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Pakistan vs India, Asia Cup 2023, Super Four - Match 3 - Full Scorecard
02
nd Innings
Pakistan
128/10
(32.0 OV)
RR 4
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Fakhar Zaman
b Kuldeep Yadav
27
50
2
0
Imam-ul-Haq
c Shubman Gill b Jasprit Bumrah
9
18
1
0
Babar Azam
b Hardik Pandya
10
24
2
0
Mohammad Rizwan
c KL Rahul b Shardul Thakur
2
5
0
0
Agha Salman
lbw b Kuldeep Yadav
23
32
2
0
Iftikhar Ahmed
c & b Kuldeep Yadav
23
35
1
0
Shadab Khan
c Shardul Thakur b Kuldeep Yadav
6
10
0
0
Faheem Ashraf
b Kuldeep Yadav
4
12
0
0
Shaheen Afridi
not out
7
6
0
1
Naseem Shah
absent hurt
Haris Rauf
absent hurt
Total
128/10
(32.0 OV)
RR 4
Fall of Wickets
1-17 (Imam-ul-Haq, 4.2 ov), 2-43 (Babar Azam, 10.4 ov), 3-47 (Mohammad Rizwan, 11.4 ov), 4-77 (Fakhar Zaman, 19.2 ov), 5-96 (Agha Salman, 24 ov), 6-110 (Shadab Khan, 27.4 ov), 7-119 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 29.3 ov), 8-128 (Faheem Ashraf, 32 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Jasprit Bumrah
5
1
18
1
Mohammed Siraj
5
0
23
0
Hardik Pandya
5
0
17
1
Shardul Thakur
4
0
16
1
Kuldeep Yadav
8
0
25
5
Ravindra Jadeja
5
0
26
0
01
st Innings
India
356/2
(50.0 OV)
RR 7.12
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Rohit Sharma
c Faheem Ashraf b Shadab Khan
56
49
6
4
Shubman Gill
c Agha Salman b Shaheen Afridi
58
52
10
0
Virat Kohli
not out
122
94
9
3
KL Rahul
not out
111
106
12
2
Ishan Kishan
Hardik Pandya
Ravindra Jadeja
Shardul Thakur
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Jasprit Bumrah
Total
356/2
(50.0 OV)
RR 7.12
Fall of Wickets
1-121 (Rohit Sharma, 16.4 ov), 2-123 (Shubman Gill, 17.5 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Shaheen Afridi
10
0
79
1
Naseem Shah
9.2
1
53
0
Faheem Ashraf
10
0
74
0
Haris Rauf
5
0
27
0
Shadab Khan
10
1
71
1
Iftikhar Ahmed
5.4
0
52
0
02
nd Innings
Pakistan
Right then, Round 2 of the Pakistan-India rivalry in the 2023 Asia Cup is done and it is India who get crucial two points on the board in the Super Four stage. India though have a tough task ahead as in about half a day's time they have to do it all again as they go up against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the 12th of September in Match number 4 of the Super Four stage at the very same venue. With both teams on two points, a win could almost guarantee in the final. That match will begin at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT) given there's no rain but our build-up, as usual, will begin much sooner. Do join us then and till then, take care and goodbye!
Virat Kohli is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant ton. Kohli says that he always prepares his game to help his team and credits KL Rahul for getting a good start. He mentions that his job was the rotate the strike and once he completed his half-century he started taking on the bowlers. His target was the keep the partnership going. He talks about that cheeky shot where he opened the face of his bat and says that he doesn't play that shot often and that he is a conventional player along with KL Rahul who bats the same way. He mentions that it is a memorable partnership for him and credits KL Rahul for coming back from an injury. He says that matches on back-to-back days are a different challenge and that he is ready for the next match and adds that he will take care of his recovery. He also thanks the groundsmen for their unwavering effort for the match to happen smoothly.
The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma says that they wanted to get some game time which is very important for an ODI. He credits the groundsmen for their effort and thanks them for doing a terrific job. He adds that it is not easy to manage the ground. He mentions that it was a fantastic batting performance and they knew that the wicket was good but the interruptions were a hindrance. He adds that it was a terrific effort from the two centurions. He credits Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah for bowling brilliant spells and appreciates Bumrah for coming back strongly after a long injury. He says that it was an all-round performance and applauds KL Rahul for coming into the team at the last minute and playing a fantastic innings and credits his mindset.
The Presentation ceremony...
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says that his team were not up to the mark. He adds that he was surprised that the batters attacked their bowlers from the start and credits KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for finishing well. He mentions that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled very well in the first Powerplay and ends by saying that they failed to build strong partnerships.
The man of the moment, Kuldeep Yadav is down for a chat. Kuldeep says that he is very happy for his fifer and owes it to his practice and his consistency. He adds that he has got 4 wickets before on numerous occasions but bowling on a good length helped him achieve this milestone. He mentions that he plans when he is playing against a top side and focuses on his variation. He anticipated that the batters would try to play his across the line so he bowled according to that.
