Virat Kohli’s unconquered 94-ball 122, KL Rahul’s undefeated 106-ball 111, and Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul powered India to a lopsided 228-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.
PAKISTAN'S INNINGS
32nd over
Kuldeep, who had bowled beautifully so far, was clobbered by Afridi for a clean six over his head. The spinner then made a comeback in the same over when he perplexed Faheem Ashraf on the last ball. When injuries prevented tail-ends Haris and Naseem from taking their turn at the crease, Pakistan's innings came to an end, as they were bundled out for a total of 128 runs.
31st over
In the 31st over, Thakur replaced Jadeja and the Indian bowler was only went for two runs.
30th over
Iftikhar sent off Kuldeep to start the 30th over. He was dismissed by Kuldeep after the latter took the catch himself, Pakistan scored 119 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 30 overs.
29th over
Jadeja spun the ball quickly in his fifth over as Iftikhar and Faheem tried to make sense of the southpaw's off-spin bowling. Pakistan scored 115 runs for the loss of six wickets in the 29th over.
28th over
Kuldeep dismissed Shadab at third when the latter tried to lift the ball over the long-on fielder. Thakur finished the job when the fast bowler, who bowled beautifully himself, caught a shot high to his right a little further. Pakistan scored 111 runs for the loss of six wickets after 28 overs.
27th over
Jadeja continued at the other end as the spinners continued to find wickets for the Blue side. Four runs in the 27th over took Pakistan's target to 108 for the loss of five wickets.
26th over
On Kuldeep's fifth ball, Iftikhar scored 3 runs between the keeper and first slip. The spinner, who was looking for his third wicket, kept the Pakistani batsmen guessing. Pakistan scored 104 runs for the loss of five wickets.
25th over
Five runs came in the 25th over as Pakistan's target reached 101 for five. There is no hope left for the hosts in the middle of their innings.
24th over
Kuldeep dismissed Salman on the last ball of the 24th over. A leg-before wicket, which Salman reviewed, ended Salman's innings on 23 runs. Pakistan's target was 96 runs for the loss of five wickets after 24 overs.
23rd over
Jadeja was costly as he returned for his second spell as the spinner conceded nine runs in the 23rd over. Salman also hit a boundary on the second ball of the over.
22nd over
Yadav gave away a single in the 22nd over as the spinner continued to elude the Pakistani batsmen with his leg spin. The over ended with five points, as Pakistan's total score was 84 for the loss of four wickets.
21st over
Jadega was called into the attack by the Indian captain to open the 21st over. The all-rounder hit four singles for four runs in his first over as Pakistan's total reached 79 for the loss of four wickets.
20th over
The opener was dismissed by Kuldeep when Fakhar missed the ball in an attempt to take it to the leg side. With a straight delivery, Fakhar yorked himself as the ball bounced into the stumps. Two runs from this ended a very good over from the southpaw leggie. Pakistan scored 77 runs for the loss of four wickets after 20 overs.
19th over
Pandya replaced Thakur and continued to bowl from the other end. On the third ball of Hardik's fifth ball, Fakhar sent the ball over the cover. A much-needed slog from the opener took Pakistan's total to 77 for the loss of three wickets at the end of the 19th over.
18th over
After some really good pace bowling by the Indian team, the spinner was brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma. Kuldeep found the edge of Fakhar on the second delivery but was dropped by the Indian skipper at first slip. The ball slipped out of Sharma's hands, and it looked as if the Indian captain would catch it in the second attempt, but it was not to be. Pakistan's target was 71 for the loss of three wickets at the end of the 18th over.
17th over
Hardik Pandya's brilliant comeback as a fast bowler yielded just one run. Fakhar's slow start continued to put pressure on the men in green, as Pakistan were 69 for three at the end of the 17th over.
16th over
Thakur conceded just three runs off three singles in the 16th over. A good over from the fast bowler ended his third, with Pakistan scoring 68 for the loss of three wickets.
