<p>India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli &amp; Co. to script a remarkable comeback, however, they lost to the Black Caps by 8 wickets as they remain way behind NZ in head-to-head record in ICC events.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, Kohli-led Indian team produced a forgettable batting performance as they were reduced to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult and Tim Southee's match-winning spells. In reply, Kane Williamson &amp; Co. won the contest by 8 wickets with 33 balls to spare to remain alive in the semi-finals race. India, meanwhile, will have to win all their remaining games by huge margins and hope for few other results to fall in their favour to enter the top four.</p>

<p>After losing the clash, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai,&nbsp;Indian captain Virat Kohli was expected to come and answer the press in the post-match conference, however, he didn't turn up as speedster Jasprit Bumrah came in the captain's place. This has not impressed India's former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-be-a-miracle-to-see-them-qualify-shahid-afridi-predicts-indias-fortunes-after-nz-loss-in-t20-wc-425850"><strong>Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>"There is no shame in losing. But you need to come and speak up. That is the right thing to do. People will listen to you and at least get to know the reason behind the loss. There is a difference between Bumrah speaking or a coach/captain speaking. It is important to face the public. You will have to face the nation and come and speak. If you don’t come, what will people think? Needless rumours are going to be spread," Azharuddin said on ABP News.</p>

<p>"If you are the captain, you should take responsibility. When you become the representative of the team, this will happen. If you come attend conference after winning in good times but not after losing in bad times, that isn’t the right approach. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t come, but he should have," Azharuddin pointed out.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gautam-gambhir-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-reacting-to-everything-doesnt-mean-you-are-more-passionate-425844"><strong>Gautam Gambhir takes a dig at Virat Kohli: Reacting to everything doesn't mean you are more passionate</strong></a></p>

<p>India have a herculean task to remain alive in the T20 WC, being held in the UAE. With back-to-back defeats, the 2007 winners will now gear up for their upcoming game, versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3). Another defeat will end their campaign in the mega event.</p>


India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli & Co.

India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand in their second game of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, on Sunday (October 31). After losing to Pakistan in their opening fixture in the main draw of the showpiece event, many expected Virat Kohli & Co. to script a remarkable comeback, however, they lost to the Black Caps by 8 wickets as they remain way behind NZ in head-to-head record in ICC events. Being asked to bat first, Kohli-led Indian team produced a forgettable batting performance as they were reduced to 110/7, courtesy Trent Boult and Tim Southee's match-winning spells. In reply, Kane Williamson & Co. won the contest by 8 wickets with 33 balls to spare to remain alive in the semi-finals race. India, meanwhile, will have to win all their remaining games by huge margins and hope for few other results to fall in their favour to enter the top four. After losing the clash, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Indian captain Virat Kohli was expected to come and answer the press in the post-match conference, however, he didn't turn up as speedster Jasprit Bumrah came in the captain's place. This has not impressed India's former skipper Mohammad Azharuddin. ALSO READ | Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC "There is no shame in losing. But you need to come and speak up. That is the right thing to do. People will listen to you and at least get to know the reason behind the loss. There is a difference between Bumrah speaking or a coach/captain speaking. It is important to face the public. You will have to face the nation and come and speak. If you don’t come, what will people think? Needless rumours are going to be spread," Azharuddin said on ABP News. "If you are the captain, you should take responsibility. When you become the representative of the team, this will happen. If you come attend conference after winning in good times but not after losing in bad times, that isn’t the right approach. I don’t know the reason why he didn’t come, but he should have," Azharuddin pointed out. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir takes a dig at Virat Kohli: Reacting to everything doesn't mean you are more passionate India have a herculean task to remain alive in the T20 WC, being held in the UAE. With back-to-back defeats, the 2007 winners will now gear up for their upcoming game, versus Afghanistan, on Wednesday (November 3). Another defeat will end their campaign in the mega event.

You'll have to face the nation: Md Azharuddin slams Virat Kohli for skipping presser after NZ loss

<p>After India shockingly lost to Pakistan in their Super 12 opening fixture in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were expected to comeback hard against New Zealand, their second opposition in the marquee event.</p>

<p>India and New Zealand locked horns with each other on Sunday evening (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai as many expected the one-time winners to move past the Black Caps. However, India do not have a good record versus the Kiwis in ICC events and it once again got exposed as Kohli &amp; Co. lost to Kane Williamson-led Black Caps by 8 wickets at Dubai.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, India managed a below-par 110/7 as none of their batters got going whereas Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi starred for Kiwis with the ball. In reply, New Zealand ended the match with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare. With this, India have&nbsp;only a solitary victory over the New Zealanders in ICC events, which came during&nbsp;the 2003 ODI World Cup, in South Africa.</p>

<p>After the match, former Pakistan all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi has made a bold claim on India's chances going ahead. He tweeted saying, "India still have an outside chance of qualifying for semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it will be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify. @T20WorldCup."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sometimes-you-need-a-break-jasprit-bumrah-feels-bubble-fatigue-behind-team-indias-t20-wc-struggles-425804"><strong>'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India still have an outside chance of qualifying for semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it will be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify. <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a></p>
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1454858664075046914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-sl-t20-world-cup-2021-prediction-who-will-win-todays-match-between-england-and-sri-lanka-425830"><strong>ENG vs SL, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between England and Sri Lanka?</strong></a></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "To be brutal upfront, I don't think we were brave enough with bat/ball. We obviously didn't have much to play with the ball. We were just not brave enough in our body language when we entered the field and NZ had better intensity, body language. Every time we took a chance, we lost a wicket. It's most often a result of hesitation of whether you should go for a shot or not. When you play for India, there are loads of expectations. We are watched, people come to the stadium and everyone who plays for India needs to embrace that and cope with it. We haven't done that in these two games, and that's why we haven't won."</p>

<p>India need to win their next game, versus Afghanistan (November 3), at Abu Dhabi as another defeat will lead to their early exit from the marquee tournament.</p>


After India shockingly lost to Pakistan in their Super 12 opening fixture in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were expected to comeback hard against New Zealand, their second opposition in the marquee event.

After India shockingly lost to Pakistan in their Super 12 opening fixture in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue were expected to comeback hard against New Zealand, their second opposition in the marquee event. India and New Zealand locked horns with each other on Sunday evening (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai as many expected the one-time winners to move past the Black Caps. However, India do not have a good record versus the Kiwis in ICC events and it once again got exposed as Kohli & Co. lost to Kane Williamson-led Black Caps by 8 wickets at Dubai. Being asked to bat first, India managed a below-par 110/7 as none of their batters got going whereas Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi starred for Kiwis with the ball. In reply, New Zealand ended the match with 8 wickets and 33 balls to spare. With this, India have only a solitary victory over the New Zealanders in ICC events, which came during the 2003 ODI World Cup, in South Africa. After the match, former Pakistan all-rounder and captain Shahid Afridi has made a bold claim on India's chances going ahead. He tweeted saying, "India still have an outside chance of qualifying for semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it will be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify. @T20WorldCup." ALSO READ | 'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles India still have an outside chance of qualifying for semis but with how they have played their two big games in the event, it will be nothing but a miracle to see them qualify. @T20WorldCup — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 31, 2021 × ALSO READ | ENG vs SL, T20 World Cup 2021 prediction: Who will win today's match between England and Sri Lanka? At the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "To be brutal upfront, I don't think we were brave enough with bat/ball. We obviously didn't have much to play with the ball. We were just not brave enough in our body language when we entered the field and NZ had better intensity, body language. Every time we took a chance, we lost a wicket. It's most often a result of hesitation of whether you should go for a shot or not. When you play for India, there are loads of expectations. We are watched, people come to the stadium and everyone who plays for India needs to embrace that and cope with it. We haven't done that in these two games, and that's why we haven't won." India need to win their next game, versus Afghanistan (November 3), at Abu Dhabi as another defeat will lead to their early exit from the marquee tournament.

Will be a miracle to see them qualify: Shahid Afridi predicts India's fortunes after NZ loss in T20 WC

<p>Virat Kohli's leadership is once again under the scanner after India's back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. India lost their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets before succumbing to another shambolic eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31).</p>

<p>Kohli has already announced his decision to step down as the T20I captain of Team India post the T20 World Cup 2021. In what is going to be his final T20 tournament as the captain of the team, India have had a disastrous campaign so far and are on the brink of facing an early exit from the tournament after two losses in a row.</p>

<p>Former Indian opener has taken a dig at Kohli's captaincy and said showing emotions on the field, and reacting to everything doesn't mean someone is more passionate than others. Gambhir took a dig at Kohli's aggressive approach on the field and said sometimes calmness can be equally effective in a pressure situation.</p>

<p>"New Zealand was exactly in the same position as India today. So they had an equal amount of pressure. I mean, it starts with the leader as well. [For New Zealand] it starts with Kane, the calmness," Gambhir said on <em>ESPNCricinfo.</em></p>

<p>"You don't have to be on the face all the time. You don't have to show your emotions [always], sometimes just your positivity and calmness can be equally positive [for] the group as well. Just by reacting to everything doesn't mean that you are more passionate than someone else," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/54-dot-balls-71-deliveries-without-a-boundary-shocking-stats-numbers-from-indias-flop-show-against-nz-425787">54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats &amp; numbers from India's loss vs NZ</a></strong></p>

<p>Asked to bat first in the all-important encounter against New Zealand, Indian batting line-up crumbled under pressure after a stuttering start. The move to let Ishan Kishan open the batting with KL Rahul and demote Rohit Sharma to number three backfired as Kishan was dismissed after scoring just 3 runs off 8 balls.</p>

<p>Rahul (18) and Rohit (14) too departed in quick succession while captain Kohli (9) struggled once again. It was crucial cameos from Hardik Pandya (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (26) that somehow helped India cross the 100-run mark and post 110 runs on the board in 20 overs.</p>

<p>New Zealand chased down the target of 111 runs with ease riding on&nbsp;Daryl Mitchell's 49 and captain Kane Willaimson's unbeaten 33. India have three games remaining in the Super 12 and have very bleak chance of making it to the top four after two consecutive losses.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli's leadership is once again under the scanner after India's back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. India lost their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets before succumbing to another shambolic eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31).

Virat Kohli's leadership is once again under the scanner after India's back-to-back defeats in their first two matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. India lost their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets before succumbing to another shambolic eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31). Kohli has already announced his decision to step down as the T20I captain of Team India post the T20 World Cup 2021. In what is going to be his final T20 tournament as the captain of the team, India have had a disastrous campaign so far and are on the brink of facing an early exit from the tournament after two losses in a row. Former Indian opener has taken a dig at Kohli's captaincy and said showing emotions on the field, and reacting to everything doesn't mean someone is more passionate than others. Gambhir took a dig at Kohli's aggressive approach on the field and said sometimes calmness can be equally effective in a pressure situation. "New Zealand was exactly in the same position as India today. So they had an equal amount of pressure. I mean, it starts with the leader as well. [For New Zealand] it starts with Kane, the calmness," Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo. "You don't have to be on the face all the time. You don't have to show your emotions [always], sometimes just your positivity and calmness can be equally positive [for] the group as well. Just by reacting to everything doesn't mean that you are more passionate than someone else," he added. Also Read: 54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats & numbers from India's loss vs NZ Asked to bat first in the all-important encounter against New Zealand, Indian batting line-up crumbled under pressure after a stuttering start. The move to let Ishan Kishan open the batting with KL Rahul and demote Rohit Sharma to number three backfired as Kishan was dismissed after scoring just 3 runs off 8 balls. Rahul (18) and Rohit (14) too departed in quick succession while captain Kohli (9) struggled once again. It was crucial cameos from Hardik Pandya (23) and Ravindra Jadeja (26) that somehow helped India cross the 100-run mark and post 110 runs on the board in 20 overs. New Zealand chased down the target of 111 runs with ease riding on Daryl Mitchell's 49 and captain Kane Willaimson's unbeaten 33. India have three games remaining in the Super 12 and have very bleak chance of making it to the top four after two consecutive losses.

