ICC World Cup 2023, IND vs PAK: 'Fired-up' India make strong start at Motera

India bundled out Pakistan for just 191 in 42.5 overs after the hosts elected to field first (Pic: AFP)

Skipper Rohit Sharma helped India comfortably pass the 50-run mark in their pursuit of 192 to defeat Pakistan in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 at the iconic Motera on Saturday.

Earlier, India bundled out Pakistan for just 191 in 42.5 overs after the hosts elected to field first at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. Pakistan's top-order failed to step up as they lost their last eight wickets for only 36 runs. Sharma's decision to bowl first after winning the toss might have raised a few eye-brows but the Indian team always had things under control despite a 72-run third wicket stand between skipper Babar Azam (50 off 58 balls) and Mohammed Rizwan (49 off 69 balls).

India, meanwhile, lost the returning Shubman Gill for 16 but Rohit kept up the charge with three fours and two sixes to put the team on course for an eighth win in eight meetings with Pakistan in World Cups.

Indian fans painted the Narendra Modi Stadium painted blue and supported the home team as the 12th man. This is the eighth Cricket World Cup clash between the arch-rivals. India has won all the previous seven encounters between the two sides.

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The hotly-anticipated match raised enormous interest city hotels booked and desperate fans even booking full-body check ups in local hospitals to be sure of a place to stay.

A prominent hotel in the city usually charges 6,000 rupees ($72) for a deluxe room but on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the price for a day has been hiked to 70,000 rupees ($841). Only a trickle of Pakistanis, many expatriates, made it to the game after fans from across the border endured visa delays.

(With inputs from agencies)