The top-ranked ODI side in the world has had an outing to forget and have crumbled under pressure here but these things are bound to happen every now and then. Pakistan just didn't get the start with the ball like in the previous game between these two sides and even when they looked to have made a comeback, the rain came. When play finally resumed on the reserve day, they found themselves without the services of the in-form Haris Rauf who picked up a niggle and were forced to use the part-timers in his absence. But even their frontline bowlers couldn't make a mark and it was a daunting task ahead for the batters. The opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman hardly managed to get bat onto ball with the former getting out early. Babar Azam was then dismissed by a gem of a delivery and so was Mohammad Rizwan. After that, the innings never got back on track and it just kept on going downhill. Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed did manage to get into the 20s but had no answer to the spin of Kuldeep Yadav and ended up losing the game by 228 runs.
India had the platform laid down for them by the two openers when the game started on Sunday and it was all about starting strongly on the reserve day. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli were on the top of their game from the get-go and took India to a mammoth total thanks to their twin centuries. With the ball, under the floodlights, Jasprit Bumrah found his rhythm and bowled like he has been playing throughout the year. Bumrah got the ball to talk and got the early wicket and Mohammed Siraj too troubled the batters but once Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur came on to bowl, they got quick wickets that put India in the driving seat. Kuldeep Yadav then came on and weaved his magic as he ripped through the Pakistani middle order ending up with five out of the 8 wickets that fell, paving the way for India's biggest ever victory over Pakistan in terms of runs.
Just under 32 hours before the first ball was bowled, this highly-anticipated contest reached a conclusion and it is India who cruised to the win. Haris Rauf was injured before play began on the reserve day and Naseem Shah too picked up a late niggle in the first innings and that means Pakistan will finish with 128/8. All the excitement leading up to the contest, all the rain delays and the use of the reserve day but in the end, this has turned out to be a one-sided affair between these two colossal giants of ODI cricket.
32
over
32 | 7 Runs | HH: 128/8
31.6
W
Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! TIMBER! A FIFER FOR Kuldeep Yadav! He bowled this one a little short and on top of middle and leg. Faheem Ashraf shuffles away trying to cut it but gets an inside edge sending the ball crashing into the middle stump. India has clinched a massive victory over their arch-rivals as Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will not come out to bat. Kuldeep Yadav will be a happy man with his five-wicket haul.
31.5
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Floated up and on the pads. Faheem Ashraf misses the shot and the ball hits his pads. There is a loud appeal but the umpire turns it down.
31.4
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Tossed up and on middle. Faheem Ashraf defends it solidly.
31.3
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Short and on off. Shaheen Afridi slaps it to long off for a single.
31.2
6
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! Flighted up and on middle and off. Shaheen Afridi swings hard and sends the ball beyond the long on fence for a maximum.
31.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Full and outside off. Shaheen Afridi misses on the reverse sweep.
31
over
31 | 2 Runs | HH: 121/7
30.6
0
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Banged in short again on the pads. Faheem Ashraf couldn't connect on the shot as the ball hits his pads.
30.5
0
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Short and outside off. Faheem Ashraf swings and misses as the keeper collects it.
30.4
0
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Full again from around the wicket and onto off. Faheem Ashraf slices it to point.
30.3
0
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Fuller and outside off. Faheem Ashraf drives it to the fielder at cover.
30.2
2
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Short and on the thigh pads. Faheem Ashraf nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
30.1
0
Shardul Thakur to Faheem Ashraf, Full and on the off pole. Faheem Ashraf drives it to mid off.
30
over
30 | 4 Runs | HH: 119/7
29.6
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Shorter and outside off. Shaheen Afridi blocks it off the back foot. Kuldeep Yadav has bowled an amazing over.
29.5
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Flated up again on leg. Shaheen Afridi blocks it from his front foot.
29.4
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shaheen Afridi, Tossed up and outside off. Shaheen Afridi defends it solidily.
Shaheen Afridi is the new batter in.
29.3
W
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Kuldeep Yadav with a dream spell and it's all going down in a hurry for Pakistan. A real drag down around middle and leg, Iftikhar Ahmed goes deep in his crease and looks to pull but the ball skids on and Ifikhar gets the timing all wrong. The ball is sliced flat to the right of the bowler and Kuldeep Yadav springs to that side, just about managing to hold on to the ball with both hands.
29.2
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated up on the pads, flicked away to square leg.
29.1
4
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, FOUR! Gets it wide enough! Tosses this one up full and outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed stays deep and frees his arms as he looks for the big heave. The ball goes off the inner half and is lofted toward cow corner. Shardul Thakur runs around from long on but can't get to it and it will be a boundary.
29
over
29 | 4 Runs | HH: 115/6
28.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Faheem Ashraf, Stump-to-stump bowling from Ravindra Jadeja, and Faheem Ashraf just blocks it out.
28.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Looks for two but has to settle for one. Full and around off, driven along the ground to wide long off for a single.
28.4
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller and at the stumps, Iftikhar Ahmed gets the front leg out of the way and slogs it in front of the man at deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
28.3
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Quicker one around off, pushed out toward cover.
