Virat Kohli hailed a “massive win” against Pakistan as India delivered the message that, for all the talk of issues behind the scenes in their camp, they are more than capable of defending their Champions Trophy title this summer.
Kohli delivered a batting masterclass, with an unbeaten 81 from 68 balls as his side posted 319 for three in a rain-reduced 48 overs. In the reply Umesh Yadav took three for 30 as Pakistan were bowled out for 164 chasing an adjusted 289 from 41.
With Yuvraj Singh’s 29-ball half-century also wowing the Edgbaston crowd, India looked anything but a team reportedly looking to see their head coach, Anil Kumble, replaced when his one-year contract expires at the end of the tournament.
“It’s a massive win for us,” said Kolhi, who struck six fours and three sixes in a brutal late assault. “The way we played and the confidence we showed was very pleasing as a captain. The way Yuvi batted was the game-changing innings.
“The middle order was outstanding and Yuvi was outstanding. I felt like a club batter next to him. With bat and ball we were nine out of ten, in the field we were six today. If we tune that up to eight or nine we will be a strong side, it was a very complete game for us.”
Yuvraj added: “We started well with the bat and the bowlers came and stuck to the plan and took wickets at regular intervals. India-Pakistan is very special - the Indian fans make it special for us”
Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s head coach, fronted up after the match, describing the result as a “reality check” for a side who are lowest ranked in the eight-team tournament while lamenting the two dropped catches that gave reprieves to Yuvraj and Kohli on eight and 43 respectively.
“We didn’t take opportunities and they made us pay for it,” Arthur said. “The worrying thing for me is we do the basics wrong. We dropped simple catches. We don’t run well enough between wickets. We don’t hit the keeper with our throws. But we’ll bounce back from it.
Asked how long before performances improve, he replied: “How long is a piece of string? I don’t know. We’re trying every day. Every time we go down to training, we try and get the basics right. We didn’t do it today. And that’s disappointing.”
