KANDY: India defeated Nepal by ten wickets on a rainy day in Kandy as they chased the revised target of 145 runs in the 21st over at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After continuous showers throughout the day, the match was reduced to twenty-three overs.
Indian opening pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill easily chased the target as both batsmen completed half-centuries and cemented their side’s place in the Super 4.
Sharma played a blistering knock, posting 74 off 59 deliveries, which included six 4s and five 6s, while Gill smashed 67 off 62 balls with nine boundaries.
India’s previous match against Pakistan on Saturday was called off due to rain. Pakistan did not play a single ball, and the points were shared.
Today’s loss means Nepal — who were playing their first Asia Cup ever —are out of the mega-event.
Nepal’s Innings
Earlier in the first innings, Aasif Sheikh and Sompal Kami fought back and assisted Nepal in setting up a competitive total of 231 runs against India in the 5th match of the event.
The Asia Cup debutants got off to a lucky start as the Blues dropped three catches in the first five overs and bottled their chance to have a dream start.
The opening pair of Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh posted 65 runs before Shardul Thakur struck to provide the first breakthrough for blue shirts.
Aasif played a responsible knock where he completed his well-deserved half-century, but the right-handed batsman fell to Mohammad Siraj for 58 runs.
After Aasif’s wicket, Nepal kept on losing wickets continuously, but it was Kami who took his team over the line and scored an important inning of 48 off 56 balls.
Dipendra Singh Aree and Gulshan Jha also played important innings, posting 29 and 23 runs, respectively.
