India vs. Pakistan: Winners and Losers from Cricket World Cup Match

India maintained their unbeaten record in World Cups against Pakistan on Sunday. They thumped their rivals by 76 runs in Melbourne in both teams’ World Cup opener.

It was an entertaining match with plenty to talk about and we’ve picked out some of the winners and losers from the match. Add your thoughts in the comments.

All quotes and information obtained firsthand.

Winner: Virat Kohli

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At the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli was asked how he feels being the “new Sachin Tendulkar.” The crowd cheered and Kohli very nearly blushed. He accepted the compliment and although he didn’t indulge in it, his stats certainly do back this thought up.

He notched up an impressive 107 against Pakistan to help swell his record in one-day cricket. When Kohli got his first ODI 100, Chris Gayle already had 19. Now Kohli has 22 and Gayle 21. While some of that is due to Gayle preferring to play T20 cricket rather than ODIs, Kohli surely is set to become one of India’s most legendary batsmen.

Winner: Suresh Raina

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Suresh Raina had a torrid time in the ODI tri-series in January. Not once did he manage to get out of single figures. During India's warm-up against Afghanistan last week, he scored 75 and he backed that up with 74 against Pakistan on Sunday.

As one of India’s most experienced players, Raina being in good form will go a long way in their World Cup defence.

Winner: Pakistan’s Bowling

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At one stage during India’s innings, they looked set for a score at the deep end of 300. Somehow, though, Pakistan's bowlers pulled it back. Sohail Khan bagged an impressive five-for, while Wahab Riaz kept his economy rate at just 4.90.

While Mohammed Irfan did struggle with consistency somewhat, he's back to being fit and it's only a matter of time before he starts firing properly.

The absence of Saaed Ajmal and Junaid Khan looked like it might leave the Pakistan bowling line-up way short, but their showing against India will be a massive confidence boost.

Pakistan’s death bowling was also impressive and the final five overs yielded only 27 runs. Things would have been even better if their fielding was up to scratch, but Pakistan fans will have to settle for at least one positive.

Loser: Pakistan’s Fielding

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Things might have been better if it weren’t for Pakistan’s dodgy fielding. Dropped catches and the general lack of agility cost them loads of runs and the fluffed chances allowed India to get away.

Pakistan have never been renowned for their ability in the field, but if a team wants to have any shot at winning a World Cup or at least making it to a final, fielding is something that needs to be sharp. 

Loser: The Umpiring

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Umpire Steve Davis made a howling error in the third umpire's box on Sunday. Umar Akmal was at the crease and India appealed for a caught behind off Ravi Jadeja. The on-field umpire said not out, but India reviewed immediately.

Upon review, Akmal was given out despite Snicko not showing a spike. Video replays showed that the ball might have deviated, but it remains debatable whether the evidence was enough to overturn the decision of the man on the field.

Since communication between the on-field umpire and the third umpire is not broadcast, nobody knows what was said for the decision to be overruled and the decision caused much frustration as a result.