When India’s Ravichandran Ashwin stepped out to bat against Pakistan in the gripping World Cup match on Sunday, all eyes were on him.
When Dinesh Karthik was stumped on the ball bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, India needed two runs off as few balls. Ashwin, who batted in next, had the challenge of score two runs off the last one delivery. As calm as a cucumber, Ashwin watched Nawaz’s first ball drift wide down the leg side before hitting a lofted shot over mid-off to score the go-ahead run.
Following the game, Ashwin revealed what had been going through his head the entire time.
He also disclosed that before regaining his confidence to win the game, he cursed Karthik as he entered the batter’s box.
“I made the decision to leave the ball alone and get one run for the wide as soon as I spotted it heading down the leg side and realised I had no business playing it. I was in such a calm state as soon as I got that run. After briefly cursing Dinesh Karthik as I approached the plate, I quickly reasoned, “No no, we still have time, let us do what we were here for.” To get to the pitch, it felt like I was walking for an eternity “On his YouTube account, Ashwin stated.
India was reduced to 31 for 4 in 6.1 overs while chasing a 160-run target against Pakistan in their campaign opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. However, a 113-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya helped India get back into the game.
Kohli struck 82 not out off 53 balls to help India win the match by 4 wickets while Hardik was dismissed for 40 off 37 balls. The Player of the Match award went to the batter in the top order.
Read more: Zimbabwe captain reaction on qualifying for Super 12 of T20 World Cup
