All the hype for the much-awaited clash between India and Pakistan ended in disappointment. The weather in Pallekele was the end winner, and as expected, the second inning was washed out, and it ended without a result.
In the end, both teams shared a point each, and Pakistan became the first team to qualify for the Super Four of the Asia Cup 2023. The game started when India won the toss and decided to bat first under overcast conditions. But the Pakistani bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, did what was expected of them.
As usual, Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan its first breakthrough, dismissing Rohit Sharma with an in-swinger that went through the gate and hit the stumps. Virat Kohli came out to bat at No. 3 and started with a glorious cover drive.
But Afridi dismissed him as well, and India were 27/2 in 6.3 overs with two of their biggest stars in world cricket back in the shade. Shreyas Iyer (14) and Shubman Gill also got out cheaply, and both fell to Haris Rauf.
India were struggling at 66/4 in 14.1 overs when Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya added India’s highest fifth wicket partnership against Pakistan of 138 runs. That helped India cross the 200-run mark. But as soon as the partnership was broken, India kept losing wickets.
From 204/4, they lost their last six wickets for just 62 runs, courtesy of some brilliant bowling from Pakistani pacers. All the team wickets were taken by the pacers. Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/35, while Naseem Shah (3/36) and Haris (3/58) took three wickets each.
After the end of the first innings, during the presentation, Afridi was asked to pick the best wicket between Rohit and Virat. He said both were crucial. Afridi said, “I think both were crucial wickets, every batter is the same for me. But I think I liked Rohit’s wicket better.”