Gautam Gambhir takes a dig at Virat Kohli: Reacting to everything doesn't mean you are more passionate

<p>Virat Kohli-led India's chances of making it to the top four look bleak in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 after their eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31). India have now lost their first two matches in the Super 12 in a row and are yet to open their win account at the showpiece event.</p>

<p>The Men in Blue suffered a crushing ten-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in their opening game before going down against the Kiwis in the next encounter. The defeat against New Zealand has pushed India to the brink of elimination from the tournament.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of Kohli-led India's defeat, an old tweet of the Indian captain is going viral on social media. The tweet dates back to January 2011 where Kohli had expressed his disappointment over a loss and said he was going home. The tweet has been doing the rounds on social media ever since India's 8-wicket loss against New Zealand on Sunday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“Sad for the loss&nbsp;going home now," Kohli had tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sad for the loss :( going home now</p>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/29224697400922112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2011</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Asked to bat first, Indis got off to a shaky start against New Zealand as Ishan Kishan replaced Rohit Sharma to open the innings with KL Rahul. The move didn't work for India as Kishan was dismissed after scoring only 4 runs off 8 balls.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/54-dot-balls-71-deliveries-without-a-boundary-shocking-stats-numbers-from-indias-flop-show-against-nz-425787">54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats &amp; numbers from India's flop show vs NZ</a></p>

<p>Rohit then came out to bat at no.3 and was dropped on the very first ball. The Hitman too couldn't make an impact and was sent back cheaply after scoring 14 off 14 balls. The likes of KL Rahul (18) and skipper Kohli (9) were also dismissed cheaply as India could only manage to post 110 runs on the board in 20 overs.</p>

<p>New Zealand chased down the paltry target of 111 runs inside 14.3 overs to register a comfortable victory by eight wickets and grab their first win in the tournament. India, on the other hand, are winless after their first two games and will need a miracle to qualify for the semi-finals.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Virat Kohli-led India's chances of making it to the top four look bleak in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 after their eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31).

Virat Kohli-led India's chances of making it to the top four look bleak in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 after their eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday (October 31). India have now lost their first two matches in the Super 12 in a row and are yet to open their win account at the showpiece event. The Men in Blue suffered a crushing ten-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in their opening game before going down against the Kiwis in the next encounter. The defeat against New Zealand has pushed India to the brink of elimination from the tournament. In the aftermath of Kohli-led India's defeat, an old tweet of the Indian captain is going viral on social media. The tweet dates back to January 2011 where Kohli had expressed his disappointment over a loss and said he was going home. The tweet has been doing the rounds on social media ever since India's 8-wicket loss against New Zealand on Sunday. “Sad for the loss going home now," Kohli had tweeted. Sad for the loss :( going home now — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 23, 2011 × Asked to bat first, Indis got off to a shaky start against New Zealand as Ishan Kishan replaced Rohit Sharma to open the innings with KL Rahul. The move didn't work for India as Kishan was dismissed after scoring only 4 runs off 8 balls. Also Read: 54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats & numbers from India's flop show vs NZ Rohit then came out to bat at no.3 and was dropped on the very first ball. The Hitman too couldn't make an impact and was sent back cheaply after scoring 14 off 14 balls. The likes of KL Rahul (18) and skipper Kohli (9) were also dismissed cheaply as India could only manage to post 110 runs on the board in 20 overs. New Zealand chased down the paltry target of 111 runs inside 14.3 overs to register a comfortable victory by eight wickets and grab their first win in the tournament. India, on the other hand, are winless after their first two games and will need a miracle to qualify for the semi-finals.

'Going home now’ – Virat Kohli’s old tweet goes viral after NZ thrash India in T20 World Cup 2021

<p>After being thrashed by Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener, Virat Kohli-led Team India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand on Sunday (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in their second game in Super 12.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, nothing clicked for India as they managed a below-par 110/7 in 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand sailed past the Men in Blue by 8 wickets courtesy vital knocks from Daryl Mitchell and Captain Williamson. With another defeat, the one-time winners India are almost on the verge of being eliminated from the marquee tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With several experts and former cricketers questioning India's poor run and their tactics, Jasprit Bumrah pointed out that the bubble-life has taken a toll on the Indian cricketers. In their defence, Team India have been on the road since mid-May, 2021 and have played regular cricket since then. To move from one bio-bubble to the other isn't easy by any means and it has started to affect the players.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/54-dot-balls-71-deliveries-without-a-boundary-shocking-stats-numbers-from-indias-flop-show-against-nz-425787"><strong>54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats &amp; numbers from India's flop show against NZ</strong></a></p>

<p>Bumrah told reporters post India's thrashing versus New Zealand, "Absolutely, sometimes you need a break. You miss your family. You've been on the road for six months. So all of that sometimes play on the back of your mind. But when you're on the field, you don't think of all those things .. Obviously staying in a bubble and staying away from your family for such a long period of time does play a role.</p>

<p>"The BCCI also tried their best to make us feel comfortable .. It's a difficult time. There's a pandemic going on, so we try to adapt but sometimes bubble fatigue, mental fatigue also creeps in."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/why-did-rohit-bat-at-3-shoaib-akhtar-questions-indias-game-plan-says-it-was-a-lost-squad-against-nz-425758">'Why did Rohit bat at 3?': Shoaib Akhtar questions India's game plan, says it was a lost squad against NZ</a></strong></p>

<p>India need a miracle now to progress to the semi-finals from Pool B. At present, Pakistan look certain to top the group whereas the fight for the second spot is between the Black Caps and Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan.</p>


After being thrashed by Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener, Virat Kohli-led Team India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand on Sunday (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in their second game in Super 12.

After being thrashed by Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener, Virat Kohli-led Team India were hammered by Kane Williamson-led New Zealand on Sunday (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in their second game in Super 12. Being asked to bat first, nothing clicked for India as they managed a below-par 110/7 in 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand sailed past the Men in Blue by 8 wickets courtesy vital knocks from Daryl Mitchell and Captain Williamson. With another defeat, the one-time winners India are almost on the verge of being eliminated from the marquee tournament. With several experts and former cricketers questioning India's poor run and their tactics, Jasprit Bumrah pointed out that the bubble-life has taken a toll on the Indian cricketers. In their defence, Team India have been on the road since mid-May, 2021 and have played regular cricket since then. To move from one bio-bubble to the other isn't easy by any means and it has started to affect the players. ALSO READ | 54 dot balls, 71 deliveries without a boundary: Shocking stats & numbers from India's flop show against NZ Bumrah told reporters post India's thrashing versus New Zealand, "Absolutely, sometimes you need a break. You miss your family. You've been on the road for six months. So all of that sometimes play on the back of your mind. But when you're on the field, you don't think of all those things .. Obviously staying in a bubble and staying away from your family for such a long period of time does play a role. "The BCCI also tried their best to make us feel comfortable .. It's a difficult time. There's a pandemic going on, so we try to adapt but sometimes bubble fatigue, mental fatigue also creeps in." ALSO READ | 'Why did Rohit bat at 3?': Shoaib Akhtar questions India's game plan, says it was a lost squad against NZ India need a miracle now to progress to the semi-finals from Pool B. At present, Pakistan look certain to top the group whereas the fight for the second spot is between the Black Caps and Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan.

'Sometimes you need a break: Jasprit Bumrah feels bubble-fatigue behind Team India's T20 WC struggles

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidEzIUPmVr7D7U" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Virat Kohli-led Team India's hopes of making it to the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World 2021 suffered a massive blow after their eight-wicket loss against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was India's second defeat in the Super 12 stage as they suffered an embarrassing loss to arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets and are now in danger of missing the semi-finals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reflecting on the game, Indian skipper Kohli said that the team was not "brave" as he added, "We have to be optimistic and positive and take calculated risks. We have to disconnect from the pressure and continue with our process and play a positive brand of cricket. There's a lot of cricket to play in the tournament."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Being optimistic is one thing, but to make it to the semi-final is an uphill battle, however, India can still reach the last four considering several factors.&nbsp;<strong>Here's how India can still qualify for the semis:</strong></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-werent-brave-enough-virat-kohli-demands-more-from-teammates-as-new-zealand-thrash-india-425668">'We weren't brave enough': Virat Kohli demands more from teammates as New Zealand thrash India</a></strong></p>

<p>After losing two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, India's run rate at the moment is quite low, which is -1.609. A low run rate means they either have to finish points clear of their rivals for qualification or hope for big margins of victory to book a berth in the semi-final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it's not going to be an easy road as Afghanistan, with four points to their name, pose one of the biggest hurdles with a staggering +3.097 NRR. They hammered&nbsp;Scotland to register a 130-run win to have such net run rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, the match against Afghanistan becomes a must-win with a huge margin as a loss would mean India's chances of making it to the semis from Group 2 will be over. After Afghanistan, the Virat Kohli &amp; Co. will hope to win against Namibia and Scotland with bigger margins to redress their NRR.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, they would also be hoping that New Zealand face defeat in its upcoming fixtures against Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland which looks unlikely at the moment, counting on the current form of Kane Williamson's side.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-shami-gets-rousing-welcome-by-crowd-during-india-vs-new-zealand-t20-world-cup-match-425661">Watch: Mohammed Shami gets rousing welcome by crowd during India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Things are getting pretty interesting 🤩<br />
<br />
Which two sides will qualify from Group 2? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/2NSTjsYjoZ">pic.twitter.com/2NSTjsYjoZ</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1454857295913836544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>India's upcoming fixture:</strong></p>

<p>-India vs Afghanistan on November 3 at 7:30pm (IST)</p>

<p>-India vs Scotland on November 5 at 7:30pm (IST)</p>

<p>-India vs Namibia on November 8 at 7:30pm (IST)</p>


Virat Kohli-led Team India's hopes of making it to the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World 2021 suffered a massive blow after their eight-wicket loss against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Virat Kohli-led Team India's hopes of making it to the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World 2021 suffered a massive blow after their eight-wicket loss against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was India's second defeat in the Super 12 stage as they suffered an embarrassing loss to arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets and are now in danger of missing the semi-finals. Reflecting on the game, Indian skipper Kohli said that the team was not "brave" as he added, "We have to be optimistic and positive and take calculated risks. We have to disconnect from the pressure and continue with our process and play a positive brand of cricket. There's a lot of cricket to play in the tournament." Being optimistic is one thing, but to make it to the semi-final is an uphill battle, however, India can still reach the last four considering several factors. Here's how India can still qualify for the semis: ALSO READ | 'We weren't brave enough': Virat Kohli demands more from teammates as New Zealand thrash India After losing two matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, India's run rate at the moment is quite low, which is -1.609. A low run rate means they either have to finish points clear of their rivals for qualification or hope for big margins of victory to book a berth in the semi-final. However, it's not going to be an easy road as Afghanistan, with four points to their name, pose one of the biggest hurdles with a staggering +3.097 NRR. They hammered Scotland to register a 130-run win to have such net run rate. So, the match against Afghanistan becomes a must-win with a huge margin as a loss would mean India's chances of making it to the semis from Group 2 will be over. After Afghanistan, the Virat Kohli & Co. will hope to win against Namibia and Scotland with bigger margins to redress their NRR. However, they would also be hoping that New Zealand face defeat in its upcoming fixtures against Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland which looks unlikely at the moment, counting on the current form of Kane Williamson's side. ALSO READ | Watch: Mohammed Shami gets rousing welcome by crowd during India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match Things are getting pretty interesting 🤩 Which two sides will qualify from Group 2? 🤔#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2NSTjsYjoZ — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 31, 2021 × India's upcoming fixture: -India vs Afghanistan on November 3 at 7:30pm (IST) -India vs Scotland on November 5 at 7:30pm (IST) -India vs Namibia on November 8 at 7:30pm (IST)

T20 World Cup: As Virat Kohli is optimistic, here's how India can still reach the semi-finals

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the team was not "brave enough" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-indias-semifinals-hopes-jolted-as-new-zealand-hammer-virat-kohli-co-by-8-wickets-425659">losing an important match against New Zealand</a>&nbsp;by eight wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.&nbsp;This was their second loss of the tournament in as many matches they have played so far as they faced a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the campaign opener of the Super 12 stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Being "brutal upfront", Kohli said every time they took a chance, a wicket was lost as struggling India's top-class batting order collapsed against a disciplined bowling attack. India managed to post 110 runs on the board, which was chased down by Kane Williamson's side with 33 balls to spare.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-shami-gets-rousing-welcome-by-crowd-during-india-vs-new-zealand-t20-world-cup-match-425661">Watch: Mohammed Shami gets rousing welcome by crowd during India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match</a></strong></p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "We obviously didn't have much to play with the ball. We were just not brave enough in our body language when we entered the field and NZ had better intensity, body language. Every time we took a chance, we lost a wicket. It's most often a result of hesitation of whether you should go for a shot or not."</p>

