Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik. (Photo: Twitter)

Dinesh Karthik has reckoned that the pressure of India maintaining the unbeaten streak against Pakistan in World Cup games is over now after the loss yesterday. Shaheen Afridi picked up early wickets with the new ball with some outstanding deliveries, and it had a big effect on the game as India never got going in their first innings. They did well to end up with 152 on the board.

However, the Indian bowling attack looked toothless as the Pakistan openers played with a lot more composure without losing wickets. They nullified the effect of the spinners with some odd risks and went on to win the game by 10 wickets in the end. India’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan in 12 straight games in World Cups has finally come to an end.

Dinesh Karthik, ICC T20 World Cup 2021
Dinesh Karthik (Image Credit: Twitter)

“It’s A Huge Monkey Off The Back” – Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik made an interesting comment on India losing out to Pakistan, stating India might also be relieved of the pressure they had to hold on to the unbeaten streak. He added that the next two games against New Zealand and Afghanistan are going to be crucial to India’s plans.

“It’s a huge monkey off the back. For 2-3 decades, we have had this constant pressure, every time India plays Pakistan in a World Cup match, that we haven’t lost to them. Now that this is done with, we can move further in this tournament, which is very interestingly poised. India have to do well against New Zealand and Afghanistan,” Dinesh Karthik on Cricbuzz.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan[photo: Twitter]

Dinesh Karthik Credits Pakistan’s Batting Unit

Dinesh Karthik noted that Shaheen Afridi started the show for Pakistan with early wickets and credited the batting unit of Pakistan staying unbeaten till the end. He added that Pakistan played the best cricket in terms of bowling, fielding, and batting, and he did not want to blame India for the performance.

“Shaheen Afridi set the tone for them and they never looked back. You’ve got to give credit to a batting unit when they have not even given you one chance through the 18 overs.”

“In many ways, Pakistan have had their best game in a very long time, and it has come against an opposition that has haunted them for a while now. A lot of credit should go to Pakistan (for) the way they bowled, fielded and, most importantly, the way they batted as well,” he added.

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam
(Image: Twitter)

Pakistan will next play against New Zealand on Tuesday, and this will be an important game in terms of the group standings.

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