15th over
Pandya conceded five wides on the first ball of his third over. A wayward ball over the goalkeeper's head gave Pakistan five extras. Four more runs were lost in the over, and Pakistan's score was 65 for three after 15 overs.
14th over
Agha's straight drive in Thakur's second over brought a welcome boundary for Pakistan. Thakur still managed to move the ball around in the air, threatening both batsmen's edges. Thakur ended the 14th over with 56 for Pakistan for three wickets, scoring eight runs.
13th over
Pandya kept it outside the fourth stump in his second over. One of them, Pakistan scored 48 runs for the loss of three wickets after 13 overs.
12th over
Shardul Thakur opened the bowling after rain spoiled play at the end of the 11th over. Thakur dismissed Rizwan on the fourth delivery of the over. A beautiful ball ended Rizwan's innings for two runs. Salman Ali Agha came to the crease with Pakistan's score of 47 for the loss of three wickets after 12 overs.
11th over
Babar was sent back to the pavilion by Hardik Pandya, who was brought into the attack by the Indian captain. Three. Mohammad Rizwan came to the crease when Pakistan were 44 for two.
10th over
Babar sent Siraj to cover in the 10th over on the fourth delivery of the over. A flick of the pad was sent to the mid-wicket boundary. Pakistan's powerplay ended at 43 for the loss of one more wicket in this over.
Ninth over
Bumrah continued with his fifth over and headed behind point for a boundary. A really good backfoot punch from the skipper. Back-to-back eight runs in two overs as Pakistan look to build a huge total. Pakistan's score is 38 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Eighth over
Fakhar opened its arms against Siraj in the eighth over as the Green team looked to ease some of the pressure. A single, two byes, and a double end the eighth over with eight runs from him. Pakistan has now scored 30 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Seventh over
Bumrah bowled another fine over after taking his first wicket in the fifth over. One of the only pacers to put pressure on the Pakistani top order Pakistan lost Imam at the end of the sixth over; he is now 21.
Sixth over
Fakhar was dismissed on the fourth delivery of Siraj's over, who bowled very well from the start of Pakistan's batting. Both Indian fast bowlers are helping each other in the first spell. Three runs out of this at the end of the sixth over made Pakistan's score 20 for one.
Fifth over
Bumrah struck in the fifth over as he sent Imam back to the pavilion. A perfect line captured the outer edge of the imam and held the gill comfortably. Bumrah hit the pad in front of the captain, who came in to bat at number three. Bumrah, the only one convinced, appealed to no avail. A wicket maiden from Bumrah ended the fifth over with Pakistan at 17 for one.
Fourth over
Another good over from India, with Siraj continuing the attack with Bumrah. Siraj's second wide and a single took Pakistan's total to 17 at the end of the fourth over.
Third over
A very good over from fast bowler Bumrah for just three runs and a wide India leaked runs through extras at the start of the second inning. Pakistan have now scored 15 runs without a wicket.
Second over
Mohammed Siraj opens the second over for the Men in Blue. The fast bowler started well, but on the third delivery of the over, Imam dispatched him for a boundary. A single and a wide over end with six runs. Both Imam and Fakhar look different from Indian fast bowlers.
First over
Five wides and six dots at the end of the first over for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq came in to bat for the green team as Bumrah opened the inning with the new ball. Pakistan's score was five runs without a wicket after the first over.
INDIAN INNINGS
50th over
Pakistan ended the day without a wicket. Both batsmen came from the ground, and each scored more than a century. It has been a batting masterclass from two veteran Indian batters. Rahul bounced back with a century of runs. The all-time great Kohli was innocent. India crossed the mark of 350 in the 50th over. The Indian total reached 356 for the loss of 2 wickets by 18 runs in the last over.
49th over
Naseem was dropped after his second delivery; we hope the pacers are fine. In his place, Iftikhar gave up eight runs in the over. India's total score is now 338 for the loss of two wickets.
