T20 World Cup: India Sets 176-Run Target Against Pakistan

In a high-stakes T20 World Cup clash, India batted first against Pakistan and set a target of 176 runs for victory. The match is currently underway in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Following the toss, the Indian captain, controversially, did not shake hands with Pakistan’s skipper, drawing criticism for violating the “spirit of cricket.”

Pakistan made an immediate impact in the first over, claiming a crucial early wicket. Salman Ali Agha dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck, with the catch taken by Shaheen Shah Afridi. India’s second wicket fell at 88 runs, as Ishan Kishan scored 77 off 40 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 10 fours before being clean bowled by Saim Ayub.

India’s third wicket fell at 126 runs when Tilak Verma was LBW to Saim Ayub for 25, followed immediately by Hardik Pandya, who was out without scoring. The fifth Indian wicket fell at 159 runs, as Suryakumar Yadav was caught out for 32 off a delivery from Usman Tariq.

Pakistan fielded the same team with no changes, while India made two alterations, including Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav in their lineup.

Speaking after the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha stated, “No changes have been made in our squad. We are ready to compete against India. Our full focus will be on the match, and we know how to play on pitches like this.”

Pakistan’s playing XI includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.

India’s team features captain Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Shiyam Dubey, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ranko Singh.