On Tuesday, the star-studded Indian cricket team saved their blushes against the minnows China's Hong Kong after registering a hard-fought 26 run victory. A day later, the same team brought out their best when it mattered the most in the ongoing Asia Cup.
An India versus Pakistan ODI game has been the mother of all cricketing battles on the earth. In fact, over the years, the rivalry between the neighbors has not only created an astronomical amount of hype and hoopla but also been generating an unbridled passion, patriotism and, more often, jingoism among the cricket fans of the two countries from the sub-continent, who are one of the powerhouses of world cricket.
Indian cricketers celebrate after dismissing Pakistan's cricket captain Sarfraz Ahmed (not pictured) during the Asia Cup cricket match between Pakistan and India in Dubai. /VCG Photo
It was a revenge match for India after their defeat against their cross-border arch-rivals in the Champions Trophy final last year and the team, led by Rohit Sharma, in the absence of their superstar captain Virat Kohli, just reigned supreme when the chips were down and the stakes were high.
The upbeat Pakistan, who has been traditionally (since the 1980s) having the edge over their rivals at the desert oasis, which has also become their home ground away from home since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus almost a decade ago, crumbled in front of the resurgent Indian bowlers, who failed to the breach the China's Hong Kong openers only overnight ago.
Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma (L) and teammate Shikhar Dhawan greet each other during the match against Pakistan. /VCG Photo
A solid opening partnership between skipper Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan helped the Men in Blue accomplish a cakewalk with an 8-wicket win with 21 overs to spare even though one of their key players, all-rounder Hardik Pandya was stretchered off the ground with a serious injury.
Lauding his team's efforts, former Indian batting maestro VVS Laxman said, "A resounding win for India, especially considering playing back to back matches in this heat. The bowlers were brilliant and Rohit led the team brilliantly. Congratulations!"
Meanwhile, another former Indian star cricketer Virender Sehwag hailed the side with his tweet, "Congratulations India on a very comprehensive victory. Wonderful team effort and great contributions from everyone."
Although the crushing defeat won't have much impact on their chances to win the continental tournament, Pakistan will stay in contention for the crown and will have a chance to redeem themselves in yet another showdown with their arch-rivals in a Super Four stage game on September 23.