48th over
The great Virat Kohli completed his 13,000 runs in the ODI format and a century against the Green team, both batsmen standing on centuries in the 48th over. Rahul opened his arms against Shaheen after completing 100 runs, hitting back-to-back boundaries against the southpaw to bring it up in the 48th over. India's total score is now 330 for the loss of two wickets.
47th over
Kohli hit Naseem for a six, as did his shot against Haris Rauf at the MCG. A good-length delivery was sent over the ropes towards Long Off. Rahul completed his century with a double off the last ball of the 47th over. In 12 overs, the Indian team stands at 319 for the loss of two wickets.
46th over
The Indian batsman was trapped in Shaheen's ninth over as he tried to open his arms against the southpaw. Seven runs from the over took the Indian total to 307 for the loss of two wickets.
45th over
After Iftikhar proved costly, Faheem was brought back into the attack by the Pakistan captain. However, the onslaught was unstoppable, as the Indian team scored 14 runs in the 45th over. This over also scored 300 runs for the blue team.
44th over
Naseem was brought back for the 44th over as India continued to put the Pakistani bowlers in charge. Good over from Naseem in the conditions. This six took the Indian total to 286 for the loss of two wickets.
43rd over
Iftikhar is slapped for a boundary on the rope, the great man comes down the crease to approach the pitch of the delivery. Two doubles and two singles in the 16th over helped India reach a total of 280 for the loss of two wickets with the help of a four-figure six.
42nd over
With little pressure from Pakistan, Shaheen came back into the attack. Kohli skied down fine leg as fast bowler Naseem rounded the ball but couldn't catch it as the ball fell a few metres in front. Rahul went after Shaheen on the last ball and cut backward to bring nine runs from the over. India's total score is now 264 for the loss of two wickets.
41st over
Four singles from Iftikhar's over took the Indian score to 255 for the loss of two wickets. A tight over from Pakistan after some time. The fourth-wicket partnership now stands at 131 off 139 balls.
40th over
Faheem was targeted by Kohli as he was sent off the first ball of the 40th over. India's 250 for the loss of two wickets in Faheem's eighth over.
39th over
Virat Kohli completed his 66th half-century in the 39th over. A boundary from Rahul on the last over ruined Shadab's good over until then. His six took the Indian total to 243 for the loss of two wickets.
38th over
The inside edge of Kohli's bat goes to the boundary behind his fine leg for a boundary. Pakistan is trying to control the run rate. The Indian team should not be bothered by the wickets in the hands of the Blues. A good over from Faheem, two singles, and an unfortunate boundary give us six runs in the 38th over. India have now scored 237 runs for the loss of two wickets.
37th over
Pakistani bowlers tried to keep it strong on what looked like a really good batting wicket. Shadab's three singles in the ninth took the Indian score to 231 for two. Both Kohli and Rahul tried to go after the leggie, but a tough over from Shadab ended in the 37th over.
36th over
Faheem Ashraf bowled good over, justing giving away three runs. India were 228 for 2 at this stage.
35th over
KL Rahul hammered Shadab for one six and a boundary. The over went on to productive India. As the Indian plundered 14 runs from it.
34th over
Faheem Ashraf conceded seven runs in the 34th over. Kohli creamed a boundary off Faheem.
33rd over
Kohli and Babar treated Iftikhar with utter contempt. Iftikhar conceded 11 runs.
32nd over
Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded seven runs in the 32nd over.
31st over
KL Rahul smashed a one boundary and towering six to spoil the over of Iftikhar. Iftikhar went on to concede 11 runs.
30th over
Shaheen Shah was introduced for the first time on the reserve day and he went for eight runs. KL Rahul plundered a boundary off Shaheen through the backward point.
29th over
Babar Azam tried Iftikhar Ahmed for the first time in the match and he was tidy, only conceded four runs.