28.2
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Oh, that is a dream delivery! Bowls it quick and on a length around middle. The ball grips and turns sharply, shooting up off the deck as well. Iftikhar Ahmed is left bamboozled and KL Rahul does well to take it high to his right.
28.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Faheem Ashraf, On the pads, tucked away behind square leg for a single.
28
over
28 | 3 Runs | HH: 111/6
27.6
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated full and around middle, Iftikhar Ahmed strides forward and blocks it back to the bowler.
27.5
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Faheem Ashraf, Tossed up full and outside off, driven nicely through extra cover by Faheem Ashraf for a single.
Faheem Ashraf is the new batter in.
27.4
W
Kuldeep Yadav to Shadab Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and Kuldeep Yadav picks up his third wicket. This is floated up on a fullish length around off. Shadab Khan just leans forward and bit and lofts it without much purpose or timing toward wide long on. Shardul Thakur from long on moves to his right and settles under it to take a good catch. Pakistan really reeling at the moment.
27.3
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller in length, slower too around off, Iftikhar Ahmed plays it off the back foot toward cover and picks up another run.
27.2
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Shadab Khan, Pulls the length back and bowls it around leg, Shadab Khan sits down and pulls it down to fine leg for a single.
27.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shadab Khan, Nicely flighted on a fullish length around off, Shadab Khan is drawn forward and he gets it off the outer half toward backward point.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 108/5
26.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flatter one at 98 clicks and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed taps it in front of Shubman Gill at cover-point.
26.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, On a fullish length on off, sliding on, Iftikhar Ahmed plays it off the back foot to point.
26.4
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Shadab Khan, Full around off, Shadab Khan comes forward and chips it down to long off for a single.
26.3
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Shadab Khan, Short and wide, cut away in front of point for a couple of runs. Good running!
26.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flatter one on off, turning away a touch, Iftikhar Ahmed stays back and pushes it toward cover-point for a run.
26.1
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller one on the stumps, flicked away to mid-wicket.
26
over
26 | 3 Runs | HH: 104/5
25.6
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shadab Khan, Flatter and quicker on the stumps again, Shadab Khan defends it back to the bowler.
25.5
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Shadab Khan, Tossed up on the stumps, Shadab Khan leans forward and pushes it back to the bowler.
25.4
3
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Lovely delivery! Tossed up nicely on off and middle and the googly just turns away sharply. Iftikhar Ahmed looks to lean on and play at it but gets a faint outside edge that goes off the keeper's pads and over the head of Rohit Sharma at first slip. Sharma chases it down and the batters get three runs.
25.3
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Pushed through quicker on a nagging length and around middle. Iftikhar Ahmed goes back and across to block.
25.2
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter one on the leg peg and this one turns in quickly, Iftikhar Ahmed goes on the back foot to keeps it out on the on side.
25.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated full and on leg stump, Iftikhar Ahmed flicks it straight to Virat Kohli at mid-wicket.
25
over
25 | 5 Runs | HH: 101/5
24.6
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flatter delivery on off stump, Iftikhar Ahmed knocks it down to long off for another single.
24.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Shadab Khan, Quicker one around off, pushed away through the cover region for one and the 100 is finally up for Pakistan.
24.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Shadab Khan, Beaten! Just shortens the length a bit and bowls it outside off, turning it away. Shadab Khan stays put and looks to just play it away on the off side but is beaten on the outside edge.
24.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full again and at the stumps, Iftikhar Ahmed drives it away to sweeper cover for one more.
24.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Shadab Khan, Fuller one on off stump, Shadab Khan just eases it through the cover region and rotates the strike.
24.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Holds it back a touch and bowls it on off stump, Iftikhar Ahmed nudges it out in front of covers for a quick single.
Drinks are on the field as the players take a breather. Pakistan have had a very poor start and half of their team has been sent back to the pavilion and they are a long way behind in the chase. None of the batters looked well settled on the pitch and could not build a strong partnership. India on the other hand has used the conditions to their strengths and managed to put their opposition on the back foot. Their bowlers are doing a fantastic job and taking timely wickets which is working to their advantage. Pakistan need a strong partnership now as Shadab Khan walks out to bat next.
24
over
24 | 3 Runs | HH: 96/5
23.6
W
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, OUT! LBW! Looks dead straight and it is given! Agha Salman has reviewed it though. A bit quicker and flatter from Kuldeep Yadav, pushed through full around middle. It is the regular leg-break and the ball turns in. Salman goes for the fine sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. UltraEdge shows a flat line as the ball passes the bat. Ball Tracking comes up with the wickets as umpire's call and Salman has to walk back. Kuldeep gets his second and Pakistan have now lost half their side.
23.5
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated up full on off, hit away down to long on for a single.
23.4
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Nagging length on off, Iftikhar Ahmed goes on the back foot to defend.
23.3
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Tossed up on the stumps, Agha Salman brings out the sweep and plays it over the square leg region for one more.
23.2
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Nicely floated up on the legs, Agha Salman nudges it gently to mid-wicket.
23.1
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, A real half-tracker goes unpunished! Dragged down around off, Iftikhar Ahmed rocks back and pulls it straight toward deep mid-wicket for only a single.
