India v Pakistan: Hosts' bowlers and Rohit Sharma clinch comprehensive World Cup win

It was supposed to be the most intense match of World Cup 2023. But it ended up being one of the most one-sided contests as India cruised to a seven-wicket win in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Pakistan looked poised to impose themselves after being asked to bat first in front of more than 100,000 fans. A flat surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium and blazing afternoon heat worked in Pakistan's favour, until the 30th over when they were well placed at 155-2.

From there, Pakistan's batting collapsed inexplicably and spectacularly, crashing to 191 all out to lose the initiative and the match.

India captain Rohit Sharma extinguished any remaining hopes by hitting a quick-fire 86 as the hosts eased to a victory with a little under 20 overs to spare.

The occasion got to Pakistan, as much as the Indian bowlers and Ahmedabad’s conditions.

On a flat wicket on a hot and humid afternoon in the city, Pakistan had the perfect platform.

Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq were barely troubled as every delivery found its way to the middle of the bat.

Even when Mohammad Siraj bowled a cross seam delivery and trapped Shafique (20) lbw, and then Hardik Pandya had Imam (36) caught behind, Pakistan did not look in trouble.

300* - @ImRo45 (300*) has become just the third batter in men's ODIs to smash 300 boundary sixes, only Shahid Afridi (351) and Chris Gayle (331) have registered more maximums in the format. Hitman.#INDvPAK #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/WzGsCxJhxA

The surface offered barely any movement for the quicks and only slow turn for the spinners. Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan – the backbone of Pakistan’s batting – milked the bowling and looked destined to dominate the middle overs.

Turning the strike over and