IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2023: India-Pakistan recreation referred to as off as a result of rain

Two standout batters. Three pacers spewing venom. And three rain interruptions. All of it culminated in a single massive 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 top 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 entire 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 exhilarating end. But they needed to make do with a topsy-turvy first half that finally turned futile.

AS IT HAPPENED | IND vs PAK LIVE SCORE UPDATES – ASIA CUP MATCH TODAY

India captain Rohit Sharma had no hesitation in opting to bat after the coin landed in his favour, nevertheless 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 means of his defence on the again of a few outswingers.

Afridi then loved the double delight, with Virat Kohli taking part in 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 at risk of wilting underneath the big-match stress.

In got here Ishan Kishan – taking part in 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, obtained collectively, and the left- and right-handed mix regarded 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 good whole of 266 on the board earlier than folding up within the penultimate over.

SCORECARD | INDIA VS PAKISTAN ASIA CUP GROUP A FIXTURE

Had it not been for the partnership, India might properly 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 taking part in a pull shot off Haris Rauf.

With Ishan on music, Hardik took a again seat and began waging a protracted deal with solely after Ishan’s dismissal within the thirty eighth over. But identical 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 whole previous 260 with a cameo, the heavens opened up once more, and the regular drizzle endured till the sport was deserted.

The outcome meant Pakistan grew to become the primary workforce to qualify for the Super Four, whereas India must beat Nepal on Monday to affix the Green military.