23
over
23 | 9 Runs | HH: 93/4
22.6
2
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, On the stumps, Agha Salman gets inside the line and paddles it 'round the corner for a couple of runs.
22.5
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, Quicker delivery around off, Agha Salman keeps it out to extra cover.
22.4
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and straight, flicked away to mid-wicket for a quick single by Iftikhar Ahmed.
22.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, Full and outside off, stroked away through the cover region for a single.
22.2
4
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, FOUR! Much-needed boundary! Tossed up around off, Agha Salman reaches out in front of him and slogs it high toward cow corner. The ball trickles into the fence.
22.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Sloppy fielding from Shubman Gill. Short and wide, turning away, Iftikhar Ahmed taps it in front of point where Gill fumbles and allows the single.
22
over
22 | 1 Runs | HH: 84/4
21.6
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, A lovely delivery to end the over, just a single off it. Flights it up on a nagging length around off and it is the googly that goes across the right-hander. Agha Salman leans on to defend but is well beaten.
21.5
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Nicely flighted, on middle, Agha Salman leans on and pushes it back to the bowler.
21.4
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Tossed up full on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
21.3
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Shorter one on off stump, Iftikhar Ahmed rocks back and looks to pull it away hard but miscues it completely off the toe end.
21.2
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Slightly shorter around off, Iftikhar Ahmed tentatively defends it off the back foot.
21.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Nagging length, floated up on off and turning in, Iftikhar Ahmed goes on the back foot to play it on the on side.
Oh, no! Play will be halted for a while as Agha Salman has been injured. The ball hit his face after deflecting from the upper edge of his bat and there is a bruise under his right eye. The medics and physio are on the field and tending to him. Hope he is okay. There will be a mandatory concussion test conducted and he has his helmet on. Looks like he will continue as the medics and physios are giving him some instructions. It is confirmed that he will continue and play resumes. A lot of injury scares for Pakistan in this match.
21
over
21 | 4 Runs | HH: 83/4
20.6
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, Ouch, that must have hurt! Agha Salman has injured himself badly here. Full and quick from Jadeja outside off, Salman gets across and gets inside the line, trying to paddle it fine but gets a top edge right into the face and as he is not wearing a helmet, the ball crashes into the nose.
20.5
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floated up around off, Iftikhar Ahmed backs away and caresses it through the cover region for a run.
20.4
0
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flatter one, turning away from off, Iftikhar Ahmed punches it off the back foot to extra cover.
20.3
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, Flights it a bit and bowls it on middle, Agha Salman leans on and drives it down to long off for one more.
20.2
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full on off and sliding on, eased away in front of point for another single.
20.1
1
Ravindra Jadeja to Agha Salman, Starts with a quicker one, full and on off, Agha Salman punches it off the front foot through covers and picks up a single.
20
over
20 | 2 Runs | HH: 79/4
19.6
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Tossed up and on leg. Agha Salman drives it to long on for a single. 20 overs are up and Pakistan are at 79 with a loss of 4 wickets.
19.5
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fullish and on leg. Iftikhar Ahmed nudges it to mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
19.4
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Beaten! Floated up by Kuldeep Yadav and turning away from off. Iftikhar Ahmed tries to defend it but is beaten by the spin.
19.3
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Iftikhar Ahmed, Tossed up on the off pole. Iftikhar Ahmed has blocked it solidly.
Iftikhar Ahmed walks out to bat now.
19.2
W
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! TIMBER! Very full from Kuldeep Yadav and straight on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman tries to muscle this over the on side but he has missed it completely as the ball crashes into the stumps. Kuldeep Yadav celebrates and Fakhar Zaman is disappointed with the shot he played. What a ball from Kuldeep Yadav as he gets his first wicket of the game. Pakistan are 4 wickets down.
19.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Full and on middle. Fakhar Zaman pushes it to the left of the bowler.
19
over
19 | 6 Runs | HH: 77/3
18.6
1
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on top of off. Fakhar Zaman pulls it to deep square leg for a single to end the over.
18.5
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Very full and on the pads. Fakhar Zaman misses the flick as the ball hits his pads.
18.4
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Shorter now outside off. Fakhar Zaman blocks it on the off side.
18.3
4
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! What a shot! Hardik Pandya bowls this fuller and outside off. Fakhar Zaman lofts it over mid-wicket and the ball bounces just short of the fence before crossing it for four runs.
18.2
1
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, On the hard length and outside off. Agha Salman drives it to deep point region for a single.
18.1
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, On length and on leg. Agha Salman nudges it towards mid-wicket.
18
over
18 | 2 Runs | HH: 71/3
17.6
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Fullish and on the off pole. Fakhar Zaman tries to block it but the ball rolls away to point after catching an outside edge.
17.5
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Flighted up and on middle. Agha Salman drives it to long on for a single.
17.4
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Agha Salman, Floated up on off. Agha Salman blocks it watchfully.
17.3
1
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Fullish and on middle. Fakhar Zaman sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for one.
17.2
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Dropped! Kuldeep Yadav bowls this full and on the off pole. Fakhar Zaman manages an outer edge to Rohit Sharma at slip who had to dive to take that catch but couldn't hold on to it.