28th over
Naseem Shah conceded eight runs. Kohli hammered the pacer for boundaries as he deliberately opened the face of the willow.
27th over
Faheem continued to bowl in the 27th over and was economical, giving away only three runs.
26th over
Naseem Shah was brilliant with the bowl and merely conceded two runs
25th over
Shadab Khan started proceedings for Pakistan with the bowl and conceded four runs. Shadab preferred to bowl fuller.
Sunday's recap
24th over
The ground staff found themselves caught off guard as a sudden downpour arrived. However, they quickly mobilized and brought in the covers. Even Fakhar Zaman joined in to assist with covering the pitch. As I type these words, the rain has intensified rapidly, shifting from a moderate drizzle to a torrential downpour within minutes.
23rd over
Pakistan maintained pressure on the Indian side. Shadab bowled a maiden over in the 23rd, keeping the Indian total at 140 for the loss of two wickets.
22nd over
Babar Azam reintroduced Haris Rauf into the attack in an attempt to secure wickets. The pacer consistently bowled a good length during his spell. Haris had a productive over, giving away only three runs. After the 22nd over, India's score stood at 140 for the loss of two wickets.
21st over
Shadab delivered an excellent 21st over, conceding only two runs. Pakistan aimed to stem the flow of runs as India's current run rate remained above 6 per over. India reached a total of 137 for the loss of two wickets.
20th over
Rahul executed a front-of-square pull shot for a boundary off Shaheen's fifth delivery in the 20th over. This propelled the Indian score to 135 for two by the conclusion of the 20th over.
19th over
KL Rahul stepped onto the pitch following Shubman Gill's departure, and both Rahul and Kohli were focused on rotating the strike. Shadab's fourth over produced six runs, pushing the Indian total to 131 for the loss of two wickets.
18th over
Another breakthrough takes place in the following over. After Rohit's dismissal, the skipper made a wise decision to reintroduce Shaheen into the attack.
The pacer, who conceded 31 runs in his initial spell, successfully dismissed the well-settled Gill, who tried to flick a slower off-cutter directly into Shadab's waiting hands. Shaheen's fourth over yields two runs and a wicket, leaving India at 124 for the loss of two wickets at the end of the 18th over.
17th over
A crucial breakthrough occurs in the 17th over. Shadab delivers a decisive blow, dismissing Rohit, who attempted to loft the ball over long off but failed to execute the shot effectively.
Faheem Ashraf sprints to his left to secure an important catch for the Pakistani team. Rohit departs the field after contributing 56 runs from 49 deliveries.
Now, the indomitable Virat Kohli steps onto the pitch.
16th over
In the 16th over, Haris managed to collect three runs, taking the Indian total to 118 runs without any wickets lost. Both Sharma and Gill appear to be finding their rhythm as they settle in for the latter part of the first innings.
After the 16th over, the players take a break for drinks.
15th over
Rohit Sharma sustained the aggressive momentum against Shadab Khan as the first two deliveries from the leg-spinner yielded 10 runs. Two singles were also added, accumulating 12 runs for the over. Remarkably, the Indian side managed to score 54 runs in the last five overs. Consequently, India's total climbed to 115 runs without any loss of wickets.
14th over
During Haris's second over, five extra runs were added to India's total due to a wide delivery and a short delivery that led to a double. Seven runs were amassed from this over.
The century partnership for the opening pair of the Indian team was achieved, with India's score standing at 103 runs without losing a wicket after 14 overs.
13th over
In what marked Shadab Khan's first over of the innings, Gill accomplished a well-deserved half-century. The young batsman exhibited remarkable finesse, accumulating a total of 10 boundaries in this over alone.
However, in the same over, Shadab was met with an aggressive response, conceding two sixes and a boundary on the last delivery, tallying 19 runs for the over. India's run rate continued to surge, reaching 96 without the loss of a wicket.
