COLOMBO: Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India’s 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup on Monday’s reserve day.
India: 356/2 (50 Overs)
Pakistan: 128/8 (12 Overs)
Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo.
Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25.
India resumed on 147-2 after rain ended play early on Sunday and pushed the match into an additional day set aside by the tournament, which is a precursor to the ODI World Cup.
Rain again delayed the start but no overs were lost and then the Kohli-Rahul pair roused the Indian fans at a largely empty stadium.
Rahul, who returned from an injury lay-off, raised his bat to celebrate his hundred and was hugged by Kohli, who soon brought up his own ton after surpassing 13,000 ODI runs.
Half-centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma and fellow opener Shubman Gill got India off to a good start on Sunday with a 121-run stand.
Kohli and Rahul resumed cautiously on their overnight scores of eight and 17 before they took to the Pakistan attack with 100 runs in 102 balls.
Pakistan suffered a blow when officials said fast bowler Rauf had suffered a strain and would take no further part. Later fellow quick Naseem also walked off with some discomfort to his hand.
Rahul smashed 12 fours and two sixes, including whipping Shadab Khan over mid-wicket, in his 106-ball knock.
Kohli finished the innings with a six down the ground against a bowling attack that lacked sting. Sloppy fielding added to Pakistan’s woes.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab got a wicket each on Sunday.
Ground staff worked tirelessly to get the field ready after Monday’s early rain.
Pakistan were never in the chase after they lost two early wickets including skipper Babar Azam bowled for 10 off an impressive in-swinger by Hardik Pandya.
Rain once again interrupted play but not the Indian momentum as the bowlers kept up their charge after resumption and Kuldeep sent back Mohammad Rizwan with his left-arm wrist spin.
Wickets kept tumbling and Kuldeep got three more to get into the Pakistan tail and then claimed his second ODI five-wicket haul.
The extra day was a last-minute addition to the Super Four clash — the only game to get the advantage other than the final — after a previous group game between the two teams was washed out in Pallekele.
India will head into a third successive day of cricket when they meet Sri Lanka in the next Super Four clash on Tuesday at the same venue.
An extra day was a last-minute addition to the Super 4 clash — the only game to get the advantage other than the final — after a previous group meeting between the two teams was washed out due to rain in Pallekele.
Rain interrupts play
Play stopped due to rain as covers have been brought in. Even Fakhar Zaman joins in to help them cover the pitch.
Shubman Gill falls down
Shaheen Shah finally took a wicket as Shubman Gill caught out.
Both set batters returned to the pavilion as India got new batters – Virat Kohli and KL Rahul – at the crease.
IND: 123/2 (17.5)
121-0 ➡️ 123-2
Incredible comeback by Pakistan’s Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi! They’ve roared back into the game, sending both the Indian openers back in the hut! 🇵🇰#AsiaCup2023 #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/KurOSObKCS
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 10, 2023
Rohit Sharma out
Shadab Khan breaks the partnership as Rohit Sharma walks back to the pavilion.
IND: 121/1 (16.4)
100 up for Men in Blue
Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have completed their half-centuries as they brought up 100 for India.
Explosive start by the Indian openers! Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill both notching up their 50s, propelling India past 100 in quick time! 🔥#AsiaCup2023 #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/pFFnOG4gcN
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 10, 2023
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50-run opening partnership for India
Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma scripted a solid start as they raised up an unbeaten 61 in first powerplay.
A sensational start by the Men in Blue! Gill and Sharma are laying down the foundation for a BIG total with their unbeaten 50-run partnership! 🇮🇳🤩#AsiaCup2023 #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/jCItRr14Ve
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 10, 2023
The arch-rivals today are looking to resume their clash after rain washed out their previous game in Pallekele.
In the last match, India were dismissed for 266 in 48.5 overs. Pakistan — who are currently at the top of the points table — could not begin their chase because of the weather.
Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a photo of clear skies at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on its X (formerly Twitter).
A view of RPICS, Colombo 🏟️#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/MO4SrrMA3N
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 10, 2023
Meanwhile, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) also put up a photo exclaiming: “The skies are clear as we all gear up for an exciting contest!”
Current weather update: The skies are clear as we all gear up for an exciting contest!#AsiaCup2023 #PAKvsIND. . pic.twitter.com/s4IhrxeA0Q
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 10, 2023
According to weather forecast, there could be rain interruptions at the beginning of play and in the second half.
When the match begins at 3pm local time (2:30 PST), there is a 90pc likelihood of thunderstorms, which will abate by 4pm (3:30 PST).
However, a reserve day has been introduced for the Asia Cup Super Four contest between Pakistan and India amid the possibility of rains.
PLAYING XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:
Overall ODIs: Matches 133, India 55, Pakistan 73, NR 5
Asia Cup ODI: Matches 14, India 7, Pakistan 5, NR 2
