In the high-stakes encounter of the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad, Pakistan, batting first after being invited to do so, managed to score only 191 runs before getting all out.
The Pakistan team, known as the Green Shirts, aims to break their streak of misfortune in this major tournament. Captain Babar Azam was the top scorer for his team, achieving his first fifty in the tournament.
Only four other batsmen, Mohammad Rizwan, Imamul Haq, and Abdullah Shafique, reached double-digit runs. Despite losing their openers, Babar and Rizwan formed a partnership until Mohammad Siraj dismissed Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, after he completed his half-century.
Imamul Haq and Abdullah Shafique began the innings for Pakistan and managed a 41-run partnership before Shafique scored 20 runs in the eighth over but was dismissed lbw by Mohammad Siraj.
Siraj redeemed himself by taking the wicket of Abdullah Shafique, with Babar Azam stepping onto the field in his place. India's captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and chose to bowl first in the highly anticipated World Cup match, expected to draw 120,000 fans.
Opening batsman Shubman Gill returned to the team after recovering from dengue fever and replaced Ishan Kishan, who had missed the first two matches.
Rohit expressed the excitement of the moment and the tremendous atmosphere in the stadium, which was predominantly filled with Indian fans. India, the favorites, entered the match undefeated, with victories against Australia and Afghanistan.
Pakistan, who also won their previous two matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, stuck with the same team. Babar Azam mentioned that they too would have preferred to bowl first had they won the toss, given their good form and confidence.
The stadium, the world's largest cricket venue, was mainly filled with Indian supporters as Pakistani fans faced challenges securing visas from across the border.