ICC Champions Trophy 2017, India vs Pakistan: 5 Talking Points

#2 Rohit-Dhawan’s superb opening stand

Rohit Sharma played a steady knock with the more aggressive Shikhar Dhawan

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were once again seen at their best as they brought up another century stand between them. The duo put on 136 runs for the first wicket in 147 deliveries thus building a solid platform for a big score. They started off cautiously against a fiery Mohammad Amir who was seen at his best. However, spin being bowled from the other end made things a bit easier for them.

Both were off to slow starts as they didn’t want to commit any mistake against the swinging ball first up. But, once the ball lost its shine, the duo went hammer and tongs at the bowlers. The run-rate which was below 4 around the 10th over increased to a healthy 5-runs an over by the 15th over. Both batsmen notched up their fifties and kicked on.

Shikhar Dhawan was the main aggressor in the innings while Rohit Sharma was the calming influence. The partnership came to an end when Dhawan hit a full toss bowled by leg-spinner Shadab Khan straight to Azhar Ali at deep mid-wicket. He looked to be in superb touch and it was unfortunate that his innings came to an end in that way. By the time he departed though, India were sitting pretty at 136/1.