Lahore: Pakistan were hoping for an India win in their T20 World Cup semifinal against England – so that Babar Azam’s men could have a chance to avenge their heart-breaking defeat in the opening match on way to lifting the coveted trophy.
Jos Buttler and Alex Hales put paid to that wish with a record match-winning unbeaten partnership for the opening wicket, to set up an England versus Pakistan final on Sunday.
In an embarrassing performance at Adelaide Oval, the Indian cricketers watched helplessly as Buttler and Hales motored to 170 for no loss in just 16 overs.
It reminded many of Pakistan’s 10-wicket annihilation of India in their Super 12 clash at last year’s T20 World Cup, when skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan made 152 for no wicket to similarly win by 10 wickets.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rubbed it in after Rohit Sharma’s men were eliminated from the World Cup.
“So, this Sunday, it’s 152/0 vs 170/0,” Sharif tweeted.
So, this Sunday, it’s:
152/0 vs 170/0
🇵🇰 🇬🇧 #T20WorldCup
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 10, 2022
Coming from the Prime Minister of a nation, that will really hurt Indian cricketers and followers.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar also pointed out the hammering India’s bowlers received, though he wasn’t as acerbic as the PM.
“170/0 – A figure that’s going to disturb for times to come. Tough game India,” Shoaib tweeted.
170/0
A figure thats going to disturb for times to come. Tough game India.— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 10, 2022
England and Pakistan are the only teams to have thrashed India by 10 wickets in T20 World Cup history.
