Mohali : The celebrity cricket event in World Cup 2011 is getting more and more excited, as India did not cross 260 runs on a pitch made wet by last night’s rain in Mohali, Punjab.
Sachin Tendulkar who was the anchor of Indian batting, was dropped once, before reaching 85, missing his 100th century by 15 runs on records. Yuvraj Singh (0) was a total disappointment, getting yorked in the first delivery he faced from Wahab.
Virat Kohli (9) could not reach 10 runs, Opener Virendra Sehwag made only  38 runs, while Gambhir could manage about 27 runs. Sehwag plundered 21 runs in one over of Umar Gul. Riyaz Wahab took 5 crucial wickets for Pakistan.
The stadium was full and simmering with expectations of Indian batting riots.
Among Indian bowlers, in form R.Ashwin was shown the door, while dependable Munaf Patel was welcomed in. Ashish Nehra is also there. These 3 bowlers (Zaheer added) bear the brunt of counter attack when Pakistan bats to face India’s 260 runs, for a place in the finals where Sri Lanka awaits one of the two brilliant sides to play.
Sreesanth is left to daydream in the dressing room. In Pak team, Shoaib Akhtar, his counterpart in many ways, is left out to ruminate on his retirement.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and picked up batting. He made 25 runs in 42 balls. He has a great responsibility to lead India into the finals on a low score. Indian bowlers are under pressure to get Pakistan bowled out for under 250 runs now.
Match details :  India: 260 for 9 in 50.0 overs R/R: 5.2 Fall of wickets:1/48 (Virender Sehwag 5.5 ov.), 2/116 (Gautam Gambhir 18.5 ov.), 3/141 (Virat Kohli 25.2 ov.), 4/141 (Yuvraj Singh 25.3 ov.), 5/187 (Sachin Tendulkar 37 ov.), 6/205 (MS Dhoni 41.4 ov.), 7/236 (Harbhajan Singh 46.4 ov.), 8/256 (Zaheer Khan 49.2 ov.), 9/258 (Ashish Nehra 49.5 ov.) Extras : 18 (b – 0, w – 8, nb – 2, lb – 8, Penalty – 0)