To qualify for the semi-final at India’s expense, Pakistan needed to chase down the target within 33.4 overs; otherwise, if the innings ended with a six to reach 258, they had until 34.3 overs to get there.
Pakistan showed some early intent, scoring 13 runs off the second over. It seemed their chances hinged on Sameer Minhas, but India were able to send the star opener back fairly quickly. He was trapped leg before wicket, to a ball that didn’t rise much, by Henil Patel.
Following the early setback, Pakistan never showed any urgency to make a run for the semi-final spot. Hamza Zahoor (42), Usman Khan (66) and captain Farhan Yousuf (38) hung in there gamely even as runs slowed down to a trickle.
Chouhan further tighetened the screws, conceding only 30 runs off his 10 overs and claimed the wicket of Zahoor and was named the Player of the Match for his all-round performance. Though he missed out with the bat, skipper Mhatre inflicted damage with the ball, snapping up three wickets for 21 in his eight overs. Khilan Patel also returned with figures of 3/35.
It was just the kind of measured display India were looking for before they enter the pointy end of the tournament.
