But on a day that it mattered, they had Pakistan on the mat within the first 20 minutes of play.After the first four overs, the scoreboard read Pakistan – 3/2. Azam had been fine touch, and here he was navigating the bowling and steadily bringing Pakistan back in the game. It could push Pakistan to an extra measure of caution when they next face each other in the tournament. India, with the Champions Trophy experience they have, know that beating Pakistan in the group stages is not the same challenge it will be to beat them in the knockout rounds. With India performing without their best batsman, Kohli, and Pakistan making up for Amir’s extended poor form, this is anybody’s tournament now.

Source: Economic Times September 20, 2018 17:48 UTC