NEW DELHI:
Rohit Sharma
and
Virat Kohli
failed to deliver as openers in the
T20 World Cup
with the pair not registering a single fifty-run stand in the tournament for the opening wicket.
In the final against South Africa on Saturday in Barbados, Kohli and Rohit got off to a blistering start scoring 15 runs in the first over. It turned out to be the most expensive first over in a T20 World Cup final.
After Kohli smashed three fours in the first over, Rohit also got going with back-to-back fours off
Keshav Maharaj
in the second over.
However, the South African spinner had the last laugh by having him caught at backward square leg by
Heinrich Klaasen
.
The campaign began with 22 runs in 2.4 overs against Ireland, followed by a shaky 12 runs in 1.3 overs against Pakistan. A dismal 1-run start against the USA highlighted struggles, and 11 runs in 2.5 overs against Afghanistan continued the trend.
A promising 39-run stand against Bangladesh was a rare highlight. However, this was followed by 6 runs in 1.4 overs against Australia and 19 runs in 2.4 overs against England.
India concluded with 23 runs in 1.4 overs against South Africa, underscoring the need for more stable starts in future tournaments.
Earlier, India captain Rohit won the toss and elected to bat.
Both teams have had a stellar unbeaten run in the tournament finishing first in their respective group and Super Eight rounds.
While India are playing their third final of the T20 World Cup, with their last appearance in the 2014 edition and having won the inaugural edition in 2007, it is for the first time that the Proteas team has made it to the summit clash of an ICC tournament.
English (US) ·