off frm the non-strike and returned back, but failed to get un on time,. BATTING: Virat Kohli 73 (84), Suresh Raina 0 (0)

OUT! Shikhar Dhawan run out 73 (76)

Live Score India 159/1 in Overs 29: Excellent over for India as India manage to score 15 runs from that over. Two boundaries for Dhawan gets the entire crowd excited as both Dhawan and Kohli look set to get a huge score. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 72 (75), Virat Kohli 65 (79)

Live Score India 144/1 in Overs 28: Haris Sohail has been introduced into the attack as India are flourishing in the middle with Pakistan in desperate need of wickets. Both Kohli and Dhawan are into the 60s now. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 63 (72), Virat Kohli 62 (76)

Live Score India 139/1 in Overs 27: There is a review of run-out appeal against Virat Kohli but the Indian batsman is comfortably in the crease as the ball hit the wickets. India add another five runs off Yasir Shah’s over. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 62 (71), Virat Kohli 58 (71)

Live Score India 134/1 in Overs 26: Umpire Ian Gould has officially warned Mohammad Irfan for running on the wickets. Kohli sets off for a single and a throw from Afridi hits him on the posterior. Kohli smiles after being hit. And Irfan has been warned again! the next time he does so, he will be barred from bowling in the match! Kohli and Dhawan have also brought up their 100-run partnership. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 59 (67), Virat Kohli 56 (69)

Live Score India 131/1 in Overs 25: Yasir Shah continues in search of wicketss as India add another four runs to their total. The second wicket partnership is of 96 runs now. Although it is cloudy in Adelaide, it isn’t expected to rain. Humidity is predicted at a maximum 46 percent.BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 58 (64), Virat Kohli 54 (66)

Live Score India 127/1 in Overs 24: Mohammad Irfan is back into the attack and tries to trouble Kohli with bounce and bit of pace. The Indian batsman is unmoved. India add five runs in the over. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 57 (60), Virat Kohli 52 (64)

Live Score India 122/1 in Overs 23: Yasir Shah continues from the other end as Pakistan are now desperately looking for wickets. Kohli slams it down the wicket and a misfield from Mohammad Irfan gets him another four. The Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli then brings up his half-century with a single. What a knock this has been! BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 54 (56), Virat Kohli 50 (60)

Live Score India 115/1 in Overs 22: Dhawan celebrates his half-century with a big bear hug from Virat Kohli! Who was it saying these two were at loggerheads a couple of weeks ago? Dhawan ends the over with a fine stroke for a boundary. Pakistan on the backfoot now.BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 54 (56), Virat Kohli 44 (56)

Live Score India 110/1 in Overs 21.1: What a start to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 for Shikhar Dhawan! He is coming off a poor run with the bat but he has completed his half-century, a well-constructed innings! BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 50 (59), Virat Kohli 43 (53)

Live Score India 109/1 in Overs 21: What a shot! Virat Kohli dances down the track, makes room and plays a stroke inside out to bring up the 100-run mark for India. Kohli follows it up with a late-cut for another four. India add another runs to their total. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 49 (58), Virat Kohli 43 (53)

Live Score India 98/1 in Overs 20: Riaz continues as he is not able to create the impact as good as he did last time around. Dhawan and Kohli are rotating the strike quite well in the middle as India would now be crossing the 100-run mark soon. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 47 (57), Virat Kohli 34 (49)

Live Score India 94/1 in Overs 19: Yasir Shah, Pakistan’s new spin sensation is into the attack now. Virat Kohli is watchful early on as he gets off the strike only on the fourth ball of the over. Dhawan is more positive — pierces the gap on the off side as he collects another boundary to move closer to his half-century. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 45 (49), Virat Kohli 32 (45)

Live Score India 89/1 in Overs 18: Shikhar Dhawan brings up the 50-run stand with Virat Kohliwith a boundary on the leg side off Wahab Riaz. It’s been a fine effort from the two batsmen as they have taken no risks whatsoever to keep the Indian innings going strong. Another seven runs added from the over. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 41 (47), Virat Kohli 31 (41)

Live Score India 82/1 in Overs 17: No change from the other end as Afridi continues in search of a wicket. Kohli collects a couple with a stroke on the leg side. Kohli and Dhawan have steadied India and have also added more than 40 runs for the second wicket. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 36 (44), Virat Kohli 29 (38)

Live Score India 75/1 in Overs 16: Wahab Riaz continues and Dhawan plays it down to mid on for a single to bring Kohli on strike. Perhaps the first stroke through covers from Kohli’s bat and man it does look lot pleasant. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 34 (42), Virat Kohli 24 (34)

Drinks break: Dhawan calls for something and runs into the dressing room. Stuart Binny and Akshar Patel are out, providing Virat Kohli a drink. It is very hot in Adelaide today, and there is some relief for the players as the drinks come out. The clouds have also covered the sun. Some relief! India have maintained the momentum post Rohit Sharma’s dismissal.