17.1
0
Kuldeep Yadav to Fakhar Zaman, Tossed up just outside off. Fakhar Zaman drives it to mid on.
17
over
17 | 1 Runs | HH: 69/3
16.6
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, On the hard length and outside off. Agha Salman leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
16.5
1
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Shorter again and on top of middle. Fakhar Zaman nudges it to mid-wicket for a single. The first of the over.
16.4
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on leg. Fakhar Zaman advances down but misses the shot as the ball hits his pads before rolling away.
16.3
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, On the hard length and outside off. Fakhar Zaman doesn't attempt a shot for this ball.
16.2
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, On length and on off. Fakhar Zaman blocks it back to the bowler.
16.1
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Full and outside off. Fakhar Zaman shoulder arms it as the ball goes to the keeper.
16
over
16 | 3 Runs | HH: 68/3
15.6
0
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Beaten! Shardul Thakur bowls this on the good length and swinging in towards off. Agha Salman tries to block it but is beaten on the outside edge.
15.5
1
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, On the hard length and on leg. Fakhar Zaman flicks it to deep mid-wicket for another single.
15.4
0
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and on the off pole. Fakhar Zaman blocks it solidly from his crease.
15.3
0
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Short and slow on the pads. Fakhar Zaman tries to flick it but he misses as the ball hits his pads. A light appeal and it is turned down by the umpire.
15.2
1
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Fuller and outside off. Agha Salman slices it towards deep point for another single.
15.1
1
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on the thigh pads. Fakhar Zaman nudges it too deep mid-wicket for a single.
15
over
15 | 9 Runs | HH: 65/3
14.6
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, Beaten! What a ball from Hardik Pandya! He bowls this on length and on top of middle and off. Agha Salman tries to cover the line but the ball swings away from him as he tries to play it forward. The keeper does well to collect it behind the stumps.
14.5
2
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, Fuller and straight on middle. Agha Salman flicks it to deep mid-wicket to take a couple of runs.
14.4
1
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Short and on middle. Fakhar Zaman pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
14.3
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, On length and on top of off. Fakhar Zaman is beaten by the bounce as the keeper collects it safely. Good bowling from Hardik Pandya.
14.2
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller and slow outside off. Fakhar Zaman drives it to mid off.
14.1
1
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, Short and on the thigh pads. The ball rolls away to point after hitting Agha Salman's pads. The batters take one leg bye.
14.1
5
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, 5 WIDES! Hardik Pandya bowls this too short and over off. Agha Salman ducks away as the ball sails over his head and even the keeper's head. The ball races away to the boundary for 5 wides.
14
over
14 | 8 Runs | HH: 56/3
13.6
0
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Beaten! Shardul Thakur bowls this one on the hard length with a hint of outswing for the left-hander. Fakhar Zaman is beaten by the swing as the keeper collects it.
13.5
0
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, On length and on leg. Fakhar Zaman defends off his back foot.
13.4
1
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Full again this time on middle. Agha Salman flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
13.3
4
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, FOUR! A much-needed boundary! Shardul Thakur bowls this fuller and in line of leg stump. Agha Salman drives it down the ground with pure timing between the mid-on and mid-off. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary.
13.2
2
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Short again this time outside off. Agha Salman cuts it over point wide of deep third for a couple of runs.
13.1
1
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Short and quick on top of leg. Fakhar Zaman pulls it to deep square leg for a single to start the over.
13
over
13 | 1 Runs | HH: 48/3
12.6
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, On a good length and swinging in on top of off. Agha Salman leaves it for the keeper to collect. A good over from Hardik Pandya only a single off it.
12.5
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, On the hard length and on off. Agha Salman blocks it to the fielder at point.
12.4
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, Yorker length on the toes. Agha Salman digs it out safely towards mid on.
12.3
0
Hardik Pandya to Agha Salman, Jaffa! Hardik Pandya bowls this fuller and swinging away from Agha Salman. Agha Salman tries to play it but is comprehensively beaten by the swing.
12.2
1
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Pitched up and outside off. Fakhar Zaman drives it to the cover region for a single.
12.1
0
Hardik Pandya to Fakhar Zaman, Full and on the off pole. Fakhar Zaman drives it to the fielder at cover.
12
over
12 | 3 Runs | HH: 47/3
11.6
0
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Full again this time on middle and leg. Agha Salman has pushed it back to the bowler. A superb over from Shardul Thakur.
11.5
0
Shardul Thakur to Agha Salman, Full again and on the off pole. Agha Salman blocks it towards cover.
Agha Salman walks out to bat now.
11.4
W
Shardul Thakur to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! What a ball from Shardul Thakur! He bowls this fuller and swinging away from the right-hander. Mohammad Rizwan plays the shot early trying to nudge it on the leg side. The ball nicks the leading edge and KL Rahul behind the stumps, takes an easy catch. Shardul Thakur strikes in his first over and sends Mohammad Rizwan back to the pavilion.
11.3
1
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Short again and on middle. Fakhar Zaman pulls to deep mid-wicket for another single.
