COLOMBO: India secured a resounding victory, defeating Pakistan by 228 runs in a rain-affected Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023. This high-octane encounter was propelled by the magnificent unbeaten centuries of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, along with a stellar performance by Kuldeep Yadav.
Virat Kohli (122) and KL Rahul (111) formed an unbroken partnership of 233 runs, propelling India to a formidable total of 356-2. This score proved insurmountable for Pakistan, as they were bowled out for a mere 128 in the 50-over contest at Colombo.
Pakistan’s early innings woes were exacerbated as they lost opener Imam-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam with just 43 runs on the board within 11.4 overs.
Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah both did not come out to bat due to injuries and Pakistan’s innings came to an end on 128/8 in 32 overs. Indian pacers took the stage to wipe off Pakistan’s top-order that included dismissing captain Babar Azam on 10, the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.
Once the pacers caused the early damage, Kuldeep Yadav piled on the pressure with some superb spin bowling that capped off India’s domination.
The match was significantly affected by rain, with India resuming their innings at 147-2 after a weather-induced interruption. The contest had spilled over to an additional day, providing a last-minute advantage for the thrilling encounter.
On the reserve day, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli resumed their partnership at 147, gradually accelerating their scoring against the Pakistani bowlers.
Virat Kohli’s brilliant knock comprised 122 runs off 94 balls, embellished with nine boundaries and three sixes. He notched up his 47th ODI century, becoming only the fifth player to accumulate 13,000 ODI runs. KL Rahul marked his return to competitive cricket in style, scoring 111 runs off 106 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and two sixes.
The victory margin of 228 runs is India’s largest ever in terms of runs against Pakistan, surpassing their previous record of a 140-run win in Mirpur in 2008.
India’s batsmen laid the foundation for their commanding total after being asked to bat first by Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a flying start with a dazzling 121-run partnership. Sharma smashed six boundaries and four sixes on his way to a brisk 49-ball 56, while Gill contributed a 52-ball 58, featuring 10 boundaries.
Pakistani star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi managed to pick up one wicket, conceding 79 runs in his ten overs, while Shadab Khan accounted for 1 wicket for 71 runs.
India Squad
Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan Squad
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