<p>"When you play for India, there are loads of expectations. We are watched, people come to the stadium and everyone who plays for India needs to embrace that and cope with it. We haven't done that in these two games, and that's why we haven't won," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-wasim-jaffers-halloween-inspired-jibe-at-umpire-richard-kettleborough-425651">India vs New Zealand: Wasim Jaffer's Halloween-inspired jibe at umpire Richard Kettleborough</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sensational New Zealand stun India in Dubai to leave them teetering on the edge. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> report 👇 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3G4FuBbCV">https://t.co/H3G4FuBbCV</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1454864189357543429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Talking about the rest of the tournament, Kohli said, "We have to be optimistic and positive and take calculated risks. We have to disconnect from the pressure and continue with our process, and play a positive brand of cricket. There's a lot of cricket to play in the tournament."</p>

<p>During the match, put in to bat, India's rejigged top-order wilted in no time and the 2007 champions crawled to 110-7 in 20 overs in the Super 12 match. Trent Boult took 3-20 and Ish Sodhi returned 2-17 in New Zealand's disciplined bowling display even though they spilled a couple of catches. Daryl Mitchell made a fluent 49 and skipper Kane Williamson remained not out on 33 as New Zealand triumphed with 33 balls to spare to bounce back from the defeat by Pakistan in their tournament opener.&nbsp;</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the team was not "brave enough" after losing an important match against New Zealand by eight wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that the team was not "brave enough" after losing an important match against New Zealand by eight wickets in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was their second loss of the tournament in as many matches they have played so far as they faced a humiliating defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the campaign opener of the Super 12 stage. Being "brutal upfront", Kohli said every time they took a chance, a wicket was lost as struggling India's top-class batting order collapsed against a disciplined bowling attack. India managed to post 110 runs on the board, which was chased down by Kane Williamson's side with 33 balls to spare. ALSO READ | Watch: Mohammed Shami gets rousing welcome by crowd during India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match During the post-match presentation, Kohli said, "We obviously didn't have much to play with the ball. We were just not brave enough in our body language when we entered the field and NZ had better intensity, body language. Every time we took a chance, we lost a wicket. It's most often a result of hesitation of whether you should go for a shot or not." "When you play for India, there are loads of expectations. We are watched, people come to the stadium and everyone who plays for India needs to embrace that and cope with it. We haven't done that in these two games, and that's why we haven't won," he added. ALSO READ | India vs New Zealand: Wasim Jaffer's Halloween-inspired jibe at umpire Richard Kettleborough Sensational New Zealand stun India in Dubai to leave them teetering on the edge. #INDvNZ report 👇 #T20WorldCup https://t.co/H3G4FuBbCV — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 31, 2021 × Talking about the rest of the tournament, Kohli said, "We have to be optimistic and positive and take calculated risks. We have to disconnect from the pressure and continue with our process, and play a positive brand of cricket. There's a lot of cricket to play in the tournament." During the match, put in to bat, India's rejigged top-order wilted in no time and the 2007 champions crawled to 110-7 in 20 overs in the Super 12 match. Trent Boult took 3-20 and Ish Sodhi returned 2-17 in New Zealand's disciplined bowling display even though they spilled a couple of catches. Daryl Mitchell made a fluent 49 and skipper Kane Williamson remained not out on 33 as New Zealand triumphed with 33 balls to spare to bounce back from the defeat by Pakistan in their tournament opener.

'We weren't brave enough': Virat Kohli demands more from teammates as New Zealand thrash India

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli was left bemused in the post-match press conference after the team's ten-wicket loss against Pakistan in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2021 when a reporter asked if he should consider dropping Rohit Sharma for Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Kohli was left stumped by the question and told the reporter it was a very 'brave' question.</p>

<p>"Do you think its a mistake to not play Ishan Kishan and he could have done better than Rohit Sharma?" - the journalist asked Kohli after India's loss against Pakistan. Kohli burst into laughter on hearing the question and replied - "That's a very brave question, what do you think sir? I played the team that I thought was the best. What is your opinion." &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am just asking. I am not going to comment," the reporter responded.</p>

<p>"Will you drop Rohit Sharma from T20 internationals? You will drop Rohit Sharma? Do you know what he did in the last game that we played? Yeah? Unbelievable. If you want controversy, please tell me before so I can answer accordingly," Kohli then said while laughing.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVbFIiLFphA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVbFIiLFphA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVbFIiLFphA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CVbFIiLFphA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC (@icc)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The video of the incident had gone viral on social media with many criticising the reporter for his question. But days after Kohli laughed off his question, the reporter's prediction came partially true on Sunday (October 31) as India locked horns with New Zealand in their second Super 12 game of the T20 World Cup 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-ridiculous-virat-kohli-says-too-long-a-break-as-india-take-on-nz-after-seven-days-in-t20-wc-2021-425628">&nbsp;'It's ridiculous': Virat Kohli says 'too long a break' as India take on NZ after seven days in T20 WC 2021</a></p>

<p>While Rohit was not dropped from the playing XI, he was replaced by young Kishan as an opener. Many were expecting KL Rahul to be demoted after captain Kohli confirmed during the toss that Kishan will open the innings after replacing an injured Suryakumar Yadav in the XI.</p>

<p>However, that was not the case as Kishan opened the batting with KL Rahul against the Black Caps. The move didn't work in India's favour as the young left-hander was dismissed after scoring just 4 runs of 8 balls and failed to make an impact.</p>

<p>India got off to a disatrous start in the must-win game against New Zealand as they lost Kishan cheaply on 4 before Rahul was dismissed after scoring 18 off 16 balls. Rohit, who came out to bat at no.3, was dropped on the very first ball he faced but survived after Adam Milne spilled a seatet to hand him a lifeline.</p>

<p>The Hitman was sent packing by Ish Shodi after scoring on;y 14 runs of 14 balls before the spinner got rid of skipper Kohli on 9 off 17 balls as were reduced to 48/4 inside the first eleven overs.</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli was left bemused in the post-match press conference after the team's ten-wicket loss against Pakistan in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2021 when a reporter asked if he should consider dropping Rohit Sharma for Ishan Kishan in the playing XI.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli was left bemused in the post-match press conference after the team's ten-wicket loss against Pakistan in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2021 when a reporter asked if he should consider dropping Rohit Sharma for Ishan Kishan in the playing XI. Kohli was left stumped by the question and told the reporter it was a very 'brave' question. "Do you think its a mistake to not play Ishan Kishan and he could have done better than Rohit Sharma?" - the journalist asked Kohli after India's loss against Pakistan. Kohli burst into laughter on hearing the question and replied - "That's a very brave question, what do you think sir? I played the team that I thought was the best. What is your opinion." "I am just asking. I am not going to comment," the reporter responded. "Will you drop Rohit Sharma from T20 internationals? You will drop Rohit Sharma? Do you know what he did in the last game that we played? Yeah? Unbelievable. If you want controversy, please tell me before so I can answer accordingly," Kohli then said while laughing. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC (@icc) × The video of the incident had gone viral on social media with many criticising the reporter for his question. But days after Kohli laughed off his question, the reporter's prediction came partially true on Sunday (October 31) as India locked horns with New Zealand in their second Super 12 game of the T20 World Cup 2021. Also Read: 'It's ridiculous': Virat Kohli says 'too long a break' as India take on NZ after seven days in T20 WC 2021 While Rohit was not dropped from the playing XI, he was replaced by young Kishan as an opener. Many were expecting KL Rahul to be demoted after captain Kohli confirmed during the toss that Kishan will open the innings after replacing an injured Suryakumar Yadav in the XI. However, that was not the case as Kishan opened the batting with KL Rahul against the Black Caps. The move didn't work in India's favour as the young left-hander was dismissed after scoring just 4 runs of 8 balls and failed to make an impact. India got off to a disatrous start in the must-win game against New Zealand as they lost Kishan cheaply on 4 before Rahul was dismissed after scoring 18 off 16 balls. Rohit, who came out to bat at no.3, was dropped on the very first ball he faced but survived after Adam Milne spilled a seatet to hand him a lifeline. The Hitman was sent packing by Ish Shodi after scoring on;y 14 runs of 14 balls before the spinner got rid of skipper Kohli on 9 off 17 balls as were reduced to 48/4 inside the first eleven overs.

Days after Virat Kohli getting tetchy with journalist, Ishan replaces Rohit as opener against NZ in T20 WC

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli said that "it's ridiculous" that the Indian team is playing twice in 10 days in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the break is too long. However, he also added that the team has recovered well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India played their campaign opener against Pakistan on October 24, which they lost by 10 wickets and during the toss of their second match against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31), Virat addressed the long break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During toss, Virat said, "It's ridiculous, we are playing twice in 10 days. Too long a break, but yeah, the guys have recovered well. Had good practice sessions, are itching to go out on the field, which is a good thing. When you have so many days off you want to get on the park and get into the groove."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-names-only-team-which-can-stop-destructive-england-in-t20-world-cup-2021-425604">Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021</a></strong></p>

<p>Virat also said that the game is another opportunity to come out and correct the mistakes and solidify India's position in the showpiece event, which is underway in UAE and Oman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the match, New Zealand opted to bowl against India in an all-important Super 12 match. India made two changes to their playing XI with Ishan Kishan coming in place of Suryakumar Yadav, who is suffering from back spasms while out-of-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar made way for all-rounder Shardul Thakur.</p>

<p>For New Zealand, pacer Adam Milne replaced keeper Tim Seifert with Devon Conway set to don big gloves. Virat also said, "We need a solid start and have wickets in hand to get those extra 20-25 runs are the learnings from the last game."</p>

<p>"We do have the bowling line-up to take wickets, but when you don't have runs on the board one partnership can take the game away from you. We understand that and plans are there to get those extra runs," he added.&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidEzIUPmVr7D7U" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-mohammad-shahzad-becomes-first-afghanistan-player-to-reach-2000-t20i-runs-425609">T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kane Williamson has won the toss and elected to field 🏏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> | <a href="https://t.co/dJpWyk0E0j">https://t.co/dJpWyk0E0j</a> <a href="https://t.co/aMZFGrCSba">pic.twitter.com/aMZFGrCSba</a></p>
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1454804200232087558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Playing XI:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>India</strong>: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand</strong>: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), James Neesham, Devon Conway(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult</p>


Skipper Virat Kohli said that "it's ridiculous" that the Indian team is playing twice in 10 days in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the break is too long.

Skipper Virat Kohli said that "it's ridiculous" that the Indian team is playing twice in 10 days in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as the break is too long. However, he also added that the team has recovered well. India played their campaign opener against Pakistan on October 24, which they lost by 10 wickets and during the toss of their second match against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31), Virat addressed the long break. During toss, Virat said, "It's ridiculous, we are playing twice in 10 days. Too long a break, but yeah, the guys have recovered well. Had good practice sessions, are itching to go out on the field, which is a good thing. When you have so many days off you want to get on the park and get into the groove." ALSO READ | Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021 Virat also said that the game is another opportunity to come out and correct the mistakes and solidify India's position in the showpiece event, which is underway in UAE and Oman. In the match, New Zealand opted to bowl against India in an all-important Super 12 match. India made two changes to their playing XI with Ishan Kishan coming in place of Suryakumar Yadav, who is suffering from back spasms while out-of-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar made way for all-rounder Shardul Thakur. For New Zealand, pacer Adam Milne replaced keeper Tim Seifert with Devon Conway set to don big gloves. Virat also said, "We need a solid start and have wickets in hand to get those extra 20-25 runs are the learnings from the last game." "We do have the bowling line-up to take wickets, but when you don't have runs on the board one partnership can take the game away from you. We understand that and plans are there to get those extra runs," he added. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Mohammad Shahzad becomes first Afghanistan player to reach 2000 T20I runs Kane Williamson has won the toss and elected to field 🏏 #T20WorldCup | #INDvNZ | https://t.co/dJpWyk0E0j pic.twitter.com/aMZFGrCSba — T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 31, 2021 × Playing XI: India: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), James Neesham, Devon Conway(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult

'It's ridiculous': Virat Kohli says 'too long a break' as India take on NZ after seven days in T20 WC 2021

<p>India will be eager to return to winning ways and improve their rankings on the Group 2 points table when they lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 encounter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets and are currently languishing at the fifth spot on the points table.</p>

<p>New Zealand are also heading into the game on the back of a defeat in their opening game against Pakistan and will be looking to bounce back. Both teams are yet to open their win account in the tournament and Sunday's clash in Dubai will be an important one for them as they look to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top four.</p>

<p>India have not won a T20 World Cup game against New Zealand so far. The Men in Blue have ended up on the losing side in both the meetings between the two sides in the T20 World Cup so far. New Zealand have dominated the proceedings against India overall in ICC events as well, having last lost to them in the 2003 ODI World Cup.</p>

<p>India have not won a game against New Zealand in an ICC event in 18 years since 2003 and will be hoping to bring an end to the losing streak on Sunday. Ahead of the all-important game, here is all you need to know about the India-New Zealand clash in the T20 World Cup 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Predicted playing XIs&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>New Zealand:&nbsp;</strong>Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), James Neesham, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult</p>

<p><strong>India:</strong> Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah</p>

<p><strong>Head-to-head</strong></p>

<p>India might have lost both their matches against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup so far, but the Men in Blue have an even record when it comes to facing the Black Caps in T20Is. Both India and New Zealand have eight wins each in a total of 16 T20Is between them.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winless-in-18-years-can-virat-kohli-led-india-break-the-jinx-against-new-zealand-in-icc-events-425532">Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Pitch report</strong></p>

<p>While spinners haven't had much help from the Dubai track, the Afghanistan duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman had troubled the Pakistani batsmen in their previous clash which was played in Dubai. With the dew factor coming in, the majority of teams have bowled first at the venue and have won chasing a total. Expect the winner of the toss to bowl first once again on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Prediction</strong></p>

<p>New Zealand might not have lost against India in a T20 World Cup game so far but on Sunday, the streak can be buried by Virat Kohli and his men, who will be eager to prove their critics wrong after the defeat against Pakistan. India know the game is a must-win one for them to keep their chances of making it to the top four alive and will look to give their all against the Kiwis.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India will be eager to return to winning ways and improve their rankings on the Group 2 points table when they lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 encounter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31).