12th over
In a strategic move, the captain introduced the express pacer, Haris Rauf, into the attack. Rohit Sharma attempted to hook Haris on the last delivery of the over but ended up edging it over the boundary, just behind the wicketkeeper. This brought eight runs from the first over bowled by Haris Rauf, further boosting India's total to 77 runs without any wickets lost.
11th over
Indian batsmen have settled into a rhythm, effectively rotating the strike. During this over, they managed to collect four singles, along with a boundary by Shubman Gill down the fine leg. With this boundary, India reached their 13th boundary of the match. The scoreboard now reads 69 runs without the loss of any wickets.
10th over
In the 10th over, Rohit Sharma initiated an aggressive assault against Naseem, consecutively sending the ball to the boundary over the mid-on region.
With a flick and a pull shot, Rohit accumulated eight runs off Naseem's fifth over. As the powerplay came to an end, India's total reached 61 runs without any wickets lost.
9th over
In the ninth over, Shubman Gill took charge against Faheem, finding the gap between cover and point fielder to score a boundary. A well-timed double off the second-last delivery of the over added six runs to India's total. As a result, India now stands at 53 runs without any wickets lost.
8th over
Naseem faced some tough moments in the eighth over as two boundaries were scored off his bowling, pushing India's total to 47 runs without any wickets lost. Shubman Gill showcased his skill by using his wrist to guide Naseem's delivery over the point area for a boundary.
However, Naseem was a bit unlucky as an edge off Shubman's bat narrowly evaded both the first and second slip fielders.
7th over
A change in the field as Shaheen walked off due to potential damage to his left fingers caused by Naseem's first ball of the inning.
Faheem stepped in to replace Shaheen in the seventh over, which yielded just a single run. Faheem delivered an effective over, and India's score remains at 37 runs without any wickets lost.
6th over
The sixth over concluded with a maiden from Naseem, demonstrating the young pacer's ability to maintain a consistent line and generate movement in both directions, posing a challenge to the Indian batsmen.
Rohit Sharma, exercising patience, refrained from making contact with the ball throughout the over. As a result, India's total remains at 37 runs without the loss of any wickets.
5th over
In the fifth over, Shubman Gill confidently stepped down the pitch and, on the second ball bowled by Shaheen, sent it soaring over long-on for an impressive boundary. With Afridi opting to change his angle and come around the wicket to the Indian batsman, Gill responded by hitting two consecutive fours over the cover region.
The Indian batsmen are clearly gaining momentum against Shaheen, and the scoreboard now reads 37 runs without any wickets lost.
4th over
During the fourth over, Naseem delivered a wide ball on the fifth delivery, which allowed the Indian batsmen to add a single to their score. Babar Azam, in a bid to challenge a not-out decision made by the on-field umpire, called for a review after Naseem's fifth ball appeared to miss the edge of Rohit Sharma's bat.
However, upon careful examination by the TV umpire, the decision was upheld, and Sharma remained at the crease. As a result, India's total stands at 24 runs without any wickets lost.
3rd over
In the third over, Shaheen Shah Afridi faced a challenging situation as Shubman Gill struck consecutive boundaries off the first two balls. Gill secured his second boundary of the game with a thick inside edge while attempting a flick over the mid-on region.
On the fifth ball, he once again took on the left-arm pacer, driving the ball towards the straight boundary. As a result, India's total advanced to 23 runs after the third over, with 12 runs coming from this over.#
2nd over
During the second over, the ball took an edge off Shubman Gill's bat and flew towards third man, narrowly missing Shaheen. However, Rohit Sharma showcased his batting prowess with an excellent stroke over the covers, collecting five runs from the over. After two overs, India's score reached 11 without losing any wickets.
1st over
In the opening over, a near-perfect start was marred by a six off the last ball, following five dot balls. Shaheen Shah Afridi maintained a consistent full and straight delivery line. Rohit Sharma appeared cautious while facing the Pakistani pacer. At the end of the first over, India's score stood at six without any loss of wickets.
