India vs Pakistan begun amid high precipitations of rain. Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. As skies were grey, Babar decided to take advantage of the conditions early on.
India Innings – India vs Pakistan – Super 4s – Asia Cup 2023
Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill came out to the middle to start off the Indian innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi was opening the bowling for Pakistan in this all-important contest of India vs Pakistan. Indian openers showed their intent when Rohit Sharma smoked Shaheen for a six on the last ball of the first over of the match. Both openers continued their onslaught.
Read More : History of Asia Cup – A Glorious Tournament since 1984
Shaheen was attacking in his first spell as always, which also carries the risk of being expensive. He went for 3 boundaries in the over twice and the batsman was Shubman Gill on both the occasions. Naseem tried to keep things under control as was evident but runs continued to leak from the other end. Pakistan fielding was below par as they missed 2 chances. Faheem was brought into the attack as Indians continued with their onslaught. Naseem bowled 5 overs in his first spell and gave away 23 runs, remaining unlucky as 2 catches were missed/dropped off his bowling.
India scored 61-0 in 10 overs of powerplay. Haris was brought on in the 11th over. In 12th over, came Shadab to the attack, who was taken the cleaners by Rohit Sharma, taking 19 of his first over. Haris continued and tried to keep it tight. But in the next over, Shadab was again taken for 12 runs by Rohit Sharma. At this point, Shadab gave away 31 runs in his 2 overs, making it difficult for the captain to continue with him. Haris bowled decently in the next over giving away only 3 runs. At this stage, India were 118-0 in 16 overs.
After the drinks break, Babar backed Shadab and brought him again to bowl. Shadab didn’t disappoint his captain and took the wicket of Rohit, taking his revenge. Rohit was caught by Faheem Ashraf at long off, who completed a beautiful running catch. Rohit departed for 56 off 49. In came Virat Kohli at no.3. Babar decided to bring back Shaheen who gave 31 runs in his first 3 overs. And boy he didn’t disappoint his captain either as he dismissed the well set Shubman Gill (58 off 52) with a leg cutter. Gill went for the drive but was caught at covers by Agha Salman. India were now 123-2 in 17.5 overs.
KL Rahul came at no.4, playing his first match of Asia Cup 2023 and that too in the all-important India vs Pakistan clash. Runs dried up for India as Pakistani bowlers made a comeback, as they started putting pressure on Indian batters. Shadab Khan gave only 15 runs in his next 4 overs, doing some good damage control. Indian batters added 24 runs for the 3rd wicket stand in the next 7 overs.
Soon, rain decided to disrupt the party and made an entry with a storm. Players rushed out of the ground. Sri Lankan ground staff came out to cover the ground, helped by Fakhar Zaman, who may did not wanted the pitch to get any rain. India were 147-2 in 24.1 overs.
Rain affected the entire day as the play couldn’t be resumed after the delay. Rain did stop for a while in the evening but play couldn’t resume due to wet outfield. Ground staff tried their best to dry the ground but rain started pouring again. As time ran out, officials decided to activate the reserve day. So, as it stands, India were 147-2 in 24.1 overs at stumps.
Conclusion – India vs Pakistan – Super 4s – Asia Cup 2023
India would be happy with their overall performance but will have to start fresh tomorrow as it would be a brand-new day. Pakistan may have to think hard on how to take wickets in the middle overs and most importantly, think about their fielding as they had a below par day in fielding. Nevertheless, Pakistan would be satisfied with the comeback with the help of 2 back to back wickets.
Visit Our YouTube Channel : Cricket Maverick
