Two standout batters. Three pacers spewing venom. And three rain interruptions. All of it culminated in a single huge disappointment for the scores of followers who flocked the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium for the high-voltage Asia Cup conflict between India and Pakistan.
Thanks to a persistent drizzle that began in direction of the tip of India’s batting essay, the match officers formally referred to as the sport off at 9.52 p.m., 35 minutes earlier than the cut-off for a 20-over chase. By then, your complete outfield had been lined with tarpaulin sheets.
The groundstaff, regardless of working tirelessly all through the day, wore a dejected look. So did 20,000-odd followers who stayed again hoping for an exciting end. But they needed to make do with a topsy-turvy first half that finally turned futile.
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India captain Rohit Sharma had no hesitation in opting to bat after the coin landed in his favour, however it turned out to be a far-from-ideal begin. As quickly because the 35-minute rain break after 4.2 overs ended, Shaheen Shah Afridi set Rohit up with an inswinger that sneaked by his defence on the again of a few outswingers.
Afridi then loved the double delight, with Virat Kohli enjoying him after a crisp sq. drive. When Shreyas Iyer pulled Haris Rauf solely to see Mohammad Nawaz latch on to a pointy catch at midwicket, at 48 for 3, India was in peril of wilting below the big-match strain.
In got here Ishan Kishan – enjoying his first ODI and batting at No. 5 for the primary time. Then there was a short 20-minute rain interruption, and shortly afterwards, a shaky Shubman Gill performed Haris Rauf on to the stumps.
At 66 for 4, Ishan and Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain, bought collectively, and the left- and right-handed mix appeared easy as soon as the spin was launched.
Riding on Ishan and Hardik’s 138-run partnership – dominated by Ishan’s 82 (81b, 9×4, 2×6) – India placed on a decent complete of 266 on the board earlier than folding up within the penultimate over.
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Had it not been for the partnership, India might nicely have been bundled out a lot earlier. Barring a top-edged pull early on that was misjudged at deep sq. leg, Ishan performed a fluent knock. The left-handed batter was brutal in opposition to spinners however confirmed his intent as quickly as changing Shreyas Iyer – who departed whereas enjoying a pull shot off Haris Rauf.
With Ishan on tune, Hardik took a again seat and began waging an extended deal with solely after Ishan’s dismissal within the thirty eighth over. But similar to the pocket dynamo, Hardik too perished within the 80s, resulting in a collapse. India misplaced the final 5 wickets for 27 runs.
Just when Jasprit Bumrah guided India’s complete previous 260 with a cameo, the heavens opened up once more, and the regular drizzle persevered till the sport was deserted.
The outcome meant Pakistan grew to become the primary crew to qualify for the Super Four, whereas India should beat Nepal on Monday to affix the Green military.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com