India will be eager to return to winning ways and improve their rankings on the Group 2 points table when they lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 encounter in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets and are currently languishing at the fifth spot on the points table. New Zealand are also heading into the game on the back of a defeat in their opening game against Pakistan and will be looking to bounce back. Both teams are yet to open their win account in the tournament and Sunday's clash in Dubai will be an important one for them as they look to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top four. India have not won a T20 World Cup game against New Zealand so far. The Men in Blue have ended up on the losing side in both the meetings between the two sides in the T20 World Cup so far. New Zealand have dominated the proceedings against India overall in ICC events as well, having last lost to them in the 2003 ODI World Cup. India have not won a game against New Zealand in an ICC event in 18 years since 2003 and will be hoping to bring an end to the losing streak on Sunday. Ahead of the all-important game, here is all you need to know about the India-New Zealand clash in the T20 World Cup 2021. Predicted playing XIs New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), James Neesham, Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert (wk), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah Head-to-head India might have lost both their matches against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup so far, but the Men in Blue have an even record when it comes to facing the Black Caps in T20Is. Both India and New Zealand have eight wins each in a total of 16 T20Is between them. Also Read: Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events Pitch report While spinners haven't had much help from the Dubai track, the Afghanistan duo of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman had troubled the Pakistani batsmen in their previous clash which was played in Dubai. With the dew factor coming in, the majority of teams have bowled first at the venue and have won chasing a total. Expect the winner of the toss to bowl first once again on Sunday. Prediction New Zealand might not have lost against India in a T20 World Cup game so far but on Sunday, the streak can be buried by Virat Kohli and his men, who will be eager to prove their critics wrong after the defeat against Pakistan. India know the game is a must-win one for them to keep their chances of making it to the top four alive and will look to give their all against the Kiwis.

India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2021: Likely playing XIs, head-to-head, pitch report & prediction

<p>India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in a must-win Super 12 clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). The much-anticipated encounter will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The game is touted as a 'virtual quarterfinal' and is likely to decide the fate of the two teams in the tournament.</p>

<p>While a win tonight will see India remain in the race to finish in the top four, a defeat might significantly damage their chances of qualifying for the semifinals after the ten-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the opener.&nbsp;India ae currently placed fifth on the points table while New Zealand are fourth after defeats in their respective opening matches against Pakistan.</p>

<p>The winner of Sunday's clash will be in a strong position to finish second and qualify for the knockouts along with Pakistan, who have three wins in three matches so far. India and New Zealand will be meeting for the third time in the T20 World Cup with having ended on the losing side on both occasions so far.</p>

<p>While the two teams are among the most consistent sides when it comes to major ICC events, India have remained winless against the Kiwis in ICC events since 2003. The Men in Blue last won against New Zealand in an ICC event during the 2003 ODI World Cup and have since lost four encounters against them in ICC events, including two matches in T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>India's last victory against New Zealand in an ICC event came as many as 18 years back. Virat Kohli &amp; Co. will be eager to break the losing streak in Dubai on Sunday and end the Kiwi jinx to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-final alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shardul-thakur-to-replace-hardik-pandya-indias-predicted-playing-xi-for-new-zealand-clash-in-t20-wc-2021-425502">Shardul to replace Hardik? India's predicted playing XI for New Zealand clash in T20 WC 2021</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at India's meetings against New Zealand in ICC events since 2003:</strong></p>

<p><strong>T20 World Cup 2007</strong></p>

<p>India lost against New Zealand by ten runs in the group stages after failing to chase down the target of 191 runs. It was India's only defeat in their entire campaign as they went on to become the maiden T20 World Cup champions under MS Dhoni.</p>

<p><strong>T20 World Cup 2016</strong></p>

<p>India's second meeting against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup came in Nagpur, in 2016. The hosts lost the low-scoring game by 47 runs after being bundled out for a paltry 79 runs while chasing the target of 127 runs.</p>

<p><strong>ODI World Cup 2019&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>India met New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2019. The bowlers did well to restrict the Kiwis on 239 before rain halted play and the match was forced into the reserve day. India got off to a woeful start in the run-chase the next day and the top-order collapsed in no time. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni brought the Men in Blue close to victory with half-centuries apiece but failed to take them over the line.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-virat-kohli-co-break-the-jinx-a-look-at-indias-record-against-nz-in-t20-wc-ahead-of-must-win-clash-425268">Will Kohli &amp; Co. break the jinx? A look at India's record against NZ in T20 World Cup</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>World Test Championship final 2021</strong></p>

<p>India lost the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship against New Zealand by eight wickets. The final was set up for a thrilling finish on the final day but Kiwi bowlers ran riot as India were bundled out for just 170 runs in their second innings and gave away the game.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in a must-win Super 12 clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). The much-anticipated encounter will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.

India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns in a must-win Super 12 clash in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). The much-anticipated encounter will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The game is touted as a 'virtual quarterfinal' and is likely to decide the fate of the two teams in the tournament. While a win tonight will see India remain in the race to finish in the top four, a defeat might significantly damage their chances of qualifying for the semifinals after the ten-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the opener. India ae currently placed fifth on the points table while New Zealand are fourth after defeats in their respective opening matches against Pakistan. The winner of Sunday's clash will be in a strong position to finish second and qualify for the knockouts along with Pakistan, who have three wins in three matches so far. India and New Zealand will be meeting for the third time in the T20 World Cup with having ended on the losing side on both occasions so far. While the two teams are among the most consistent sides when it comes to major ICC events, India have remained winless against the Kiwis in ICC events since 2003. The Men in Blue last won against New Zealand in an ICC event during the 2003 ODI World Cup and have since lost four encounters against them in ICC events, including two matches in T20 World Cup. India's last victory against New Zealand in an ICC event came as many as 18 years back. Virat Kohli & Co. will be eager to break the losing streak in Dubai on Sunday and end the Kiwi jinx to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-final alive. Also Read: Shardul to replace Hardik? India's predicted playing XI for New Zealand clash in T20 WC 2021 Here's a look at India's meetings against New Zealand in ICC events since 2003: T20 World Cup 2007 India lost against New Zealand by ten runs in the group stages after failing to chase down the target of 191 runs. It was India's only defeat in their entire campaign as they went on to become the maiden T20 World Cup champions under MS Dhoni. T20 World Cup 2016 India's second meeting against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup came in Nagpur, in 2016. The hosts lost the low-scoring game by 47 runs after being bundled out for a paltry 79 runs while chasing the target of 127 runs. ODI World Cup 2019 India met New Zealand in the semi-final of the ICC ODI World Cup 2019. The bowlers did well to restrict the Kiwis on 239 before rain halted play and the match was forced into the reserve day. India got off to a woeful start in the run-chase the next day and the top-order collapsed in no time. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni brought the Men in Blue close to victory with half-centuries apiece but failed to take them over the line. Also Read: Will Kohli & Co. break the jinx? A look at India's record against NZ in T20 World Cup World Test Championship final 2021 India lost the final of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship against New Zealand by eight wickets. The final was set up for a thrilling finish on the final day but Kiwi bowlers ran riot as India were bundled out for just 170 runs in their second innings and gave away the game.

Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events?

<p>What can come as a sigh of relief to the Indian cricket&nbsp;fans, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya continued to work on strengthening his back and bowled at the nets once again on Saturday (October 30) ahead of India's crucial T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday (October 31).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hardik underwent an extended session of fitness drills under the watchful eyes of physio Nitin Patel and assistant strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli was also asked about Hardik Pandya's availability for the crunch game against Kane Williamson's side, to which he replied, acknowledging the need for a "sixth bowling option" but also kept it open-ended when asked about Pandya's bowling fitness, stating that the Baroda man "has to be fit to be able to bowl one or two overs".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-slams-spineless-people-for-abusing-shami-calls-it-lowest-level-of-human-form-425291">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">■■■■■■■■■■■□□□ LOADING<a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hardikpandya7</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/hlwtrGDfNR">pic.twitter.com/hlwtrGDfNR</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1453669415631851522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-decoding-pakistan-cricket-404-not-found-425180">T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found</a></strong></p>

<p>Pandya has started bowling in the nets but the skipper didn't give any assurance that the all-rounder would be bowling against New Zealand but indicated that he himself might roll his arm over if India happen to bowl first.</p>

<p>"It's very important to have a sixth bowling option -- whether through me or Hardik (Pandya). He should have to be fit to be able to bowl one or two overs," Kohli said on the eve of the New Zealand game.</p>

<p>According to Kohli, it would be game situation that would dictate if they require an additional bowler, which has been India's bane over the past year since Pandya isn't half as effective post his lower-back surgery.</p>

<p>"Game situation dictates when to use your sixth bowling option. In our last match, if they (Pakistan) batted first, I could also have bowled one or two overs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sport-can-live-without-pakistans-cricket-jihad-thank-you-425065">Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you</a></strong></p>

<p>"But in the second innings when we needed wickets, we just had to bowl our primary bowlers. It's not that a team with six-seven bowling options doesnt lose," the skipper said.</p>

<p>Kohli confirmed that Pandya was "fine" as far as his shoulder injury was concerned but also dropped hints that Shardul Thakur is still not in the scheme of playing eleven as of now but could figure in future.</p>

<p>"Hardik is absolutely fine, if you're talking about the blow on his shoulder," Kohli said adding that Shardul was also in their "plans"</p>

<p><img alt="Indian cricket team" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62573703-dcf0-4498-a3c6-7248cd774333" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352ef63b7514b02fd8f5521e4c6d9879.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="Indian cricket captain" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b70b5b7-af41-4523-b4d9-40a86f15bdab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/798c50be2e569da976773070ed57d04b.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>Dubai: Virat Kohli with Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja and others players attend a training session a day ahead of their match against New Zealand, in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, October 30, 2021. (IANS)</em></p>

<p><em><img alt="Hardik Pandya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6b50089-9e4f-414d-a978-bb9ee4487271" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/e19da0cdc5cf0df03b7906f80101468c.jpg" /></em></p>

<p><em>Dubai: Hardik Pandya attend a training session a day ahead of match against New Zealand, in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, October 30, 2021.&nbsp;(IANS)</em></p>


What can come as a sigh of relief to the Indian cricket fans, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya continued to work on strengthening his back and bowled at the nets once again on Saturday (October 30) ahead of India's crucial T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday (October 31).