11.3
1
Shardul Thakur to Fakhar Zaman, Shorter and angling down leg. Fakhar Zaman swings but misses as the ball sails to the keeper. The umpire signals a wide.
11.2
1
Shardul Thakur to Mohammad Rizwan, On the hard length and on the thigh pads. Mohammad Rizwan nudges it off to square leg for a single.
11.1
0
Shardul Thakur to Mohammad Rizwan, Shardul Thakur bowls this on length and on top of off. Mohammad Rizwan punches it to the fielder at cover.
We are back for the resumption! The umpires and the Indian players are back on the field. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan too walk out to the middle to resume their innings. Shardul Thakur to bowl his first over of the game after the break. Let's go...
UPDATE 9.12 pm IST (3.42 pm GMT) - Big news coming from the ground as we will have a swift restart at 9.20 pm IST (3.50 pm GMT). No overs lost either, which is excellent news, so, grab a cup of coffee and get back quickly for all the action.
UPDATE 9.01 pm IST (3.31 pm GMT) - Just when it looked like we were getting closer to the restart, the drizzle is back and even though it is light, the covers are coming back on as well. It's been that kind of a game but let's not lose hope just yet. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates from the ground. And about five minutes later, the covers come off once again. Frustrating for the ground staff but good news for the fans and players. Let's hope we get a restart soon as the umpires are also out having an inspection.
UPDATE 8.32 pm IST (3.02 pm GMT) - Nothing much to report from the ground as it is still raining in Colombo and the covers are firmly on. However, the cut-off time is 12 am IST which means even if the rain persists for a prolonged period we might get a chance of getting those required 20 overs to constitute the game. If that happens, Pakistan would need 200 to win which from 44 runs in 11 overs would be a near impossible task. But, that is the worst-case scenario, so let's not get ahead of ourselves and hope that the rain goes away soon. Stick around for more updates. Just a few minutes later, the rain has stopped and a few of the covers are being peeled off which is excellent news.
UPDATE 8.09 pm IST (2.39 pm GMT) - Oh, no! The covers are coming on. There is a bit of a drizzle and the umpires are taking the players off the field. Slowly but surely, it is getting a bit heavier as well. Another unwanted break in play but all we can do is wait. Stay tuned for further updates.
11
over
11 | 1 Runs | HH: 44/2
10.6
1
Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller and on off. Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and drives it towards covers for a single to end the over.
10.5
0
Hardik Pandya to Mohammad Rizwan, On a length and swinging away from around the top of the off stump. Mohammad Rizwan tries to play it close to the body but seems to have missed the connection. The keeper and the bowler appeal but the umpire has turned it down. Rohit Sharma has gone for the review at the last second and the UltraEdge shows a flat line. The ball tracking confirms that the impact is outside the line of the off stump and India lose both their reviews.
Mohammad Rizwan walks in at number 4.
10.4
W
Hardik Pandya to Babar Azam, OUT! TIMBER! What a ball from Hardik Pandya. He bowls this fuller and swinging in onto the off stump. Babar Azam was left confused by the ball as he put his bat forth trying to drive it on the off side. The ball goes through the gate and smashes into the stumps and Hardik Pandya has got the big wicket of the number 1 batter in ODI cricket right now. Pakistan are looking in trouble now.
10.3
0
Hardik Pandya to Babar Azam, Hardik Pandya bowls this on a good length and on off and middle. Babar Azam blocks it again. A good over from Hardik Pandya so far.
10.2
0
Hardik Pandya to Babar Azam, On the hard length again this time on top of off. Babar Azam pushes it back to the left of the bowler.
10.1
0
Hardik Pandya to Babar Azam, On length and straight on middle. Babar Azam blocks it watchfully back to the bowler.
End of the first powerplay. India are now allowed to have as many as four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Also, Hardik Pandya comes in as first change.
10
over
10 | 5 Runs | HH: 43/1
9.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Good length on middle and leg at 141 clicks, tucked away neatly in front of mid-wicket for a single.
9.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Good length around off, not much movement off the surface, Babar Azam gets on the front foot and punches it to extra cover.
9.4
4
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, FOUR! Timed really well! A touch fuller and on the pads, Babar Azam whips it away in front of square leg and the ball races away to the fence.
9.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Fuller and around off, there to be driven, Babar Azam hits it straight to mid off.
9.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Good length right around the top of off, Babar Azam solidly defends it out.
9.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Full and on off stump, swinging back in, Babar Azam looks to lean on and drive it straight but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
9
over
9 | 8 Runs | HH: 38/1
8.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Pitches this one up on the stumps, Fakhar Zaman checks his shot and blocks it out.
8.5
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Full and wide this time, Babar Azam looks to cover drive but toe-ends it past the slip cordon for a single.
8.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Nicely bowled! Back of a length and tighter around off, Babar Azam stays back and just plays inside the line of the ball.
8.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Shorter this time, seaming away off the deck, Babar Azam looks to poke at it but is beaten on the outside edge.
8.2
4
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar Azam is off the mark and in style as well. A tad short and wide, Babar latches onto the width and slaps it away in front of the point region for a boundary.
