Watch: The marquee clash between India and Pakistan got off to a splendid start as Shaheen Afridi kicked things off with a memorable new-ball spell.

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The long-awaited contest began with a bang as Shaheen Afridi got rid off both the Indian openers within a space of seven deliveries.

India opened with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, while Shaheen had the new ball. He bowled three good length deliveries to Rahul, who was able to work the third ball for a single to put Sharma on strike for a long-awaited match-up.

The very first ball was a yorker which pinned Rohit in front – there was a loud appeal from Shaheen and his fielders before the umpire raised his finger.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, on commentary, said: “Oh, gone, surely gone, absolutely plumb! Yes! First blood Pakistan.”

But Shaheen wasn’t done tormenting India just yet. The very next over he dismissed India’s other opener, and ensured that Pakistan had the early advantage. A good length delivery came in, and Rahul tried to play across it but missed it, allowing the ball to crash into Rahul’s stumps.

Nasser Hussain could hardly contain himself. He said: “Oh out, what a beauty! He’s on absolute fire, they cannot play him.”

India’s score after losing their first two wickets was 6-2.

You can view both the dismissals here:

 

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