What can come as a sigh of relief to the Indian cricket fans, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya continued to work on strengthening his back and bowled at the nets once again on Saturday (October 30) ahead of India's crucial T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be held on Sunday (October 31). Hardik underwent an extended session of fitness drills under the watchful eyes of physio Nitin Patel and assistant strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. Indian skipper Virat Kohli was also asked about Hardik Pandya's availability for the crunch game against Kane Williamson's side, to which he replied, acknowledging the need for a "sixth bowling option" but also kept it open-ended when asked about Pandya's bowling fitness, stating that the Baroda man "has to be fit to be able to bowl one or two overs". ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form' ■■■■■■■■■■■□□□ LOADING@hardikpandya7 | #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/hlwtrGDfNR — BCCI (@BCCI) October 28, 2021 × ALSO READ | T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found Pandya has started bowling in the nets but the skipper didn't give any assurance that the all-rounder would be bowling against New Zealand but indicated that he himself might roll his arm over if India happen to bowl first. "It's very important to have a sixth bowling option -- whether through me or Hardik (Pandya). He should have to be fit to be able to bowl one or two overs," Kohli said on the eve of the New Zealand game. According to Kohli, it would be game situation that would dictate if they require an additional bowler, which has been India's bane over the past year since Pandya isn't half as effective post his lower-back surgery. "Game situation dictates when to use your sixth bowling option. In our last match, if they (Pakistan) batted first, I could also have bowled one or two overs. ALSO READ | Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you "But in the second innings when we needed wickets, we just had to bowl our primary bowlers. It's not that a team with six-seven bowling options doesnt lose," the skipper said. Kohli confirmed that Pandya was "fine" as far as his shoulder injury was concerned but also dropped hints that Shardul Thakur is still not in the scheme of playing eleven as of now but could figure in future. "Hardik is absolutely fine, if you're talking about the blow on his shoulder," Kohli said adding that Shardul was also in their "plans" Dubai: Virat Kohli with Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja and others players attend a training session a day ahead of their match against New Zealand, in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, October 30, 2021. (IANS) Dubai: Hardik Pandya attend a training session a day ahead of match against New Zealand, in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, October 30, 2021. (IANS)

T20 WC: Hardik Pandya bowls in nets; Virat Kohli says all-rounder needs to be fit to bowl one or two overs

<p>India will lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets which has done significant damage to their chances of making it to the top four as their net run rate has gone for a toss after the massive defeat.</p>

<p>A loss against New Zealand can prove fatal to India's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. The Virat Kohli-led side will have their task cut out against New Zealand, who have never lost against India in a T20 World Cup match so far. New Zealand have won on both meetings against the Men in Blue in the history of the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>India will be looking to field the best possible playing XI in the game which is being labelled as the 'virtual quarterfinal'. While India started their campaign with a defeat against Pakistan, New Zealand too suffered the same fate and lost their opening game against the Babar Azam-led side by five wickets.</p>

<p>India will be hoping to get the combination right this time around after the bowlers failed to pick up a single wicket in the game against Pakistan. The likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami all went wicket-less as Pakistan chased down 152 runs with all ten wickets remaining.</p>

<p>Many have called for the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the squad in place of an out-of-form Hardik Pandya, who has struggled with the bat&nbsp;and has not bowled yet. Pandya has not been bowling due to back issues but was seen having a go with the ball in the nets a few days back. He might bowl a couple of over against the Kiwis if asked to do so.</p>

<p>Shardul is coming off a great season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021 where he picked up 21 wickets, however, he is unlikely to make the cut as the team management is reportedly keen on having Pandya as a finisher in the team. There were also reports that Shardul could have replaced senior pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, who has been struggling with his form too.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shardul-thakur-unlikely-to-replace-hardik-pandya-as-india-keen-on-following-dhonis-csk-template-in-t20-wc-425239">Shardul unlikely to replace Hardik as India keen on following Dhoni's 'CSK template' in T20 WC</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the team management is expected to repose their trust in Bhuvneshwar for the New Zealand game and expect the senior pace to produce a better show on Sunday. India are likely to field&nbsp;the same XI which played against Pakistan, for the game against New Zealand. In case the team wants, they might play an extra spinner in form of R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar in place of a fast bowler.</p>

<p><strong>India's predicted playing XI for New Zealand clash in T20 World Cup 2021:</strong></p>

<p>KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India will lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets which has done significant damage to their chances of making it to the top four as their net run rate has gone for a toss after the massive defeat.

India will lock horns with New Zealand in a must-win Super 12 clash at the T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan by ten wickets which has done significant damage to their chances of making it to the top four as their net run rate has gone for a toss after the massive defeat. A loss against New Zealand can prove fatal to India's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. The Virat Kohli-led side will have their task cut out against New Zealand, who have never lost against India in a T20 World Cup match so far. New Zealand have won on both meetings against the Men in Blue in the history of the T20 World Cup. India will be looking to field the best possible playing XI in the game which is being labelled as the 'virtual quarterfinal'. While India started their campaign with a defeat against Pakistan, New Zealand too suffered the same fate and lost their opening game against the Babar Azam-led side by five wickets. India will be hoping to get the combination right this time around after the bowlers failed to pick up a single wicket in the game against Pakistan. The likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami all went wicket-less as Pakistan chased down 152 runs with all ten wickets remaining. Many have called for the inclusion of Shardul Thakur in the squad in place of an out-of-form Hardik Pandya, who has struggled with the bat and has not bowled yet. Pandya has not been bowling due to back issues but was seen having a go with the ball in the nets a few days back. He might bowl a couple of over against the Kiwis if asked to do so. Shardul is coming off a great season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021 where he picked up 21 wickets, however, he is unlikely to make the cut as the team management is reportedly keen on having Pandya as a finisher in the team. There were also reports that Shardul could have replaced senior pacer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, who has been struggling with his form too. Also Read: Shardul unlikely to replace Hardik as India keen on following Dhoni's 'CSK template' in T20 WC However, the team management is expected to repose their trust in Bhuvneshwar for the New Zealand game and expect the senior pace to produce a better show on Sunday. India are likely to field the same XI which played against Pakistan, for the game against New Zealand. In case the team wants, they might play an extra spinner in form of R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar in place of a fast bowler. India's predicted playing XI for New Zealand clash in T20 World Cup 2021: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami

Shardul Thakur to replace Hardik Pandya? India's predicted playing XI for New Zealand clash in T20 WC 2021

<p>Babar Azam is currently enjoying a purple patch as he continues to pile on runs one game after another for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Babar has been the highest run-getter for Pakistan in the tournament so far and has batted at an incredible average of 62 with 128 runs to his name in three matches so far. Courtesy of his batting heroics, Pakistan are unbeaten in their first three games in the Super 12 and look all set to make it to the semi-finals comfortably.</p>

<p>On Friday, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in a thrilling encounter to bag their third win in a row in the T20 World Cup 2021. Babar played a sublime knock of 51 runs off 47 balls in the game and achieved an elusive milestone in T20Is. The Pakistan skipper broke Virat Kohli's record to become the fastest captain to reach the milestone of 1,000 runs in T20Is.</p>

<p>Babar completed the feat in just 26 innings to surpass Kohli, who had taken 30 innings to reach 1,000 runs as captain in T20Is. South Africa's Faf du Plessis (31), Australian skipper Aaron Finch (32) and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (36) are in the top five list.</p>

<p><strong>Fastest to 1,000 runs in T20Is as captain:</strong></p>

<p>Babar Azam (26)</p>

<p>Virat Kohli (30)</p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (31)</p>

<p>Aaron Finch (32)</p>

<p>Kane Williamson (36)</p>

<p>Babar has been Pakistan's most consistent batter in the last few years and the T20 World Cup 2021 has been no different as he continues to dish out impressive performances with the bat.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-babar-azam-and-asif-ali-help-pakistan-beat-afghanistan-by-five-wickets-425138">T20 World Cup: Babar Azam and Asif Ali help Pakistan beat Afghanistan by five wickets</a></p>

<p>On Friday, Pakistan once again bowled well to restrict Afghanistan on 147/6 after being asked to bowl first and then chased down the target with an over to spare. Pakistan were reeling at 124/5 in the 18th over after losing Babar and Shoaib Malik n quick succession before Asif Ali played a sensational cameo to take his side home comfortably.</p>

<p>Asif Ali slammed 25 runs off just seven deliveries with the help of four sixes to help Pakistan make it three wins in a row and remain unbeaten in the tournament. Pakistan are all but certain to finish in the top four with three victories in their first three games as they have to face minnow Namibia and Scotland in their last two matches.</p>


Babar Azam is currently enjoying a purple patch as he continues to pile on runs one game after another for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Babar has been the highest run-getter for Pakistan in the tournament so far and has batted at an incredible average of 62 with 128 runs to his name in three matches so far.

Babar Azam is currently enjoying a purple patch as he continues to pile on runs one game after another for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. Babar has been the highest run-getter for Pakistan in the tournament so far and has batted at an incredible average of 62 with 128 runs to his name in three matches so far. Courtesy of his batting heroics, Pakistan are unbeaten in their first three games in the Super 12 and look all set to make it to the semi-finals comfortably. On Friday, Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in a thrilling encounter to bag their third win in a row in the T20 World Cup 2021. Babar played a sublime knock of 51 runs off 47 balls in the game and achieved an elusive milestone in T20Is. The Pakistan skipper broke Virat Kohli's record to become the fastest captain to reach the milestone of 1,000 runs in T20Is. Babar completed the feat in just 26 innings to surpass Kohli, who had taken 30 innings to reach 1,000 runs as captain in T20Is. South Africa's Faf du Plessis (31), Australian skipper Aaron Finch (32) and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (36) are in the top five list. Fastest to 1,000 runs in T20Is as captain: Babar Azam (26) Virat Kohli (30) Faf du Plessis (31) Aaron Finch (32) Kane Williamson (36) Babar has been Pakistan's most consistent batter in the last few years and the T20 World Cup 2021 has been no different as he continues to dish out impressive performances with the bat. Also Read: T20 World Cup: Babar Azam and Asif Ali help Pakistan beat Afghanistan by five wickets On Friday, Pakistan once again bowled well to restrict Afghanistan on 147/6 after being asked to bowl first and then chased down the target with an over to spare. Pakistan were reeling at 124/5 in the 18th over after losing Babar and Shoaib Malik n quick succession before Asif Ali played a sensational cameo to take his side home comfortably. Asif Ali slammed 25 runs off just seven deliveries with the help of four sixes to help Pakistan make it three wins in a row and remain unbeaten in the tournament. Pakistan are all but certain to finish in the top four with three victories in their first three games as they have to face minnow Namibia and Scotland in their last two matches.

Babar Azam breaks Virat Kohli's record to become fastest captain to score 1000 runs in T20Is

<p>Indian skipper Virat Kohli has responded to New Zealand pacer Trent Boult's comments that he will be looking to emulate Shaheen Afridi's heroic spell against India on Sunday (October 31).</p>

<p>Pakistan pacer Afridi bowled a dream spell against India in their opening game in Dubai on October 24. He ran through the Indian top-order and picked up the important wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to help Pakistan script their maiden win against India in a World Cup match.</p>

<p>Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's meeting with India in the Super 12 on Sunday, Boult said he would be looking to mirror what Afridi did against India in Dubai. When asked about Boult's comments, Indian skipper Kohli came up with a fitting response.</p>

<p>"We are obviously going to come up against quality bowlers. It all depends on how we take the field and the mentality. If he is motivated to emulate Shaheen, we are motivated to counter him. We have played against them for a long time," said Kohli during the pre-match presser in Dubai on Saturday.</p>

<p>Boult had witnessed how Afridi wreaked havoc with the ball against India and being a left-arm pacer himself, is keen on emulating Afridi's heroics. The Indian top-order will be wary of the threat possessed by the New Zealand pace attack and will be hopeful of producing a better show in the must-win encounter.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-virat-kohli-co-break-the-jinx-a-look-at-indias-record-against-nz-in-t20-wc-ahead-of-must-win-clash-425268">Will&nbsp;Kohli &amp; Co. break the jinx? A look at India's record against NZ in T20 WC ahead of must-win clash</a></p>

<p>The game between India and New Zealand is all set to be a virtual quarterfinal as a loss for any team will all but end their hopes of making it to the top four. Both India and New Zealand have lost their opening matches against Pakistan and will be hopeful of bouncing back on Sunday.</p>


Indian skipper Virat Kohli has responded to New Zealand pacer Trent Boult's comments that he will be looking to emulate Shaheen Afridi's heroic spell against India on Sunday (October 31).

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has responded to New Zealand pacer Trent Boult's comments that he will be looking to emulate Shaheen Afridi's heroic spell against India on Sunday (October 31). Pakistan pacer Afridi bowled a dream spell against India in their opening game in Dubai on October 24. He ran through the Indian top-order and picked up the important wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli to help Pakistan script their maiden win against India in a World Cup match. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's meeting with India in the Super 12 on Sunday, Boult said he would be looking to mirror what Afridi did against India in Dubai. When asked about Boult's comments, Indian skipper Kohli came up with a fitting response. "We are obviously going to come up against quality bowlers. It all depends on how we take the field and the mentality. If he is motivated to emulate Shaheen, we are motivated to counter him. We have played against them for a long time," said Kohli during the pre-match presser in Dubai on Saturday. Boult had witnessed how Afridi wreaked havoc with the ball against India and being a left-arm pacer himself, is keen on emulating Afridi's heroics. The Indian top-order will be wary of the threat possessed by the New Zealand pace attack and will be hopeful of producing a better show in the must-win encounter. Also Read: Will Kohli & Co. break the jinx? A look at India's record against NZ in T20 WC ahead of must-win clash The game between India and New Zealand is all set to be a virtual quarterfinal as a loss for any team will all but end their hopes of making it to the top four. Both India and New Zealand have lost their opening matches against Pakistan and will be hopeful of bouncing back on Sunday.