8.1
3
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Full and around off, Fakhar Zaman leans on and drives it away well through the cover region for three runs.
8
over
8 | 9 Runs | HH: 30/1
7.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Full and on the pads, flicked away uppishly to deep square leg for a single.
7.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Babar Azam, Leg bye! Back of a length at 145 clicks and at the pads, Babar Azam misses and the ball goes off the pads on the leg side. They get another leg bye.
7.4
1
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Not close enough! Length ball around leg stump, skidding on and nipping back in a bit. Fakhar Zaman plays all around the ball and gets hit on the back leg. The ball rolls down to third man and there is a loud appeal for LBW. It is turned down but Rohit Sharma does review it. Nothing on UltraEdge but it is pitching outside leg. They get a leg bye and India lose a review as well.
7.3
4
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap and that will just release the pressure a bit. A bit too full around off, Fakhar Zaman gets the front leg out of the way and hammers it away wide of extra cover for a boundary.
7.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Play and a miss! Nagging length around off, swinging it across the left-hander. Fakhar Zaman looks to drive but misses.
7.1
2
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Hard length over the stumps, Fakhar Zaman looks to break the shackles and goes hard at it but mistimes it toward mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs | HH: 21/1
6.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Five dots in a row to end another testing over. Keeps the length full and the line close to the off stump, swinging it away. Babar Azam looks to play at it but misses.
6.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Top class pace bowling this from Jasprit Bumrah. Lovely seam position as this is pitched up around off and the ball swings away beautifully. Babar Azam looks for the drive but the ball just goes past the outside edge.
6.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Hard length over the off stump, Babar Azam looks to defend but gets a slight inside edge onto the pads.
6.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Bowls this one really full and outside off but the ball swings it late and does so a long way as well. Good leave from Babar Azam though.
6.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Hits the length hard and bowls it over middle, Babar Azam stands tall and defends it to mid on.
6.1
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Full and outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it off the outer half of the bat and gets it down to wide third man for a single. Also, KL Rahul has now been handed the gloves, so India are testing his full fitness it seems.
6
over
6 | 3 Runs | HH: 20/1
5.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Pitched up outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it away into the gap at covers and picks up a single.
5.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Fuller this time and right on the money, Fakhar Zaman solidly blocks it out.
5.4
2
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Misfield and Fakhar Zaman does finally get off the mark. Good length outside off, Zaman frees his arms and slices it on the point to bounce. Ravindra Jadeja gets a bit of a bad bounce and the ball deflects off his body. They get a couple of runs.
5.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Disciplined bowling this as Mohammed Siraj keeps the line around off and gets the ball to just angle across. Fakhar Zaman has a poke at it but misses. Hardik Pandya now runs across and gets some more saw dust for the landing area.
5.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Perfect length around off and angling across the left-hander. Fakhar Zaman looks to drive at it but misses it completely.
5.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Hard length around off, bowled at a good pace as well. The ball zooms through and Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs | HH: 17/1
4.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Fuller and outside off, Babar Azam leans on and drives it well but straight to covers. A wicket-maiden for Jasprit Bumrah!
4.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Another one in the channel around off and nipping away, Babar Azam decides to leave this one.
4.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, JAFFA! Pitches this one up right in that corridor of uncertainty and gets the ball to swing away sharply. Babar Azam tries to play at it but it is just unplayable and the ball flies past the outside edge.
4.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Babar Azam, Back to over the wicket now and bowls it on length around middle, swinging back in a long way. Babar Azam loses his shape and gets struck on the pads. A loud appeal from Jasprit Bumrah but the keeper says that it is going down leg. Good decision not to review this one.
The skipper, Babar Azam walks in to bat at number 3.
4.2
W
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The dangerous Jasprit Bumrah strikes early! Lovely delivery as Bumrah bowls this a bit fuller at 141 clicks, angling it on to middle. The ball though pitches and seams away beautifully and Imam-ul-Haq is caught on the crease. Imam pushes at it and gets an outside edge that goes straight into the bread basket of Shubman Gill at second slip and Gill pouches it safely with both hands.
4.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Bowled from around the wicket at 141 clicks, on a shortish length and around off. Imam-ul-Haq stays back to defend.
4
over
4 | 2 Runs | HH: 17/0
3.6
1
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Bangs it in a bit over middle and off at 147 clicks, Imam-ul-Haq gets hurried but manages to pull it wide of mid on for a quick single.
3.5
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Fullish length around off, slanting it across the off stump, Imam-ul-Haq defends it late toward backward point.
3.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller and quick just outside the off stump. Imam-ul-Haq shoulder arms as the ball is collected by the keeper.
3.3
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length on the fifth stump line, left alone by Imam-ul-Haq.
A slight halt in play as the landing area at Mohammed Siraj's end is a bit damp. The umpire calls out for the saw dust and the repair work is done quickly. We are good to continue.
3.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller this time outside off and angling across, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms at it. There seems to be a bit of an issue with the landing area.
3.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length around off, Imam-ul-Haq goes onto the back foot and defends it to point.