Live Score India 71/1 in Overs 15: Afridi continues as Virat Kohli smashes a four on the deep square leg region. It’s a fantastic shot as Kohli gets down on knees to help India add another nine runs to the scoreboard. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 33 (39), Virat Kohli 21 (31)

Live Score India 62/1 in Overs 14: Wahab Riaz, the man who took five wickets in the 2011 World Cup clash against India, is into the attack now. Dhawan cuts one on the off-side but the shot was in the air, close to the fielder at point. India face his first over confidentially, taking six runs off it. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 31 (37), Virat Kohli 14 (27)

Live Score India 56/1 in Overs 13: Shahid Afridi is so, so accurate. The Pakistan bowler does not let India score many runs as the batsmen scramble to add only four runs off it. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 28 (35), Virat Kohli 11 (23) India vs Pakistan Live Score

Live Score India 52/1 in Overs 12: Bit of a drama in the middle as Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan take a single off a misfield. Sohail continues for Pakistan. Kohli punches one towards the covers but the fielder was right there at the position. The final ball is a loose one and Kohli slams it towards the midwicket region for a four. Sheer class. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 26 (33), Virat Kohli 9 (19)

Live Score India 45/1 in Overs 11: A huge cheer as Shahid Afridi comes on to bowl. During the earlier overs, the Pakistan fans were chanting his name. Dhawan takes a single off the first ball.DROPPED! Kohli rocks back to hit towards the midwicket and it was a tough one, Yasir Shah not able to grab the ball as it was dying. CLOSE! BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 24 (31), Virat Kohli 4 (15)

Live Score India 42/1 in Overs 10: Right-arm seamer Sohail Khan continues as Virat Kohli gets off the strike with a single after defending the first two deliveries. India are cautious after Rohit’s dismissal. The Pakistan fans have occupied the stands to the East. The Indians are all over the arena. The one in the South, close to the press box is the most vocal, says our man from the venue. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 22 (29), Virat Kohli 3 (11)

Live Score India 40/1 in Overs 9: Mohammad Irfan continues in his fourth over as Dhawan hits a boundary on the second last ball of the over on the led side. The fielder was standing close and Dhawan did well for find the gap easily. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 21 (27), Virat Kohli 2 (7)

Live Score India 35/1 in Overs 8: A little bit of heat in the middle among the players as Virat Kohli gets a stare from Sohail Khan. Crucial for India not to lose wickets here as they would not want to give Pakistan the advantage. BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 17 (25), Virat Kohli 1 (3)

Live Score India 34/1 in Overs 7.3: Sohail Khan has been quite impressive today with his line and length. And he has been rewarded as Rohit mistimes a pull and Misbah-ul-Haq, standing at long-off, takes a simple catch. India lose their first wicket as Rohit Sharma falls! BATTING: Shikhar Dhawan 16 (24) India vs Pakistan Live Score

OUT! Rohit Sharma c Misbah-ul-Haq b Sohail Khan 15 (20)

Live Score India 33/0 in Overs 7: Some issues with the sight screen as Mohammad Irfan is forced to pull out of hi run-up twice in the over. Dhawan, who had requested for the sightscreen to be adjusted pulls one over the deep square leg region for the first six in the innings! The Indians then take a single run off the second last ball, which was a bit risky. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 15 (18), Shikhar Dhawan 16 (24)

Live Score India 24/0 in Overs 6: Sohail Khan continues as Dhawan takes a single with a pull stroke towards the third man fielder. The ball was in the air for sometime but there was no danger. The Indians are not taking any risks at all. Interesting yet smart approach indeed. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 13 (17), Shikhar Dhawan 10 (19)

Live Score India 21/0 in Overs 5: Rohit too gets his first boundary as he flicks one on the on side off Mohammad Irfan. The second ball is left alone. Rohit continues to be careful as Irfan comes around the wicket to get that angle targetting the stumps. Rohit is beaten on the fifth ball outside the stump. The final ball is a loose one and Rohit gets a four. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 12 (15), Shikhar Dhawan 8 (15)

Live Score India 13/0 in Overs 4: Sohail Khan is looking quite disciplined with his line and length. Dhawan tries to clear the field with a four but again hits straight to the fielder. Rohit gets an outside edge on the fourth ball as he was looking to flick to the on side. Dhawan rocks back on the fifth ball and gets the first boundary of the innings. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 4 (9), Shikhar Dhawan 8 (15)

