Yes, firstly, the overcautious approach of asking out of form batsmen to open the innings in search of consolidation was unable to ponder. Pakistan did exactly that by having Younis to open the innings. The team management wanted all other batsmen to rally around two batsmen - Younis and Misbah - and this backfired terribly.
Sarfraz Ahmed was dropped at the behest of Umar Kamal. Sarfraz has been Pakistan's best opener in recent years and has bought a transformation in its opening partnership.
These two, to me, were the most dreadful decision that cost the match for Pakistan. All they could do was to react to situations without any plan B.
India on the other hand was completely at ease and it was as though they executed to their plans perfectly right from the time they had won the toss.
Virat's innings was brilliant but, to me, Raina was the reason for this score. He was severe of the two against the bowlers. Misbah obliged by asking the spinners to bowl to Raina's strength and his innings brought the momentum going.
Dhoni was brilliant as a captain. His moves were perfect to the occasion. Yes, there were minor glitches on the field placements, especially when Jadeja was bowling allowing singles very easily, but today was a day that belongs to him and his team.
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