Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli steered India to a comfortable seven wicket win over Pakistan in their opening World Twenty20 match in Mirpur on Friday.
Raina struck 35 runs off 34 balls, helped by let offs from Pakistani fielders, to set up India’s win. Kohli scored 36 runs off 45 balls.
India were rarely in trouble with Rohit Sharma and Shankar Dhawan getting India off to a solid start. They suffered a tense period when Sharma, Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh were all dismissed in quick succession, leaving the team reeling at 65 for three in the 11th over. But Kohli and Raina steadied the innings for India and saw them off safely.
From Pakistan, Saeed Ajmal was the pick of the bowlers, claiming one wicket in his four overs, conceding just 18 runs. Umar Gul and Bilawal Bhatti also picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, India won the toss and decided to bowl first.