Ahmedabad
In an electrifying World Cup encounter, India secured a decisive 7-wicket victory against arch-rivals Pakistan. The game’s pivotal moments came when India’s pace sensation, Mohammed Siraj, masterfully dispatched opener Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam. Siraj’s spectacular performance left an indelible mark on the match, ultimately ending with figures of 2-50. The turning point occurred when Siraj trapped Abdullah Shafique leg-before-wicket (lbw) with a cunning delivery that pitched up and stayed unusually low, leaving the batsman with no room for maneuver. Addressing the media during the post-match press conference, Siraj shared insights into his strategy, saying, Abdullah Shafique’s wicket was a well-executed plan. I had a detailed discussion with Rohit Bhai. I had previously attempted a bouncer against him, but he managed to get out of it. So, I had a conversation with Rohit, and we decided to try something different. He anticipated another bouncer, but I pitched the ball up, which ultimately led to a triumphant breakthrough. It’s worth noting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, in their combined wisdom, made the strategic decision to entrust Siraj with the ball, a move that paid off handsomely. Siraj also emphasized the role of senior players in guiding and motivating the entire team. The insights and experience shared by senior players are invaluable to the team’s success. When the team triumphs, it’s a victory for all, and sharing these experiences significantly contributes to our collective growth, he noted.
