India beats Pakistan by 5 wickets
In the Asia Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. India laboured, but an all-around performance from Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s excellent spell helped India defeat Pakistan.
With 3/25 and 33 off 17 remaining undefeated, Hardik led India to victory. Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja played a solid 35-run knock. As India amassed 148 runs with 2 balls remaining, Virat Kohli added 35 runs of his own.
Shining Indian seamers
India won the toss and chose to bowl first against archrival Pakistan. But to everyone’s astonishment, India substituted Dinesh Karthik for Rishabh Pant. But choosing to bowl turned out to be the right move. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled the in-form Babar Azam in the third over. After that, Avesh Khan delivered Pakistan another blow by sending Fakhar Zaman back, down Pakistan’s powerplay score to 42/2.
The runs were hard to come by, despite Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed putting together a 45-run partnership off 38 balls. Since there was no swing available, the Indian pace attack turned to bouncers. In fact, when Indian pacers continued to chip away with wickets, 5 of the wickets came from short deliveries. Indian seamers set a precedent by taking all 10 Pakistani wickets when bowled them out for 147 in Dubai.
However, Shahnawaz Dahani’s 16 off 6 and tenth wicket partnership of 19 runs gave Pakistan a chance until the final wicket went. However, Arshdeep Singh ultimately got rid of Dahani to dismiss Pakistan.
The best bowler in the group was Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who recorded a 4/26. Hardik Pandya too had a standout bowling performance, taking 3/25. As spinners did not play a significant role, Arshdeep Singh (2/33) and Avesh Khan (1/19) were also among the wicket-takers. Pakistan’s best scorer was Mohd Rizwan, who had 43 points, and Shahnawaz Dahani, who had a solid cameo of 16 off 6.
Struggling Indian batters
India got off to a slow start while chasing a goal of 148. KL Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck thanks to Naseem Shah’s fantastic debut performance. Rohit Sharma struggled to get going, but he and Virat Kohli did their best to steady the ship with a 49-run partnership off 46 balls.
Finally, Rohit was bowled by Mohammad Nawaz for a slow 12 off 18. The match’s focal point, Virat Kohli, did show hints of his previous form. He was in terrific position and played the shots late. While the pitch did not allow him to go bang bang, he did play an important 35-run knock off 34 balls.
However, after making several fantastic strokes, he was removed due to a subpar shot, which will disappoint Kohli since he might have led India to victory. Mohammad Nawaz received Kohli’s wicket as well. It should be mentioned that Kohli was given a reprieve on the second delivery as Fakhar Zaman flubbed a chance at the slip. It was Kohli’s 100th T20I.
As Jadeja was elevated, Suryakumar Yadav, who normally plays at No. 4, played at No. 5. He likewise struggled to get going. He got 18 out of 18 before Naseem Shah cleaned up his stumps. India beats Pakistan by 5 wickets.
Hardik Pandya – The savior
In 14.2 overs, India had 89/4 on the board; they needed someone to step up and pose a danger. Just that was done by Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya. While Hardik Pandya played his shots, Jadeja anchored from one end. It was also a form of atonement for the all-rounder, whose selection to the team for the T20 World Cup drew harsh criticism.
However, Hardik Pandya was as normal on Sunday at the Asia Cup. After a sluggish beginning, he took on Haris Rauf for 14 runs in the 19th over to severely damage Pakistan’s prospects. In the end, he hit a massive six to end on 33 off only 17 balls and remain unblemished. Rishabh Pant received the nod, but Dinesh Karthik was limited to playing a ball.
Hardik Pandya was announced the Player of the match. The win was remarkable as it was India’s 7th win against Pakistan in T20Is. It was also India’s 15th win in Asia Cup tournaments against Pakistan. And with a five wicket win India completed their T20 world cup revenge over Pakistan. India beats Pakistan by 5 wickets.
India beats Pakistan by 5 wickets.
Read Also – Asia cup 2022 Full Schedule
