IND vs PAK: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul Create Most 50 Partnerships In T20Is

Team India captain Rohit Sharma and his deputy KL Rahul achieved a milestone during the Sunday’s clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

After being asked to bat first by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, Rohit along with his partner Rahul got India to a rollicking start in the powerplay overs.

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul create record in T20Is

Rohit took on Pakistan youngsters Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain in the first few overs. The Hitman clobbered three fours and two sixes in his 16-ball 28 to set up a quick stand of 54 runs in five overs.

Rahul, whose strike rate was questioned in the previous outing against Hong Kong, hovered Naseem Shah for a six over cover and later whipped another one in the sight screen area. 

The Indian skipper departed while he mistimed a good length delivery off Haris Rauf before Khushdil Shah took a remarkable catch, avoiding any collision with teammate Fakhar Zaman.

Rahul soon joined his opening partner in the dugout just after the powerplay while charging against Shadab Khan. 

Rahul has joined Rohit as the new opening pair in T20Is that came at the expense of snubbing Shikhar Dhawan. The duo have gone from strength to strength to produce some great attacks and maraud the opposition camp with a flurry of boundaries.

The pair brought up its 14th 50-plus run stand in T20 Internationals, leapfrogging Ireland’s Paul Stirling and Kevin O’Brien’s 13 in the list. 

With O’Brien announcing retirement from international cricket last month, the Indian pair might not face any competition from their Irish counterparts in this record.

Pakistan beat India by five wickets

Kohli top scored for India in the first innings as his 44-ball 60 pushed them to 181/7, albeit 20 runs short from the projected score.

Pakistan rode on the crucial stand between Mohammad Rizwan (71) and Mohammad Nawaz (42). The duo added 73 runs in 39 balls to keep Pakistan in the hunt. The latter made a big difference, delivering the best in the pinch-hitter role. Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah played important cameos at the end to see their side through in the first game of the Super 4 stage.

India will next face Sri Lanka on Tuesday (September 6) at the same venue whereas Pakistan take on Afghanistan on Wednesday (September 7).

Also Read: IND Vs PAK: Rohit Sharma Slams Rishabh Pant And Hardik Pandya After India’s Loss vs Pakistan, Says There Wicket Wasn’t Needed