Live Score India 7/0 in Overs 3: Mohammad Irfan continues and Rohit takes a single on the first ball of the over. Dhawan defends the second delivery and it looks like the Indians will not be looking for runs early on. Preserving wickets will be the key here. The lanky pacer surprises Dhawan with a rising delivery that was close to the body. Dhawan lets it go unattended. Dhawan has a close shave on the fifth ball as an edge falls in no man’s land. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 3 (8), Shikhar Dhawan 3 (10)

Live Score India 5/0 in Overs 2: Sohail Khan comes on to bowl the second over in the innings and he immediately asks for a leg-before review against Dhawan. The ball was in line of the wickets and the batsman did well to play it. But the bowler felt the ball hit the pads first. Dhawan takes a single on the second ball. The third delivery is wide. Dhawan frees up his arms on the fourth ball but the stroke goes right to the fielder at point. The fifth ball is left alone by the southpaw, and so is the last ball. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 2 (6), Shikhar Dhawan 2 (6)

Live Score India 2/0 in Overs 1: Mohammad Irfan will start the proceedings for Pakistan with Rohit Sharma taking the strike. The first ball is outside the off stump and Rohit let’s it go. The second ball is left alone as well. The third delivery is closer to the wickets and Rohit gently defends it on the front foot. The right-hander takes the first run for India on the fourth ball, with a push on the off side past point. Shikhar Dhawan is off the mark too, with a single on the third man area. On the final ball, Rohit is beaten outside the off-stump. BATTING: Rohit Sharma 1 (5), Shikhar Dhawan 1 (1)

8.58 AM IST: National anthems are done, and indeed a large section of the fans had joined the Indian cricket team during their turn. The match is all set to begin in just about a few minutes. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan charge on to the field, Pakistan are in a huddle. Finally, end of all speculations and comments. Let the best team win!

8.55 AM IST: Indian and Pakistan cricketers are all set for the national anthems. The Adelaide Oval seems to be jam-packed. Bring it on!

Teams:

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c&wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav.

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal (wk), Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Sohail Khan.Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah.

8.37 AM IST: Matthew Hayden, who has not been very confident of India’s chances says on Twitter that ‘India will win’.

TOSS: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat against Pakistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Pool B match at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. India will play three fast bowlers and two spinners in the clash. Sarfraz Ahmed and Nasir Jamshed are out. Yasir Shah will play and Ahmed Shehzad will open the batting for Pakistan.

8.30 AM IST: Pakistan cricketer Nasir Jamshed will not be playing in this match, says our man from the venue.

8.25 AM IST: Wasim Akram says that the pitch is ideal for batting and whoever wins the toss must bat first. The ball can move a little bit early on and the bowlers can get some bounce as well. Sunil Gavaskar wants India to bat first! Toss is just a few minutes away. Stay tuned!

8.00 AM IST: Both Indian and Pakistani cricket teams are warming up and are seen in huddles ahead of the big clash. Adelaide Oval is looking a completely different place at the moment! The Pakistani huddle are getting a good piece of advice from the veteran Shahid Afridi, who looks all pumped up. The Indian players are also seen playing football, perhaps trying to de-stressing themselves ahead of the World Cup match versus Pakistan.

7.40 AM IST: The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams have arrived at Adelaide Oval ahead of ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match, which is surely going to be one memorable game. Remember, India have never lost to Pakistan and this time around, no side can be said favourites. India vs Pakistan in World Cup history: Magic moments and controversies

7.30 AM IST: So, the big day has finally arrived! The Indian and Pakistani cricket fans are swarming the Adelaide Oval at the moment as they were expected to turn in large numbers for the India vs Pakistan match. As we wait for the proceedings to begin, check out 5 Reasons why India’s win over Pakistan will change scenario for MS Dhoni’s men

Hello and welcome to CricketCountry’s live blog of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match between the Asian arch rivals, India and Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. It’s going to be a huge match for both the sides, as a win here can set the tone for the upcoming matches in the World Cup. This is Devarchit Varma, and I will be bringing you the over-by-over updates of the clash. CricketCountry correspondent Nishad Pai Vaidya will be covering the high-intensity clash from the venue, and here is his preview of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match between India and Pakistan.

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (c & wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Ambati Rayudu, Suresh Raina, Akshar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Stuart Binny, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma.

Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Umar Akmal (wk), Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Haris Sohail, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Ehsan Adil, Rahat Ali, Sohail Khan.

Catch Live Cricket Scores and ball-by-ball commentary of the India vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 match here

Live Score Pakistan 102/4 in Overs 24: Umar Akmal has joined Misbah in the middle with his side in deep trouble. BATTING: Misbah-ul-Haq 5 (9), Umar Akmal 0 (2)