Match report: India thrash local rivals Pakistan

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• India 129/2 (Kohli 78*, Sehwag 29) defeated Pakistan 128 (Malik 28, Balaji 3/22)

Summary:

India has overcome a bright start by Pakistan to win by eight wickets, notching their first win of the Super Eight stage. Pakistan bolted out of the blocks, scoring 26 runs off the first two overs before their batsmen seemed to freeze in the face of what was only a steady Indian bowling attack. Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez was particularly culpable, scoring just 15 runs off 28 balls. Pakistan were then under pressure to score quick runs later in the innings, but this only led to a batting collapse which had them all out in the final over. India, spearheaded by Virat Kohli, was largely untroubled and unhurried in the run chase, reaching Pakistan's total in the 18th over.

Rabbit in the headlights:

Clashes between India and Pakistan always attract a lot of attention, especially when they meet in a major tournament. That extra attention and pressure seemed to get to Pakistan who were edgy and nervous throughout the match. Their batsmen were tentative often scoring at less than a run a ball, and when they did try to hit out, they often picked out fielders. Pakistan weren't much better in the field either, dropping catches (including Kohli on 42) and bowling erratically.

Who's hot:

Pakistan: Shoaib Malik was the best of a pretty ordinary lot for Pakistan, scoring 28 off 22 balls, but never really threatened. Raza Hasan was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers taking 1/22 off four overs.

India: Virat Kohli notched his third significant score of the tournament, underlining his status as one of India's best young players. Yuvraj Singh answered his critics with a solid all-round performance.

What it means:

Pakistan: Now up to their necks in the fight for a semi-final spot, as this loss will deal a significant blow to their net run-rate. Will need to beat Australia to be assured of progressing.

India: Were behind the eight-ball after the heavy loss to Australia, but this win has them in with a chance of advancing. Will need to defeat South Africa and hope results go their way.

The Votes:

MVP: 3- V Kohli, 2- Y Singh (2/16, a run-out and runs with the bat), 1- L Balaji (Pick of the bowlers)

Tucker Trophy: 1- Y Arafat (most expensive bowler), 2- U Gul (failed to repeat heroics, going for 30 off there overs), 3- M Hafeez (glacial with the bat)