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India lost to their arch-rivals Pakistan in the Group A match at Champions Trophy on Saturday by 54 runs.
Shoaib Malik's robust century helped Pakistan set an enormous target of 303 before India. Pakistan, which had won the toss, has chosen to bat. With the second consecutive win from their two matches, Pakistan will be playing to reserve their berth in the semi-finals.
In reply, India were completely bowled out for 248 runs in just 44.5 overs. Gautam Gambhir, who made his way back into the team at the last moment, and former skipper Rahul Dravid, led the Indian chase. Gambhir managed to earn 57 where as Dravid contributed 76.
India’s chase faced obstacles from the initial stage itself, after Sachin Tendulkar was out for a mere 8 by Pakistani teenager Mohammed Aamer.
Gambhir-Dravid partnership managed to gather 67 runs for the second wicket, but Gambhir’s cruise was restricted after Younis Khan ran him out.
Virat Kholi (16) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (3) departed in quick successions, which added pressure on Dravid. The former India captain played a typical innings and held fort at one end during his 103-ball stay.
Earlier, Pakistan kicked off their batting in a very aggressive fashion with Imran Nazir and Kamran grabbed 50 runs in hardly 9 overs.
Malik and Yousuf applied themselves cleverly and put their team in a comfortable position. Pakistan were 217 for three in 40 overs. The Indian bowlers who managed to get a minimal hold over the reins of the match, restricted the Pakistani cruising to 85 runs in the last 10 overs.
Scoreboard
Pakistan: 302/9 in 50 overs
India: 303.10 in 44.5 overs
Man of the match: Shohaib Malik
Pakistan won the match by 54 runs.
