Pakistan Today

Pakistan seek to win first T20 series against India

As India will be looking to quickly plug their batting shortcomings and pick the right team composition when they go into the second and last Twenty20 cricket international, Pakistan would be seeking their first T20 series win against the arch rivals on Friday. India suffered a five-wicket drubbing in the series opener in Bangalore after a middle-order collapse, which saw the hosts struggle to 130 for nine after being 90 for two at one stage. Pakistan, however, would be wanting their top order to show maturity and give the team a proper stand to have an upper hand in their tour before they enter into the ODI series. The hosts desperately need to win the second game to level the series and the pressure will be on Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men to deliver the goods when it matters the most. Apart from Gautam Gambhir (43) and Ajinkya Rahane (42), all the other batsmen failed to apply themselves when confronted against a strong bowling attack spearheaded by the experienced Umar Gul. In fact, all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were the only ones other than the openers to have reached the double figures. India would need the likes of Virat Kohli, Dhoni, Yuvraj and Rohit Sharma to regroup and fire in unison against the traditional rivals who are also equally determined to clinch the T20 series. The bowling also remains a persistent headache for the Indians. Except for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished with impressive figures of three for nine in his debut game, none of the other bowlers could trouble the Pakistani batsmen.

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