Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batter almost brought India close to the target in the first ODI. He literally smashed 14 runs in the first three balls of the last over. India, then needed 31 runs from it. However Samson couldn’t manage till the end. India henceforth lost by nine runs. Samson stood unbeaten scoring 86 from just 63 balls. However, he started slowly on this tricky pitch. Kamran Akmal, the veteran Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter however felt that Samson must have switched on his attacking mode from the first ball.
On his You Tube channel, Akmal said,
“Sanju Samson took his time initially. It would have been a different story if he had attacked right from the start. He did score 86 runs in the match, but there was a lack of intent in the first 30-35 balls that he faced. He lacks experience when it comes to playing against a big team.”
If Shreyas hadn’t got out, India could have gone on to win the match: Kamran Akmal
Shreyas Iyer was another other prominent name in the chase. He anchored the chase when the top order failed to stick on the crease. Shreyas Iyer scored a healthy 50 off 37 balls.
Akmal said,
“Shreyas Iyer showed how an experienced batter would play in such crucial situations, scoring quick runs and generating momentum. He did a fine job. If he hadn’t got out, India could have gone on to win the match.”
Akmal also pointed out the pace of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan’s innings. It, according to him, definitely had an impact in the chase. Gaikwad managed 19 off 42 balls. Kishan however scored 20 in 37. Akmal said,
“The target was quite gettable. Ruturaj should have played a bit faster. Even Ishan Kishan played quite slow. They should have maintained a better scoring rate, considering that it was a 40-over game. India would have chased the total if they hadn’t played slowly at that stage.”
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