Virat Kohli responds after Trent Boult says he will look to emulate Shaheen Afridi's heroics against India

<p>Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>India were off to a poor start in the T20 World Cup campaign as they lost their opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/sport-can-live-without-pakistans-cricket-jihad-thank-you-425065">Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you</a></strong></p>

<p>Shami, who emerged as the most expensive bowler, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs, was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, people&nbsp;on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements about him and his religion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the Indian skipper has reacted strongly against the troll and online abuses, as he said, "There is a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-decoding-pakistan-cricket-404-not-found-425180">T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found</a></strong></p>

<p>During the press conference on Saturday (October 30), he also said, "This is the lowest level of human form, attacking someone over religion is the most pathetic thing human being can do."</p>

<p>"Never thought of discriminating on basis of religion. That is a very sacred thing. Our brotherhood and friendship can't be shaken... And these things can't infiltrate. I give credit to people who understand us," he added," Kohli added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-imad-wasims-special-message-for-new-zealand-cricket-team-as-he-mentions-the-cancelled-tour-424548">Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mshami11?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mshami11</a> <a href="https://t.co/BelhDORBRo">pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo</a></p>
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11/status/1453710599960018954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.

Captain Virat Kohli slammed the "spineless people" who attacked India's star pacer Mohammed Shami's religion after Men In Blue's loss to Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman. India were off to a poor start in the T20 World Cup campaign as they lost their opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 by 10 wickets as Pak skipper Babar Azam led by example to beat India in a World Cup showdown for the first time ever. ALSO READ | Sport can live without Pakistan's cricket Jihad, thank you Shami, who emerged as the most expensive bowler, leaking 43 runs in 3.5 overs, was subjected to online abuse as soon as the match ended, people on Instagram and Twitter passed derogatory statements about him and his religion. Now, the Indian skipper has reacted strongly against the troll and online abuses, as he said, "There is a good reason why we are playing on the field and not some bunch of spineless people on social media that have no courage to actually speak to any individual in person." ALSO READ | T20 WC: Decoding Pakistan cricket: 404 not found During the press conference on Saturday (October 30), he also said, "This is the lowest level of human form, attacking someone over religion is the most pathetic thing human being can do." "Never thought of discriminating on basis of religion. That is a very sacred thing. Our brotherhood and friendship can't be shaken... And these things can't infiltrate. I give credit to people who understand us," he added," Kohli added. WATCH | Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour On the other hand, Shami is "looking forward" to the next game of ICC Men's T20 World Cup against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). Ahead of the crucial game against Kane Williamson's side, Shami shared an image on his official social media handle, captioning it as: "Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ." Back to the grind. Had a productive training session and loved talking to our young talented cricketers. Looking forward to our next game against NZ. #TeamIndia #mshami11 pic.twitter.com/BelhDORBRo — Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) October 28, 2021 ×

T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'

<p>India have had a disastrous start to their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 as they find themselves languishing at the fifth spot on the Group 2 points table in the Super 12 stage of the competition. India suffered a humiliating ten-wicket defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening encounter to make the worst possible start to the tournament.</p>

<p>The Men in Blue will have to bounce back to winning ways in the must-win clash against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) as a loss can all but end their campaign in the showpiece event. The ten-wicket loss against Pakistan has done massive damage to India's chances of qualifying for the top four as the game against New Zealand is touted to be a 'virtual quarterfinal'.</p>

<p>Ahead of the all-important contest, here we take a look at India's record against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand 2-0 India in T20 World Cup:</strong></p>

<p>India and New Zealand have faced each other twice in the ICC T20 World Cup so far and the Black Caps have emerged victorious on both occasions. The Kiwis are unbeaten against India when it comes to the T20 World Cup and will be looking to keep their stellar record intact on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>India vs New Zealand, 2007 T20 World Cup</strong></p>

<p>The first meeting between India and New Zealand in a T20 World Cup game was in 2007 when MS Dhoni &amp; Co. lost by ten runs in the group-stage clash. It was India's only defeat in the entire tournament as they went on to win the title after beating Pakistan in a thrilling final.</p>

<p>Batting first, New Zealand rode on Brendon McCullum's 31-ball 45 and cameos from Craig McMillan (44 off 23), Jacob Oram (35 of 15) to post 190 runs on the board. In reply, India came close but fell short at the end as they could only manage 180/9 in 20 overs to lose the game by ten runs.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shardul-thakur-unlikely-to-replace-hardik-pandya-as-india-keen-on-following-dhonis-csk-template-in-t20-wc-425239">Shardul Thakur unlikely to replace Hardik Pandya as India keen on following Dhoni's 'CSK template' in T20 WC</a></p>

<p><strong>India vs New Zealand, 2016 T20 Wolrd Cup</strong></p>

<p>India and New Zealand met for the second time in a T20 World Cup game in 2016. New Zealand once again defeated the Men in Blue by 47 runs to make it 2-0. The game was played in Nagpur where the Kiwi bowlers ran riot against India.</p>

<p>Batting first, New Zealand could only manage a low-key total of 126 runs in 20 overs with the help of Corey Anderson's 34 and Luke Ronchi's 21. India were favourites heading into the run-chase but the Kiwi pacers bundled out the hosts for a paltry 79 to register a comprehensive win by 47 runs in the low-scoring game.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India have had a disastrous start to their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 as they find themselves languishing at the fifth spot on the Group 2 points table in the Super 12 stage of the competition.

India have had a disastrous start to their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2021 as they find themselves languishing at the fifth spot on the Group 2 points table in the Super 12 stage of the competition. India suffered a humiliating ten-wicket defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening encounter to make the worst possible start to the tournament. The Men in Blue will have to bounce back to winning ways in the must-win clash against New Zealand on Sunday (October 31) as a loss can all but end their campaign in the showpiece event. The ten-wicket loss against Pakistan has done massive damage to India's chances of qualifying for the top four as the game against New Zealand is touted to be a 'virtual quarterfinal'. Ahead of the all-important contest, here we take a look at India's record against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. New Zealand 2-0 India in T20 World Cup: India and New Zealand have faced each other twice in the ICC T20 World Cup so far and the Black Caps have emerged victorious on both occasions. The Kiwis are unbeaten against India when it comes to the T20 World Cup and will be looking to keep their stellar record intact on Sunday. India vs New Zealand, 2007 T20 World Cup The first meeting between India and New Zealand in a T20 World Cup game was in 2007 when MS Dhoni & Co. lost by ten runs in the group-stage clash. It was India's only defeat in the entire tournament as they went on to win the title after beating Pakistan in a thrilling final. Batting first, New Zealand rode on Brendon McCullum's 31-ball 45 and cameos from Craig McMillan (44 off 23), Jacob Oram (35 of 15) to post 190 runs on the board. In reply, India came close but fell short at the end as they could only manage 180/9 in 20 overs to lose the game by ten runs. Also Read: Shardul Thakur unlikely to replace Hardik Pandya as India keen on following Dhoni's 'CSK template' in T20 WC India vs New Zealand, 2016 T20 Wolrd Cup India and New Zealand met for the second time in a T20 World Cup game in 2016. New Zealand once again defeated the Men in Blue by 47 runs to make it 2-0. The game was played in Nagpur where the Kiwi bowlers ran riot against India. Batting first, New Zealand could only manage a low-key total of 126 runs in 20 overs with the help of Corey Anderson's 34 and Luke Ronchi's 21. India were favourites heading into the run-chase but the Kiwi pacers bundled out the hosts for a paltry 79 to register a comprehensive win by 47 runs in the low-scoring game.

Will Virat Kohli & Co. break the jinx? A look at India's record against NZ in T20 WC ahead of must-win clash

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidC4NMdBDAwa7r" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The Virat Kohli-led side is sweating it out for the upcoming clash against the New Zealand team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening match of the Super 12 stage against Pakistan by 10 wickets, which makes the next&nbsp;contest against Kane Williamson's side extremely crucial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video posted by the official handle of ICC showcasing the "brilliance" and "glory" of the Indian skipper Kohli, gave a peek into India's training session ahead of the NZ match. More than the video, the adorable reactions of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have grabbed attention. They are watching Kohli practising in the nets, the way a child looks at his favourite toy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-shami-looking-forward-to-next-game-against-new-zealand-shares-image-from-training-session-424848">Mohammad Shami 'looking forward' to next game against New Zealand, shares image from training session</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVkauB2MgYF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVkauB2MgYF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVkauB2MgYF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVkauB2MgYF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ICC T20 World Cup (@t20worldcup)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-auction-hardik-pandya-unlikely-to-be-retained-by-mumbai-indians-reports-424836">IPL auction: Hardik Pandya unlikely to be retained by Mumbai Indians - Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested changes that Kohli can consider making against New Zealand. Gavaskar has suggested that Ishan Kishan can be considered as a replacement for India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is not bowling due to injury. The former player then suggested that Shardul Thakur should be added in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Hardik Pandya is not bowling – due to that shoulder injury he sustained in the match against Pakistan – Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form so I will surely consider him ahead of Pandya," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And perhaps, you can think of Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But otherwise, if you make too many changes, then you will show the opposition that you have panicked," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mentor-ms-dhoni-and-billion-cheers-jersey-why-indias-t20-world-cup-2021-campaign-will-be-remembered-forever-422991">Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever</a></strong></p>


The Virat Kohli-led side is sweating it out for the upcoming clash against the New Zealand team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31).

The Virat Kohli-led side is sweating it out for the upcoming clash against the New Zealand team in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 31). India lost their opening match of the Super 12 stage against Pakistan by 10 wickets, which makes the next contest against Kane Williamson's side extremely crucial. A video posted by the official handle of ICC showcasing the "brilliance" and "glory" of the Indian skipper Kohli, gave a peek into India's training session ahead of the NZ match. More than the video, the adorable reactions of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer have grabbed attention. They are watching Kohli practising in the nets, the way a child looks at his favourite toy. ALSO READ | Mohammad Shami 'looking forward' to next game against New Zealand, shares image from training session Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ICC T20 World Cup (@t20worldcup) × ALSO READ | IPL auction: Hardik Pandya unlikely to be retained by Mumbai Indians - Reports Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested changes that Kohli can consider making against New Zealand. Gavaskar has suggested that Ishan Kishan can be considered as a replacement for India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is not bowling due to injury. The former player then suggested that Shardul Thakur should be added in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. "If Hardik Pandya is not bowling – due to that shoulder injury he sustained in the match against Pakistan – Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form so I will surely consider him ahead of Pandya," Gavaskar said on Sports Tak. "And perhaps, you can think of Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But otherwise, if you make too many changes, then you will show the opposition that you have panicked," he added. IN PICS | Mentor MS Dhoni and Billion Cheers Jersey: Why India's T20 World Cup 2021 campaign will be remembered forever

T20 World Cup: Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer's reactions to Virat Kohli's 'brilliance' in nets go viral -Watch

<p>The Virat Kohli-led India didn't get a start they had hoped for in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as in their first match of the tournament's Super 12 stage, they suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (October 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the match, India were asked to bat first after losing the toss and the Virat's side was off to the worst possible start when Pak's left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-31) thrashed the Indian batting order. Pakistan's bowling department was outstanding as they kept India&nbsp;to 151-7 despite a valiant 57 from Kohli.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-is-pakistan-behind-mohammad-shamis-targeted-trolling-after-indias-10-wicket-loss-to-pakistan-424622">T20 World Cup: Is Pakistan behind Mohammad Shami's targeted trolling after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan?</a></strong></p>

<p>In reply to that, Pakistan chased down the target with 13 balls to spare thanks to their opening pair Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's half-centuries. Pakistan registered their first-ever win over arch-rivals at a Twenty20 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the post-match presentation, Kohli weighed in on the embarrassing loss, as he said that the team "didn't execute properly". He further added, "Credit where it's due and Pakistan outplayed us today. They started brilliantly with the ball, and 3 wickets for 20 runs was not a good start."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ishan-for-rohit-virat-kohli-snaps-at-reporters-query-after-indias-10-wicket-loss-to-pakistan-423686">Watch: Ishan for Rohit? Virat Kohli snaps at reporter's query after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Reflecting on Kohli's remark, former cricketer<strong> Ajay Jadeja</strong> said he is "disappointed". During his interaction with Cricbuzz Hindi Live, Jadeja said, "I heard Virat Kohli's statement that day. He said when we lost two wickets, we fell behind in the match against Pakistan. I was disappointed with that."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Explaining it further, the former player said, "When a player like Virat Kohli is out there in the middle, there is no way the match has ended. He had not played even two balls and was thinking like that. So, it shows India's approach."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-imad-wasims-special-message-for-new-zealand-cricket-team-as-he-mentions-the-cancelled-tour-424548">Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour</a></strong></p>

<p>India skipper Kohli also said, "We could make the argument of getting in another slower bowler, but it's important to stay composed and understand our strengths, because with the dew the slower bowlers couldn't be effective either. This is just the first game of the tournament, not the last."&nbsp;</p>


The Virat Kohli-led India didn't get a start they had hoped for in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as in their first match of the tournament's Super 12 stage, they suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (October 24).

