Not only did India register a facile 228-run win in its opening Super Four fixture in the Asia Cup against Pakistan but Rohit Sharma and Co. have ticked all the boxes it desired for.
Brief Score: India 356 for 2 (Kohli 122*, Rahul 111*, Shadab 1-71) beat Pakistan 128 (Fakhar 27, Kuldeep 5-25) by 228 runs
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
The reserve day was added at the last minute, possibly to maximize the broadcaster’s coverage of the high-profile India vs. Pakistan match. This additional day of play proved beneficial for both the broadcaster and the Indian cricket team.
In India’s opening Super 4s fixture at the Asia Cup against Pakistan, the Men in Blue secured a dominant 228-run victory. Over the course of two days, Rohit Sharma and his team accomplished nearly everything they had set out to achieve.
Following a strong start by Rohit and Shubman Gill on Sunday, Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul continued the momentum stylishly. As a result, India reached an imposing total of 356 for 2, which is tied for its highest score against Pakistan in ODIs. Given that no team had previously successfully chased a target of over 301 at the venue, Kohli (122*) and Rahul’s (111*) impressive centuries effectively put Pakistan out of contention.
India’s all-round bowling performance then sealed the deal with 18 overs to spare. After the pacers dismantled Pakistan’s top order, Kuldeep Yadav, who had struggled for rhythm against Nepal in the group stage, confounded Pakistan’s batsmen.
The day witnessed two rain interruptions. The first delay lasted 100 minutes, while the second, with Pakistan at 44 for 2 in 11 overs, lasted over an hour before the game resumed.
Pakistan had a forgettable day, losing Haris Rauf to injury, and Naseem Shah also couldn’t complete his overs. In the chase, Agha Salman suffered an injury after a top-edged reverse sweep.
Kohli, Rahul, and Kuldeep were the standout performers for India. Rahul balanced strike rotation with big hits to accumulate his runs, while Kohli effectively wore down the bowlers and fielders. Kohli reached his hundred in the 48th over, hitting only six fours and two sixes, but his masterful batting helped India score 56 runs in the final five overs to cross the 350-run mark.
Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Imam-ul-Haq, and Hardik Pandya delivered a pivotal delivery to dismiss Babar Azam. Shardul Thakur took the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, and Kuldeep Yadav displayed his artistry to dismantle Pakistan’s middle and lower order, securing a well-deserved five-wicket haul. The early finish provided India with extra rest before their upcoming match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
View this post on Instagram