The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the list of top five matches for the 2022 T20 World Cup. Despite the rain causing havoc, especially in Group 1, there were some special matches where teams seen as favourites, stumbled against relatively unheralded sides.
A thriller for centuries played out between India and Pakistan at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground earlier this week was unsurprising to say the least. Pakistan recovered from a shaky start, only to close out the innings and score 159/8 with half-centuries from Shan Masood (52*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (51).
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India will compete with KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav. He combined well with Hardik Pandya (40) for a partnership of 113 to keep India in the game and produced some late heroics to win the game for his side. Kohli hit back-to-back sixes off the bowling of Haris Rauf off the last two balls to bring Muhammad Nawaz to the final, which he had to believe.
“In an unforgettable match, India won by four wickets,” the ICC said in describing the chaotic action: “In an action-packed final over, there were lost balls, no waist high balls, free hits, sixes, wides and bogeys” in India’s 20th innings. Kohli finished the game with an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls.
Then came Pakistan’s loss to Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe were at least 130/8 on board, but their bowlers ensured that the going would be very tough for Pakistan. Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza led the way with three wickets and he also finished off the last ball which reduced Pakistan to 129/8. Zimbabwe won by runs and were suddenly in a good position to advance to the semi-finals.
Other fixtures listed are from the first round, with Ireland’s sensational clash against Scotland the third. UAE’s valiant efforts in defending their target of 112 against the Netherlands came next and the list was squared off with Namibia’s loss to the UAE, which confirmed their failure to reach the Super 12.