The Virat Kohli-led India didn't get a start they had hoped for in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup as in their first match of the tournament's Super 12 stage, they suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (October 24). During the match, India were asked to bat first after losing the toss and the Virat's side was off to the worst possible start when Pak's left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-31) thrashed the Indian batting order. Pakistan's bowling department was outstanding as they kept India to 151-7 despite a valiant 57 from Kohli. ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Is Pakistan behind Mohammad Shami's targeted trolling after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan? In reply to that, Pakistan chased down the target with 13 balls to spare thanks to their opening pair Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's half-centuries. Pakistan registered their first-ever win over arch-rivals at a Twenty20 World Cup. During the post-match presentation, Kohli weighed in on the embarrassing loss, as he said that the team "didn't execute properly". He further added, "Credit where it's due and Pakistan outplayed us today. They started brilliantly with the ball, and 3 wickets for 20 runs was not a good start." ALSO READ | Watch: Ishan for Rohit? Virat Kohli snaps at reporter's query after India's 10-wicket loss to Pakistan Reflecting on Kohli's remark, former cricketer Ajay Jadeja said he is "disappointed". During his interaction with Cricbuzz Hindi Live, Jadeja said, "I heard Virat Kohli's statement that day. He said when we lost two wickets, we fell behind in the match against Pakistan. I was disappointed with that." Explaining it further, the former player said, "When a player like Virat Kohli is out there in the middle, there is no way the match has ended. He had not played even two balls and was thinking like that. So, it shows India's approach." WATCH | Imad Wasim's 'special message' for New Zealand cricket team as he mentions the cancelled tour India skipper Kohli also said, "We could make the argument of getting in another slower bowler, but it's important to stay composed and understand our strengths, because with the dew the slower bowlers couldn't be effective either. This is just the first game of the tournament, not the last."

T20 WC: Ajay Jadeja 'disappointed' with Kohli's remarks post Pakistan clash, says 'It shows India's approach'

<p>Waqar Younis, a former Pakistani bowler, came to Twitter to apologise for his communal remark made after Pakistan's victory over India in the T20I World Cup.</p>

<p>Younis stated he enjoyed how Mohammad Rizwan did Namaz in front of Hindus while complimenting him for his performance against India.<br />
<br />
Younis tweeted, "In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, a genuine mistake. Sports unite people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies"&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, genuine mistake. Sports unites people regardless of race, colour or religion. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/apologies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#apologies</a> 🙏🏻</p>
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99/status/1453109128755232772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Waqar Yunus has also retweeted a video of this apology on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- "I never meant it, it was a Game &amp; it was the heat of the moment, I apologise" <a href="https://twitter.com/waqyounis99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@waqyounis99</a> clarifies on what happened earlier.<br />
<br />
Still what a historic Game &amp; Win it was for team Pakistan. Let's move on!<a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhogleharsha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/asportstvpk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@asportstvpk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvsIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvsIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/1mgsnyRfap">pic.twitter.com/1mgsnyRfap</a></p>
— Arsalan H. Shah ~ Proud Pakistani (@arsalanhshah) <a href="https://twitter.com/arsalanhshah/status/1453111144948846593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Waqar can be heard stating in the video: "I had no such intention at all. I never even comment on religious things. No, I screw it up. I was very excited. Pakistan won the match. I was very excited. I saw Rizwan and used some such words in it, which may have hurt someone’s sentiments. I apologise for this. If anyone has been hurt by my comment, I apologise for that. I had no such intention."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/terrible-harsha-bhogle-slams-waqar-younis-for-calling-rizwans-on-field-namaz-in-front-of-hindus-special-424230"><strong>Also read | Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special'</strong></a></p>

<p>Pakistan's overwhelming success against India in the ICC T20 World Cup was previously connected by its Home Minister Sheikh Rashid to Islam's victory.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-pakistans-victory-against-india-is-the-victory-of-islam-pakistan-minister-sheikh-rasheed-423733"><strong>Watch | Pakistan’s victory against India is the victory of Islam: Pakistan Minister Sheikh Rasheed</strong></a></p>

<p>Waqar Yunus then remarked that during the match against India in Dubai on October 24, he loved giving prayers to Mohammad Rizwan during a drink.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/Lt49jKA3Yi">pic.twitter.com/Lt49jKA3Yi</a></p>
— Pak Un Fans (@fansofpakuntold) <a href="https://twitter.com/fansofpakuntold/status/1452843292840710148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Waqar Younis, a former Pakistani bowler, came to Twitter to apologise for his communal remark made after Pakistan's victory over India in the T20I World Cup. Younis stated he enjoyed how Mohammad Rizwan did Namaz in front of Hindus while complimenting him for his performance against India.

Waqar Younis, a former Pakistani bowler, came to Twitter to apologise for his communal remark made after Pakistan's victory over India in the T20I World Cup. Younis stated he enjoyed how Mohammad Rizwan did Namaz in front of Hindus while complimenting him for his performance against India. Younis tweeted, "In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, a genuine mistake. Sports unite people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies" In the heat of the moment, I said something which I did not mean which has hurt the sentiments of many. I apologise for this, this was not intended at all, genuine mistake. Sports unites people regardless of race, colour or religion. #apologies 🙏🏻 — Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) October 26, 2021 × Waqar Yunus has also retweeted a video of this apology on Twitter. - "I never meant it, it was a Game & it was the heat of the moment, I apologise" @waqyounis99 clarifies on what happened earlier. Still what a historic Game & Win it was for team Pakistan. Let's move on!@bhogleharsha @asportstvpk #PakvsIndia #Pakistan #India #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/1mgsnyRfap — Arsalan H. Shah ~ Proud Pakistani (@arsalanhshah) October 26, 2021 × Waqar can be heard stating in the video: "I had no such intention at all. I never even comment on religious things. No, I screw it up. I was very excited. Pakistan won the match. I was very excited. I saw Rizwan and used some such words in it, which may have hurt someone’s sentiments. I apologise for this. If anyone has been hurt by my comment, I apologise for that. I had no such intention." Also read | Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special' Pakistan's overwhelming success against India in the ICC T20 World Cup was previously connected by its Home Minister Sheikh Rashid to Islam's victory. Watch | Pakistan’s victory against India is the victory of Islam: Pakistan Minister Sheikh Rasheed Waqar Yunus then remarked that during the match against India in Dubai on October 24, he loved giving prayers to Mohammad Rizwan during a drink. pic.twitter.com/Lt49jKA3Yi — Pak Un Fans (@fansofpakuntold) October 26, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Waqar Younis issues an apology with folded hands after 'Namaz in front of Hindus' remark

<p>Virat Kohli-led India locked horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round, on Sunday evening (October 24), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Going into the clash with a 12-match winning streak over the Men in Green in World Cup history (including ODIs and T20Is), the Men in Blue were expected to romp past Babar Azam-led Pakistan, however, they lost by ten wickets.</p>

<p>Being asked to bat first, India posted a respectable 151-7. However, the total was below-par as Pakistan chased it down without losing a single wicket, courtesy openers Babar (68 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (79*). From India, only Kohli stood tall with the bat and made a vital 57.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the 2007 winners' next game, versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has an important message for fans and feels India still have it in them to win the showpiece event, in the UAE.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t10-cricket-is-no-more-just-a-hitting-game-it-needs-strategy-as-well-says-yusuf-pathan-424451"><strong>T10 cricket is no more just a hitting game, it needs strategy as well, says Yusuf Pathan</strong></a></p>

<p>In a virtual press-conference for the fifth season of Abu Dhabi T10 league, Yusuf told wionnews.com, "We all want to win every game. As a fan, I'll just say this is just the start of the tournament. We have to motivate our troops. Don't demotivate them at this crucial juncture. It happens. We have lost our first game versus Pakistan in 29 years (in WC history). These are our top 15 players, we need to back them relentlessly. We play as a team and as a country, we should take a stand for Team India players. This should be our attitude. In their tough times, we need to be with them as they give us plenty of joy from time to time."</p>

<p>"I don't think it will be difficult for India to bounce back as our players have been playing good cricket. All the India players are hardworking and they know how to handle pressure. We all should keep supporting the team and the players will definitely do well. We are not out of the tournament after one loss. India still have a chance to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and I hope that we win the T20 World Cup," Yusuf further asserted during the interaction.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/were-you-safe-in-uae-shoaib-akhtar-takes-a-dig-at-new-zealand-after-pakistan-clash-in-t20-wc-424402"><strong>Were you safe in UAE? Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand after Pakistan clash in T20 WC</strong></a></p>

<p>India will face New Zealand on Sunday evening (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Another loss will severely hurt their campaign whereas a win will keep Team India in contention to finish as the runners-up in Pool B, assuming that Pakistan have a solid chance to top the group after two successive victories.</p>


Virat Kohli-led India locked horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round, on Sunday evening (October 24), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Virat Kohli-led India locked horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their tournament-opener in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition's Super 12 round, on Sunday evening (October 24), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Going into the clash with a 12-match winning streak over the Men in Green in World Cup history (including ODIs and T20Is), the Men in Blue were expected to romp past Babar Azam-led Pakistan, however, they lost by ten wickets. Being asked to bat first, India posted a respectable 151-7. However, the total was below-par as Pakistan chased it down without losing a single wicket, courtesy openers Babar (68 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (79*). From India, only Kohli stood tall with the bat and made a vital 57. Ahead of the 2007 winners' next game, versus Kane Williamson-led New Zealand, former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has an important message for fans and feels India still have it in them to win the showpiece event, in the UAE. ALSO READ | T10 cricket is no more just a hitting game, it needs strategy as well, says Yusuf Pathan In a virtual press-conference for the fifth season of Abu Dhabi T10 league, Yusuf told wionnews.com, "We all want to win every game. As a fan, I'll just say this is just the start of the tournament. We have to motivate our troops. Don't demotivate them at this crucial juncture. It happens. We have lost our first game versus Pakistan in 29 years (in WC history). These are our top 15 players, we need to back them relentlessly. We play as a team and as a country, we should take a stand for Team India players. This should be our attitude. In their tough times, we need to be with them as they give us plenty of joy from time to time." "I don't think it will be difficult for India to bounce back as our players have been playing good cricket. All the India players are hardworking and they know how to handle pressure. We all should keep supporting the team and the players will definitely do well. We are not out of the tournament after one loss. India still have a chance to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and I hope that we win the T20 World Cup," Yusuf further asserted during the interaction. ALSO READ | Were you safe in UAE? Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at New Zealand after Pakistan clash in T20 WC India will face New Zealand on Sunday evening (October 31), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Another loss will severely hurt their campaign whereas a win will keep Team India in contention to finish as the runners-up in Pool B, assuming that Pakistan have a solid chance to top the group after two successive victories.

