India 8, Pak 0: Dominance on the big stage continues

It wasn't a contest. Not even close. But the sea of blue that filled the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday got what it wanted-some Jasprit Bumrah magic, some Kuldeep Yadav perfection and a knock of the kind that only Rohit Sharma can play.

- VIVEK KRISHNAN

The fans, screaming and savouring the carnival-like atmosphere that enveloped this sprawling stadium, saw India seal an easy seven-wicket win against Pakistan in a contest that never rose to match the pre game hype. So utterly dominant were India that after skittling Pakistan out for 191 in 42.5 overs, they chased down the target with 117 balls to spare in front of a large and partisan crowd.

India now have three wins out of three at this World Cup, notching up comprehensive displays in each of these games and clearly looking good to be in the fray come the final week of the tournament.

That India would have it so easy against Pakistan, a team which does oscillate between the sublime and the ridiculous, wasn't expected going into the game. But Babar Azam's team offered more of the latter on Saturday. They had registered a record chase against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad last Tuesday, but their abject capitulation here suggests a pressing need to go back to the drawing board.