Daijiworld Media Network

Adelaide, Feb 15 : India will next take on one of the favourites to win the tournament, South Africa, at Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 22nd. On the other hand, Pakistan will face the West Indies in their next match in Christchurch on February 21st.

Misbah yet again turned out to be the fulcrum of Pakistan's batting line-up, but he just didn't get enough support from the other batsmen. Akmal getting out in rather controversial circumstances also didn't help their cause. The clear difference between the two sides was that the Indian batsmen ran well between the wickets, but Pakistan mainly looked to deal in boundaries. Indian batsmen played out a total of 122 dot deliveries in their allotted 50 overs. On the other hand, by the end of the 30th over of the game itself, Pakistan had played out 108 dot deliveries.

While chasing down India's target of 301, Pakistan lost the early wicket of Younis Khan. But Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail steadied Pakistan's innings with a well-constructed partnership of 68. Just in the nick of time though, Umesh Yadav picked up two wickets in quick succession to put India in the ascendancy. The spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, then tightened the screws by bowling with good control and wickets fell at regular intervals. Credit has to go to Mohammed Shami as well for bowling with a great heart. He produced a superb bouncer that was head high to snare the wicket of Younis. India's fielding was also on the money. The trio of Jadeja, Raina and Kohli certainly made their presence felt by taking crucial catches.

Shikhar Dhawan, who has struggled for form also shone brightly with a well-measured innings of 73. Pakistan's bowlers gave width to Dhawan and they paid the price for it. Once Kohli was dismissed for a superbly-paced innings of 107, Suresh Raina took over, flaying the Pakistan attack all over the ground to compose a thrill-a-minute innings of 74 in a mere 56 balls. He used the depth of the crease to good effect. Among Pakistan's bowlers, Sohail Khan turned out to be their go-to man. He bowled with good disciplines and was rewarded with a five-wicket haul. Wahab Riaz also gave a good account of himself in the slog overs. However, their fielding wasn't up to the mark. In particular, Pakistan would rue Umar Akmal dropping a rather easy chance off Kohli when he was on 76.

India produced a fine all-round performance to beat arch-rivals, Pakistan, by a margin of 76 runs. India now have won all their six games against Pakistan in the history of the World Cup. In the backdrop of an electrifying atmosphere, the Indian batsmen played with pluck and determination to notch up a sizeable total of 300 for 7 in 50 overs. Virat Kohli was the star performer for India, as he essayed a sparkling ton. Kohli was a symbol of composure at the crease. He waited for the loose ball on offer and took advantage of it by playing sumptuous shots. For Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq played a fine knock, but it wasn't enough to lift the sagging morale of the team and take them to victory. They were eventually bowled out for 224.

Dhoni: 'It was a very good performance. It was started by the batsmen. I was very happy with our batting. When you are batting first, it's not easy, especially in the first 10 overs here, but it starts to get better after that. That long stand between Virat and Shikhar was crucial. Overall, we accelerated at the right time. The 8-10 day break in the middle was important. Of course the start of the World Cup gets you going. A lot of people have come in from India. I think the Australians were wondering what's happening. I don't control my emotions, it's there and it's just that I don't want to be over expressive on the field.'

Misbah: 'I think they played really well. They posted a good total and bowled really well. I think the pitch was really good and the quality of batting they have, they played really well. Our bowlers came back well at the end. Two, three batsmen never got in and got out in the first couple of balls. Now you just have to look forward and can't look at this game. We need to try and get the momentum and confidence back.'

Kohli: 'Well, it's probably one of the biggest awards I've had in my career right now. Just an amazing way for us to kick-off the World Cup. Very important pressure game against Pakistan and we always get a great fight from them. It's a high-pressure game and it's good to get that one under the belt. It's a really big compliment (when Ramiz Raja told him that he's the new Sachin Tendulkar to the Indian fans). Expectations are going to be there when you do well for your country, expectations will rise and I just look to stand up to them because I hate losing, I love winning games and I love playing for my country. I am so passionate about it and it comes naturally to me and I like the expectation and the pressure as well. To be honest, it's very tough to focus, especially in the last couple of days there have been too many people in the hotel just getting excited for the game and it's been hard to keep focus. That's the skill at international level, you've got stay in your zone and stay in your own little space and try to work things out for yourself. I've been trying to do that since I came to Australia and that's been working for me. It's been a tough one, but glad to get it through. My role in the team is to bat through and the power-hitters around me can come and play their game. The way Suresh and Shikhar batted was excellent. The support has been great. It's been too loud for MS to reach out to the players at times. Thanks for the support guys.'

Virat Kohli is the Man of the Match