Watch: Rohit Sharma's tips help Mohammed Siraj get rid of Abdullah Shafique in IND vs PAK encounter

Mohammed Siraj dismissed Abdullah Shafique LBW trapped in front of the middle stump.

Pakistan were off to a great opening stand against India at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Abdullah Shafique (20) and Imam ul Haq (36) added 41 runs for the opening partnership. Pakistani openers hit a few boundaries in the first two overs against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Siraj conceded three boundaries against Imam ul Haq in his opening over. Later on, he provided India with the opening breakthrough in the game. 

When Pakistan's openers were looking solid, Mohammed Siraj dismissed Abdullah Shafique. Siraj trapped him in front during the 8th over. Despite a poor start, Siraj made a great comeback as he finished his first spell with a wicket. Siraj bowled 5 overs in his opening spell and conceded 27 runs. 12 out of those 27 came in the first over against left-hand batter Imam-ul-Haq. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also played a massive part in Siraj’s comeback. 

Rohit Sharma kept motivating Siraj

Indian captain Rohit Sharma kept chatting with Mohammed Siraj even after he conceded a few runs and he gave immense confidence to the Indian pacer. Siraj looked a little wayward at the beginning of Pakistani innings but continuous feedback from his captain kept motivating. Siraj, with a cross-seam delivery got rid of Pakistan opening batter Abdullah Shafique, who was looking dangerous with the kind of shots he was attempting against Indian bowlers. Shafique scored a century in his last innings. 

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Team India have now picked up 2 wickets and dismissed both openers. After Shafique, All-rounder Hardik Pandya got Imam-ul-Haq caught behind the wicket by KL Rahul and dismissed him on 36. Imam was also looking in a great touch but Pandya’s magical delivery sent Imam back in the pavilion. Rizwan survived a close call due to the DRS. 

The Indian team are playing with one change in playing XI. Shubman Gill will be making his World Cup debut as he is fit and back in the playing XI after missing two games for India. Shubman Gill missed India’s game against Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Delhi. Gill has replaced Ishan Kishan in the playing XI and will be taking up the responsibility as opening batter along with captain Rohit Sharma.