Star India batter Virat Kohli was miffed on Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan for wasting time during the ODI World Cup 2023 match between two teams at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
After Imam-ul-Haq got out, Pakistan were 73/2 in the 13th over when Rizwan arrived at the crease. However, instead of taking strike straightaway, the Pakistani batter marked his guard, took sweet to notice the field setting, adjusted his pads and put the straps of his gloves on and off for more than once.
Rizwan’s drama clearly frustrated India skipper Rohit Sharma, who raised the issue with the umpire, but it was Kohli’s reaction that stole the show.
The 34-year-old Kohli taunted the Pakistan keeper by starting his imaginary wristwatch — which was a way to convey a delay. Former India captain’s reaction also prompted commentator Michael Atherton to make a lighter comment.
“Rohit’s not happy. He is having a word with the umpire ‘how long is this taking? I don’t want to be fined later’. Virat has got the imaginary watch on,” said Atherton on air, on a lighter note.
Eventually, Rizwan started batting and stitched a formidable partnership with Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Rizwan scored 49 off 69 balls before Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him.
Pakistan, who were asked to bat first by India, suffered a massive collapse and were bowled out for 191 all out. Five Indian bowlers were among the wickets, all taking two apiece, with Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav sparking the collapse with two superb spells.
In reply, Rohit Sharma’s outstanding 86 put his team within touching distance of victory. This will be India’s third back to back win in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
