IND vs PAK in Colombo, September 11, 2023: India delivered a commanding performance against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 encounter. The match, which had to be rescheduled to the reserve day due to a wet outfield, witnessed India’s complete dominance.
A memorable victory followed by a much-deserved recovery session ahead of today's Super 4s encounter 😃👌
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 12, 2023
Here's a quick round-up of #TeamIndia's remarkable win over Pakistan in Colombo 🎥 🙌#AsiaCup2023 | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/h0n4yeIZbN
IND vs PAK: Kohli and Rahul’s Prolific Partnership
Resuming from an overnight score of 147/2 in 24.1 overs, India showcased their batting prowess. KL Rahul, stepping in for Shreyas Iyer, played a sensational innings, while Virat Kohli displayed his usual class. The duo put on an incredible partnership, contributing to India’s total of 356/2. This partnership marked only the fourth instance of India’s top four batsmen scoring fifty-plus runs in ODIs.
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Rahul and Kohli’s unbroken partnership was a spectacle, as they smashed 209 runs on the reserve day. Rahul’s aggressive start and Kohli’s consistent accumulation of runs in a risk-free manner posed a significant challenge for Pakistan’s bowlers. Pakistan’s chances were further diminished when Naseem Shah left the field with a shoulder injury in the 49th over. This marked Naseem’s first time going wicketless in 14 ODIs.
Read More: Naseem Shah Grit and Tenacity Shine in Asia Cup 2023
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Kuldeep Yadav’s Exceptional Bowling Display
When Pakistan came out to chase the mammoth target of 357 runs, they faced the fury of India’s bowlers. Jasprit Bumrah, returning to ODIs after an injury break, and Mohammed Siraj rattled Pakistan’s top order with their seam and swing movement. Hardik Pandya joined the attack, further increasing the pressure.
BOOM BOOM 💥
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023
Welcome back to ODIs. He strikes on his 14th ball.#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/7QXha3xumz
A rain delay provided a brief respite for Pakistan, but upon resumption, Kuldeep Yadav‘s wizardry with the ball compounded their woes. The left-arm wristspinner finished with an exceptional 5 for 25 in eight overs, creating havoc in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Kuldeep’s performance was a masterclass in spin bowling, and he claimed his second five-wicket haul in ODIs. Pakistan struggled to build partnerships, and no batter managed to surpass 25 runs. The margin of victory, 228 runs, was India’s largest against Pakistan in ODI cricket.
What’s Next for India
With this resounding victory, India solidified their position in the Asia Cup. Their next challenge awaits as they face Sri Lanka in the Super 4 clash on Tuesday. As the tournament progresses, cricket enthusiasts can expect more exciting matches and stellar performances.