'We will win T20 World Cup' - Yusuf Pathan confident of Team India despite Pakistan drubbing

<p>As the dust settles down after Pakistan's historic ten-wicket win over India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, many have praised Team India skipper Virat Kohli for his classy gesture for Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizan. Kohli was spotted hugging Rizwan and congratulating the duo for their match-winning partnership which helped Pakistan script a historic win against India in Dubai on October 24 (Sunday).</p>

<p>It was an emphatic performance from Pakistan, who outshone India with the bat and the ball to pull off a magnificent win. Pakistan restricted the Men in Blue on 151/7 after asking them to bat first in Dubai before Babar and Rizwan combined to chase down the target comfortably without any hiccups.</p>

<p>Post the game, Kohli was seen congratulating Rizwan and Babar before heading back towards the Indian dressing room. His gesture won hearts on social media with many praising him for the classy act. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has also lauded the Indian skipper and called him a 'true sportsperson' for his classy gesture.</p>

<p>"True sports man &amp; great human being @imVkohli hats off to you," Akhtar wrote in a tweet lauding Kohli.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">True sports man &amp; great human being <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> hats off to you . <a href="https://t.co/rIdkFGDw7R">pic.twitter.com/rIdkFGDw7R</a></p>
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph/status/1452974094639681550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kohli had also credited the Pakistan side for their fantastic cricket in the clash and said they deserved to win the much-anticipated encounter between the two sides. "Credit where it's due and Pakistan outplayed us today," Kohli had said at the post-match presentation ceremony after Pakistan defeated India comprehensively.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/terrible-harsha-bhogle-slams-waqar-younis-for-calling-rizwans-on-field-namaz-in-front-of-hindus-special-424230">Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special'</a></p>

<p>Team India will be hoping to correct their mistakes and come up with a much better show with the bat and the ball when they take the field against New Zealand for their second game of the Super 12 stage on October 31. Following their meeting with the Kiwis, India will face Afghanistan in their third match.</p>


As the dust settles down after Pakistan's historic ten-wicket win over India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, many have praised Team India skipper Virat Kohli for his classy gesture for Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizan.

As the dust settles down after Pakistan's historic ten-wicket win over India in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021, many have praised Team India skipper Virat Kohli for his classy gesture for Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizan. Kohli was spotted hugging Rizwan and congratulating the duo for their match-winning partnership which helped Pakistan script a historic win against India in Dubai on October 24 (Sunday). It was an emphatic performance from Pakistan, who outshone India with the bat and the ball to pull off a magnificent win. Pakistan restricted the Men in Blue on 151/7 after asking them to bat first in Dubai before Babar and Rizwan combined to chase down the target comfortably without any hiccups. Post the game, Kohli was seen congratulating Rizwan and Babar before heading back towards the Indian dressing room. His gesture won hearts on social media with many praising him for the classy act. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has also lauded the Indian skipper and called him a 'true sportsperson' for his classy gesture. "True sports man & great human being @imVkohli hats off to you," Akhtar wrote in a tweet lauding Kohli. True sports man & great human being @imVkohli hats off to you . pic.twitter.com/rIdkFGDw7R — Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 26, 2021 × Kohli had also credited the Pakistan side for their fantastic cricket in the clash and said they deserved to win the much-anticipated encounter between the two sides. "Credit where it's due and Pakistan outplayed us today," Kohli had said at the post-match presentation ceremony after Pakistan defeated India comprehensively. Also Read: Terrible! Harsha Bhogle slams Waqar Younis for calling Rizwan's on-field namaz in front of Hindus 'special' Team India will be hoping to correct their mistakes and come up with a much better show with the bat and the ball when they take the field against New Zealand for their second game of the Super 12 stage on October 31. Following their meeting with the Kiwis, India will face Afghanistan in their third match.

Hats off to you! Shoaib Akhtar lauds Virat Kohli for congratulating Babar, Rizwan after Pakistan's win

<p>India and Pakistan met each other for the first time, across formats, after a gap of two years when they locked horns in match 4 of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. Ahead of Sunday evening's clash (October 24), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, India had a staggering 12-0 over their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cup history (including both ODIs and T20Is).</p>

<p>However, India's unbeaten streak finally came to an end as Virat Kohli &amp; Co. were hammered by Babar Azam-led Men in Green by ten wickets, with 13 balls to spare. Nothing clicked for India as their top-order struggled versus Shaheen Afridi (3 for 31) whereas none apart from Kohli (57) managed to get going. India posted a modest 151-7, however, Pakistan openers (Babar 68* and Mohammad Rizwan's 79*) completed the run-chase with ease.</p>

<p>While Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant got starts, Ravindra Jadeja couldn't create much impact with the bat. In the bowling department, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy struggled to control the run-flow and returned wicketless. Post the match, Shami has been subject to severe abuse on social media platforms by some&nbsp;Indian fans.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-star-md-rizwan-shares-heartwarming-post-for-mohammed-shami-as-india-pacer-faces-online-abuse-424145">Pakistan star Md. Rizwan shares heartwarming post for Mohammed Shami as India pacer faces online abuse</a></strong></p>

<p>Many former and active Indian cricketers have supported Shami and have come to his defence. Even during India's 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan, by 180 runs, Shami and other Indian players were targetted by a Pakistani fan. In response to the Pak spectator's harsh comments, the Indian pacer decided to give it back to him and reacted in the following manner:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Those calling <a href="https://twitter.com/MdShami11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mdshami11</a> a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gaddar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gaddar</a> after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaVsPak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaVsPak</a> match, please watch this 2017 video, when after losing to Pakistan, only Shami had the courage to confront the bullying Pakistani. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsPak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvsPak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shami?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shami</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCT20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICCT20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohithSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohithSharma</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ixvhbJadP">pic.twitter.com/8ixvhbJadP</a></p>
— निंदाTurtle (@Tawishz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tawishz/status/1452602891286421512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shots-fired-waqar-younis-makes-heads-turn-with-shocking-remark-after-indo-pak-t20-wc-tie-424171">Shots fired! Waqar Younis makes heads turn with SHOCKING remark after Indo-Pak T20 WC tie</a></strong></p>

<p>Post Pakistan's recent win over India, one of their star-performers in Rizwan came in support of Shami. He recently took to his official Twitter handle to share a heartwarming post for Shami. He wrote, "The kind of pressure, struggles &amp; sacrifices a player has to go through for his country &amp; his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star &amp; indeed of the best bowlers in the world. Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together &amp; not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND."</p>

<p>Shami-starrer India will now lock horns with New Zealand in their next T20 WC fixture, on October 31 (Sunday) at Dubai.</p>


India and Pakistan met each other for the first time, across formats, after a gap of two years when they locked horns in match 4 of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE.

India and Pakistan met each other for the first time, across formats, after a gap of two years when they locked horns in match 4 of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, being held in the UAE. Ahead of Sunday evening's clash (October 24), at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, India had a staggering 12-0 over their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cup history (including both ODIs and T20Is). However, India's unbeaten streak finally came to an end as Virat Kohli & Co. were hammered by Babar Azam-led Men in Green by ten wickets, with 13 balls to spare. Nothing clicked for India as their top-order struggled versus Shaheen Afridi (3 for 31) whereas none apart from Kohli (57) managed to get going. India posted a modest 151-7, however, Pakistan openers (Babar 68* and Mohammad Rizwan's 79*) completed the run-chase with ease. While Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant got starts, Ravindra Jadeja couldn't create much impact with the bat. In the bowling department, the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakravarthy struggled to control the run-flow and returned wicketless. Post the match, Shami has been subject to severe abuse on social media platforms by some Indian fans. ALSO READ | Pakistan star Md. Rizwan shares heartwarming post for Mohammed Shami as India pacer faces online abuse Many former and active Indian cricketers have supported Shami and have come to his defence. Even during India's 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan, by 180 runs, Shami and other Indian players were targetted by a Pakistani fan. In response to the Pak spectator's harsh comments, the Indian pacer decided to give it back to him and reacted in the following manner: Those calling @mdshami11 a #gaddar after the #IndiaVsPak match, please watch this 2017 video, when after losing to Pakistan, only Shami had the courage to confront the bullying Pakistani. #IndvsPak #shami #Kohli #ICCT20WorldCup #RohithSharma pic.twitter.com/8ixvhbJadP — निंदाTurtle (@Tawishz) October 25, 2021 × ALSO READ | Shots fired! Waqar Younis makes heads turn with SHOCKING remark after Indo-Pak T20 WC tie Post Pakistan's recent win over India, one of their star-performers in Rizwan came in support of Shami. He recently took to his official Twitter handle to share a heartwarming post for Shami. He wrote, "The kind of pressure, struggles & sacrifices a player has to go through for his country & his people is immeasurable. @MdShami11 is a star & indeed of the best bowlers in the world. Please respect your stars. This game should bring people together & not divide 'em #Shami #PAKvIND." Shami-starrer India will now lock horns with New Zealand in their next T20 WC fixture, on October 31 (Sunday) at Dubai.

Throwback: When Mohammed Shami confronted Pak fan following his remark post 2017 CT final - Watch

<p>India and Pakistan met each other in the 4th match of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday evening (October 24). Virat Kohli-led India were favourites as the Men in Blue had a 12-0 lead over their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cup history, including both ODIs and T20Is.</p>

<p>However, Babar Azam-led Pakistan stunned the Indian team as they produced a clinical performance with both bat and ball to win by 10 wickets, with 13 balls to spare. Thus, the one-time winners Pakistan not only started their T20 WC 2021 campaign in style, but they also ended their winless streak versus India in WC history. Shaheen Afridi, Babar, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan were the heroes for Pakistan in their flawless performance versus Kohli &amp; Co.</p>

<p>After the match, former Pakistan speedster and bowling coach Waqar Younis made heads turn by making a shocking statement. Speaking to a ARY News, Waqar told what impressed him the most in the Indo-Pak clash. "Sabse ache baat jo Rizwan ne ki. Usne ground mein khade hoke Naamaz padhe, hinduon ke beech mein....So that was really something very very special for me. (What I liked the most is what Rizwan did. He stood in the middle of the ground and read the prayers, in front of the Hindus)."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-star-md-rizwan-shares-heartwarming-post-for-mohammed-shami-as-india-pacer-faces-online-abuse-424145"><strong>Pakistan star Md. Rizwan shares heartwarming post for Mohammed Shami as India pacer faces online abuse</strong></a></p>

<p>Following Waqar's remark, even Shoaib Akhtar -- who was a part of the panel discussion -- and the news anchor were left embarrassed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the match, Babar-led Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first at Dubai. Shaheen's 3 for 31 and Haris Rauf's 1 for 25 restricted India to 151-7, as only Kohli made a mark with the bat (57). In reply, Babar's 68* and Rizwan's stunning 78 not out took Pakistan to the total without dropping any sweat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Author's take</strong></p>

<p>Given how Waqar's shocking remark stunned Akhtar and the tv news anchor, it shows how the entire statement could've been avoided. While at one end some fans from both nations need to deal with the outcome of the Indo-Pak match in a much better way, former and established cricketers like Waqar should refrain from making such glaring remarks and keep their views with regard to the game only.&nbsp;</p>


India and Pakistan met each other in the 4th match of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday evening (October 24).

India and Pakistan met each other in the 4th match of the Super 12 round in the T20 World Cup 2021 edition, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday evening (October 24). Virat Kohli-led India were favourites as the Men in Blue had a 12-0 lead over their arch-rivals Pakistan in World Cup history, including both ODIs and T20Is. However, Babar Azam-led Pakistan stunned the Indian team as they produced a clinical performance with both bat and ball to win by 10 wickets, with 13 balls to spare. Thus, the one-time winners Pakistan not only started their T20 WC 2021 campaign in style, but they also ended their winless streak versus India in WC history. Shaheen Afridi, Babar, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Rizwan were the heroes for Pakistan in their flawless performance versus Kohli & Co. After the match, former Pakistan speedster and bowling coach Waqar Younis made heads turn by making a shocking statement. Speaking to a ARY News, Waqar told what impressed him the most in the Indo-Pak clash. "Sabse ache baat jo Rizwan ne ki. Usne ground mein khade hoke Naamaz padhe, hinduon ke beech mein....So that was really something very very special for me. (What I liked the most is what Rizwan did. He stood in the middle of the ground and read the prayers, in front of the Hindus)." ALSO READ | Pakistan star Md. Rizwan shares heartwarming post for Mohammed Shami as India pacer faces online abuse Following Waqar's remark, even Shoaib Akhtar -- who was a part of the panel discussion -- and the news anchor were left embarrassed. Talking about the match, Babar-led Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first at Dubai. Shaheen's 3 for 31 and Haris Rauf's 1 for 25 restricted India to 151-7, as only Kohli made a mark with the bat (57). In reply, Babar's 68* and Rizwan's stunning 78 not out took Pakistan to the total without dropping any sweat. Author's take Given how Waqar's shocking remark stunned Akhtar and the tv news anchor, it shows how the entire statement could've been avoided. While at one end some fans from both nations need to deal with the outcome of the Indo-Pak match in a much better way, former and established cricketers like Waqar should refrain from making such glaring remarks and keep their views with regard to the game only.

Shots fired! Waqar Younis makes heads turn with SHOCKING remark after Indo-Pak T20 WC tie

virat-kohli

Virat Kohli, News on Virat Kohli, stories on Virat Kohli, articles on Virat Kohli, Virat Kohli stories at Wion, Virat Kohli news, Virat Kohli latest news

virat kohli