Pak vs Ind: India set 267-run target after bowlers bring Pakistan back in game

Kandy, September 2, 2023 – In a thrilling encounter at the Asia Cup 2023 in Kandy, India fell short of their target by 267 runs, with Pakistan's bowlers putting up a remarkable performance to clinch the highly anticipated clash.

The match got off to a dramatic start as rain played spoilsport not once, but twice, during the India-Pakistan showdown. Despite the interruptions, the contest between the arch-rivals lived up to its billing, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Pakistan gained early momentum when their star seamers, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, wreaked havoc on the Indian top-order after India's captain, Rohit Sharma, decided to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya managed to keep the scoreboard ticking for India.

However, the turning point came when Pakistan's pacers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, struck back, dismissing key Indian batters in quick succession. This lethal bowling spell brought Pakistan back into the game at a crucial juncture. Afridi and Rauf each picked up three wickets, while Naseem Shah took the final two dismissals of Shardul Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.

With the target set at 267 runs, India faced an uphill battle, but they displayed resilience in the middle overs, pushing the score past 130 by the 27th over. However, Pakistan's relentless pacers once again intervened, delivering three consecutive blows that swung the momentum back in their favor.

Despite their valiant efforts, India couldn't bridge the gap, ultimately falling short of the target set by Pakistan. The high-octane match promised a thrilling battle between Pakistan's pacers and India's batters, and it certainly delivered on that promise.

This victory marks Pakistan's second win in the Asia Cup 2023, following their massive 238-run triumph over Nepal earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile, this match served as India's debut appearance in the competition.

Both captains, Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam, expressed their thoughts on the challenging conditions and the significance of the Asia Cup. Sharma stressed the need to embrace the challenge and the quality of the tournament, while Babar Azam acknowledged their familiarity with the conditions.

Historically, India holds the upper hand against Pakistan in Asia Cup ODIs, with seven wins out of 13 encounters. Pakistan has secured five victories, and one match ended without a result. Pakistan's recent record against India in the Asia Cup has been less favorable, with India winning four of the last five meetings.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

India: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

Cricket enthusiasts around the world can expect more thrilling encounters as the Asia Cup 2023 continues to unfold in Kandy.

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