The Proteas can nudge up one place to sixth in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings if they win, while the Black Caps will remain fifth irrespective of the result.

But the reputation of Test cricket is at much at stake as rankings points after a farcical first Test in Durban where less than 100 overs of cricket were played before a wet, soft outfield prevented any play on the last three days. There was even less cricket in a Test match between the West Indies and India in Port of Spain, also because of outfield conditions.

It is the first time Test cricket has been played in South Africa in August, almost two months before the usual start of the season.

Preparing grounds for winter conditions has been a challenge – which Durban failed to meet after re-seeding the outfield only two months before the match. Following reports from the match referees, the outfields in Durban and Port of Spain were condemned as “poor” by the ICC.

Centurion groundsman Rudolph du Preez had the advantage of planting winter grass much earlier than Durban, with work starting in April, almost immediately after the 2015-16 season.

He said it was necessary to plant winter grass because fielders struggled on dry, dormant summer grass when the same two countries met in a one-day international in August last year.

With virtually no rain falling on the South African Highveld during winter – and no rain predicted during the Test – Du Preez is confident that conditions will be suitable for Test cricket. He said more time had been necessary to prepare the pitch because cool conditions meant it took longer to dry out after watering.

Du Preez said he did not expect uneven bounce to be as much of a factor as it has been in the later stages of matches in recent seasons.

“It might not deteriorate as we are used to. It might be a little bit slower, it might be holding back a bit more,” he said. Centurion has been a fortress for South Africa in Test cricket, with the home side having won 16 of the 21 Tests at the ground. Their only two losses were against England in a contrived result in 1999-2000, engineered by the late Hansie Cronje before he was banned from cricket because of his association with bookmakers, and against Australia in 2013-14.

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (capt), Dean Elgar, Stephen Cook, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Dane Piedt

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling (wkt), Mitchell Santner, Doug Bracewell, Neil Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

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

The fourth ball of his 21st over was clocked at 160.4 kilometres per hour (99.7 mph). Only four other fast bowlers have officially been recorded to have bowled at more than 160 kilometres per hour.

Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar holds the record with a 161.3 kilometres per hour thunderbolt against England at Newlands in 2003.

Australian pair Shaun Tait and Brett Lee were both recorded at 161.1 kilometres per hour. The only other bowler to reach the mark was Australian firebrand Jeff Thomson at 160.6 kilometres per hour. He is widely considered the fastest bowler in cricket history. AFP

As far as New Zeland captain Richie McCaw was concerned, the All Blacks came into the tournament as world champions and were expected to play like that.

He described his emotion at the end of Saturday’s final at Twickenham as “warm inside and proud of the men I’ve been in battle with”.

Accolades for the All Blacks flooded in as soon as the final whistle went, led by beaten Wallaby coach Michael Cheika.

“New Zealand won fair and square and have been the form team since the last World Cup,” Cheika said. The All Blacks had not only became the first side to win consecutive World Cups, they were also the first team to win the crown three times.

They have been the world’s top-ranked side since 2009 and British bookmakers cannot see that changing soon as they have already installed the New Zealanders as even-money favourites to win the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Steve Hansen made winning the World Cup a focus as soon as he took over as New Zealand head coach after their 2011 success.

But he said after the mission was completed, that win, lose or draw, what mattered most to him was that the team enjoyed themselves.

“I think there’s a lot of people have realised we are not big bad ogres that sometimes we are printed to be in the media,” he said.

“We are just ordinary people who can play rugby reasonably well. Life’s too short not to have fun. If you’re serious all the time it’s pretty boring.”

But Hansen was effusive about the contribution of his retiring stars led by Dan Carter, and possibly 34-year-old McCaw who is undecided about his future.

Test centurions Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock and Ma’a Nonu are also stepping away from internationals as is centre Conrad Smith, a veteran of 94 Tests.

McCaw “is the greatest All Black we’ve ever had, and Dan’s a close second,” Hansen said.

“The only thing that separates them is one’s a flanker (McCaw) and shouldn’t play 148 Test matches. As a flanker that’s unheard of.

“There was a lot of talk going into this game about the loose forward trio,” he said in reference to Wallabies David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy.

– Leader –

“Without wanting to be disrespectful to the other guys who I thought played really well, I thought our trio won that battle and Rico was the leader of our trio.”

McCaw, who has indicated retirement is close, is the world’s most capped player and most successful captain, leading his team to a near 90 percent win rate.

He said his major motivation was to ensure when he does leave he has added something to the number seven jersey.

“No person is bigger than what the team is and your job is to enhance and add something to that legacy,” he said.

