India dominates Pakistan with an All round Performance

The Pakistan vs. India Super 4 game for the Asia Cup 2023 eventually began on Monday, September 11, in Colombo after considerable waiting. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul began India’s innings on 146/2 at the end of 24.1 overs. The pair took their time getting going today and steadily advanced the innings. After 29 overs, Rahul was on 25 (46), and in the 30th over, he broke loose by cutting Shaheen Afridi for a boundary in the direction of point. He took 60 balls to reach fifty as India passed 200 runs in the 34th over.

Babar Azam called the toss and immediately decided to put India in to bat first. To put Pakistan on the back foot, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill launched an immediate all-out assault on Shaheen Afridi. Prior to Pakistan’s Shadab Khan striking first, the opening pair put up a quick-fire 121-run partnership, sending Rohit Sharma out to the pavilion for 56.

In the 35th over, the pair finished their 100-run stand and focused on surpassing the 350-run threshold. While Kohli surpassed the milestone in the very next over and also scored 13,000 runs in ODI cricket, becoming the fastest batsman to do the record, Rahul completed his hundred in the 47th over off 100 balls and proclaimed his comeback in style.

A stunning 233-run partnership off 193 balls between Rahul (111* off 106) and Kohli (122* off 94) set a record-high stand in Asia Cup history. India produced a tremendous total of 356/2 in their allocated 50 overs thanks to their enormous partnership, which is also their joint-highest score against Pakistan in ODIs.

 Kuldeep Yadav secured a five-wicket haul.

Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s opener, was struck out by Jasprit Bumrah in the fifth over, giving the team’s reply a disastrous start. In the eleventh over, Hardik Pandya claimed the coveted scalp of Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam (10 off 24), forcing Pakistan to fold. The other batsmen eventually gave in to the immense strain of the scoreboard and started losing their wickets.

Read More: 2023 ODI World Cup: Changes in Indian Squad from 2019 World Cup

With his outstanding stint of 5/25 in eight overs, Kuldeep Yadav concluded as the bowler of choice for India after confusing Pakistan’s middle order. Because Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah chose not to bat, Pakistan was bowled out for 128 in 32 overs, giving India a commanding 228-run victory. X was awash with commentary in response to India’s convincing victory.

Back to back matches for India

“In my 15 years playing cricket, this is the first time I have ever done something like that. Fortunately, since we are Test players, we are aware of how to return the next day and play. Recovery is important. There was a lot of humidity today. I need to take care of my rehabilitation because I turn 35 in November. A big thank you from my side to the grounds personnel,” Virat Kohli remarked at the post-game presentation.

Pakistan had a mountain to climb, but by making a shaky beginning, they made their task more harder. Hardik Pandya knocked over Babar Azam with a peach that jagged back in, while Jasprit Bumrah sent Imam-ul-Haq, who was in fine form, packing for just nine. Kuldeep Yadav was introduced by Rohit Sharma and quickly wreaked havoc on Pakistan, taking five wickets for only 25 runs in eight overs. Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, and India defeated the opposition by a score of 228 runs. On Tuesday, September 12, at the R Premadasa in Colombo, India will play Sri Lanka.