India claimed the top spot in the Cricket World Cup 2023 points table by defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. Led by Rohit Sharma, India showcased an impressive performance with both bat and ball at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Currently, India has six points from three matches and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.821, placing them ahead of New Zealand who also have six points and a slightly lower NRR of +1.604. South Africa holds the third position with four points from two matches and the best NRR in the competition so far (+2.360). Meanwhile, Pakistan sits in fourth place with four points from three matches.
In the match against Pakistan, Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, took charge and scored 86 runs off 63 balls, leading India to a comfortable victory. This win marks India’s third consecutive win in the tournament, while Pakistan suffered their first defeat after winning their first two matches. Additionally, this win extends India’s impressive record against Pakistan in World Cups, with eight successive victories dating back to 1992.
The Indian bowlers played a vital role in the win, dismissing Pakistan for 191 runs after Rohit won the toss and opted to field first. The fast bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets each, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with two wickets apiece. Pakistan’s top scorers were Babar Azam with 50 runs off 58 balls and Mohammad Rizwan with 49 runs off 69 balls. However, Pakistan suffered a collapse, going from 155 for two to being bowled out for 191 runs in 42.5 overs.
With inputs from PTI, it is clear that India’s victory against Pakistan has significantly boosted their position in the standings of the Cricket World Cup 2023.