“One thing I’ve always been big on is it’s not so much being a hero every week, it’s just doing your job as best you can to serve the team.”

McCaw also led the All Blacks to victory in the 2011 World Cup when they beat France 8-7 in Auckland. “It wa just a massive relief four years ago,” he said referring to the national expectation in rugby-obsessed New Zealand to end a 24-year wait for a second World Cup title to add to their triumph, again on home soil, at the inaugural 1987 edition. “This was an opportunity we really wanted to take,” McCaw explained

Taking the first lease of the wicket New Zealanders scored 270 for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs with Mitchell Santner scoring a century. Neil Wagner remained unbeaten on 45. Nisal Gamage bagged four wickets for the visitors.

In reply, Sri Lanka achieved their target in 45.3 overs scoring 271 for the loss of three wickets. Dhanushka Gunatilleke cracked his century in 120 deliveries which was studded with 11 hits to the ropes and four over it.

Sri Lankan innings were further boosted by Dhananjaya Silva (86) and Kithruwan Vithanage(54). Dhananjaya’s knock included 10 boundaries and two sixes while Vithanage’s half ton consisted of eight fours and two sixes.

New Zealand Winter Training Squad : 270/9 in 50 overs (Mitchell Santner 110, Neil Wagner 45 n.o, Nisal Gamage 4/59, Lahiru Madushanka 2/42, Dhananjaya de Silva 2/22)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ : 271/3 in 45.3 overs (Dhanushka Gunatilleke 106, Dhananjaya de Silva 86, Kithruwan Vithanage 54) TJ.

His 85-ball hundred, the fastest Test century ever scored at Lord’s in terms of balls faced, played a key role in turning the tide of the series opener, which England won by 124 runs to go 1-0 up in the two-match contest on Monday.
The 23-year-old had already helped rescue England from the depths of 30 for four in their first innings by making 92 while adding 161 with Joe Root (98).
And, just for good measure, the Durham man, who came to England with his family as a 12-year-old, took three for 38 on Monday’s final day, including the wickets of danger man Kane Williamson and New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in successive balls.
But Root, like Stokes one of several young players who shone for England at Lord’s including debutant fast bowler Mark Wood, is confident the all-rounder won’t get carried away with the hype that followed his second Test century, which came some 18 months after his first, in Perth.
“He will be fine,” said Root of Stokes.
“When he is batting, he is a free spirit; he goes and plays his shots and puts sides under pressure.
“Even in times of struggle, when we are 30 for four, he came out and put them on the back foot,” vice-captain Root added.
“It will not work every time and could have looked slightly reckless if it didn’t come off.
“The key for him and the rest of us now is to make sure it is not a one-off and go on and do it again this week.”
The first Test was notable too for a marathon innings of 162 by England captain Alastair Cook that left the opener just 32 runs shy of overtaking Essex mentor Graham Gooch’s England Test runs record of 8,900.
So it was no surprise that new England coach Trevor Bayliss, who will take over in time for the Ashes, was heartened by what he had seen.

“I’ve been staying up late into the night watching the last Test at Lord’s to do some research and it’s great to see,” said the Australian.
“I’d much rather come into working with a team that’s on a high.”
For New Zealand, defeat was tough to take as so many of their players had set their hearts on becoming just the second Black Caps side, after the 1999 team, to win a Test at Lord’s.
They also did many of the things that would normally secure a victory, scoring more than 700 runs in the match and taking 20 wickets.
But in the end they were well beaten.

– Turning point –

“It was such a game of punch and counter-punch,” said New Zealand coach Mike Hesson.
“It was really the fourth day that turned it around, we felt we bowled well enough to get three or four wickets in the morning but Alastair Cook and the way Ben Stokes and Joe Root played took the game away from us. That was the turning point.”
Wicket-keeper BJ Watling suffered a knee injury at Lord’s and spent much of the match off the field, with Tom Latham deputising behind the stumps.
“BJ’s not 100 percent, clearly his knee is still an issue. He struggles to push off and get a lot of power so he’s fifty-fifty (to play in the second Test) at this stage,” added Hesson.
Meanwhile New Zealand opener Martin Guptill said the side knew how to bounce back from defeat.
“On the last day (at Lord’s), we just didn’t quite get the batting right,” Guptill said, but said his team had recovered straight away from a big loss before and were capable of doing it at Headingley.
He added: “We showed against Australia, in 2011, winning in Hobart — bouncing back from a heavy defeat in Brisbane.
“I hope we can do that again this week… we’re all raring to go for Friday.”

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)

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)