3.1
1
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, WIDE! Hits the length hard and bowls it outside off, the ball just keeps on going with the angling and it is a brilliant take from Ishan Kishan in front of second slip.
3
over
3 | 4 Runs | HH: 15/0
2.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Comes from around the wicket and bowls a beauty! Pitches this one up on the fourth stump line, angling it but gets the ball to shape away. Fakhar Zaman is drawn forward to drive but the ball zips past the outside edge.
2.5
3
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller and at the stumps, swinging back in at 143 clicks, Imam-ul-Haq plays it late and works it away through wide mid on. Rohit Sharma chases it down and saves a run for his side.
2.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Another top-class delivery and good temparament from Imam-ul-Haq. Hard length close to the off stump and angling across, Imam just plays inside the line again.
2.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Finally! Back of a length around the hips, Imam-ul-Haq nudges it in front of square leg.
2.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Top delivery! Good length right around the top of off and this one seams away sharply. Imam-ul-Haq plays inside the line of the ball and still the Pakistani batters can't get a bat to Bumrah's deliveries.
2.2
1
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, WIDE! Fuller length again at 141 clicks but swings down the leg side. Left alone for a wide.
2.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Imam-ul-Haq, Perfect length, tighter on off stump and straightening a bit off the deck as well. Imam-ul-Haq makes a watchful leave.
2
over
2 | 6 Runs | HH: 11/0
1.6
0
Mohammed Siraj to Fakhar Zaman, Prodigious movement that time around. Hard length around off, Fakhar Zaman plays inside the line and the ball moves away late but Ishan Kishan does well to pouch it.
1.5
1
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on the pads, tucked away nicely to deep backward square leg for a single.
1.4
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length over off stump and at 144 clicks, Imam-ul-Haq hops back and defends it onto the deck.
1.3
4
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Crunched away and Imam-ul-Haq is off the mark in fine fashion. Slightly short and wide, Imam pounces on the width and cuts it late past point for a boundary, the first of the chase.
1.2
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller on middle, swinging back into the left-hander, Imam-ul-Haq punches it on the up to mid on.
1.2
1
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, WIDE! Hard length, looking to angle it across but pushes it well outside the off stump, wide called.
1.1
0
Mohammed Siraj to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller in length, close to the off stump and at 141 clicks. This one nips back in off the deck and Imam-ul-Haq does well to keep it out on the off side.
Mohammed Siraj is brought into the attack from the opposite end.
1
over
1 | 5 Runs | HH: 5/0
0.6
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Ends a testing first over with a ripper of a delivery! On a hard length on off stump, moving away a bit and this one semas away late as well. Fakhar Zaman is foreced to play at it but is beaten on the outside edge. Just the five wides off the first over then.
0.5
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, A touch fuller in the channel and seaming away again, Fakhar Zaman makes a good leave this time around.
0.4
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Lovely delivery! Good length around off, seaming away late, Fakhar Zaman just looks to have a poke at it but the ball goes past the outside edge.
0.4
5
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, FIVE WIDES! Loses his radar now does Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistan are underway! Full again and it is the inswinger to the left-hander but it is spilled well down leg. Ishan Kishan can't get to it and the ball runs away to the fence.
0.3
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Goes full now at 142 clicks, on leg stump and swinging in. Fakhar Zaman misses the flick and gets wrapped on the pads. Bumrah is a bit excited for the LBW but that's going down leg.
0.2
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Another one that swings away from Fakhar Zaman but this is a lot wider and keeps a bit low as well. Fakhar Zaman doesn't play at it.
0.1
0
Jasprit Bumrah to Fakhar Zaman, Starts off well does Jasprit Bumrah! This is bowled on a perfect length on off stump and the ball swings away from the left-hander. Fakhar Zaman watchfully lets it through to the keeper.
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01
st Innings
India
We are back for the chase. The umpires are on the field. The Indian team is seen in a huddle along the boundary rope discussing final plans and looking confident as they take their respective positions on the field. The opening batters for Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq stride out to begin the chase. Jasprit Bumrah is to open the bowling attack with the new ball after a long time in ODI's and he is raring to go. Let's go...
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Right then, the target for Pakistan is 357 runs courtesy of some amazing batting by the Indians. A very eventful first inning as many milestones were achieved. Will Babar Azam and company chase down the massive target or will India triumph? We will find out soon. Do join us in a short while for the chase.
Shubman Gill is down for a quick chat. He says that it was a special knock from KL Rahul as he came back from injury and Virat Kohli too played a brilliant inning. Adds that the ball was doing a bit early on when he was batting but the intent was to put the bad balls away and pile on the pressure. On Shaheen Afridi, he says that he was looking to bowl on the wickets and hence he wanted to give it back and not let the bad balls go unpunished. Adds that it is important to hit the seam early on and then mix up the lengths as he personally found it a bit difficult when the lengths were mixed up.
Pakistan, on the other hand, missed a trick by opting to bowl first. They were put under pressure right from the first phase of the match as Shaheen Afridi was hit for some boundaries. Babar Azam brought Shadab Khan into the attack but he too was smashed for a couple of boundaries by Rohit Sharma. Shadab got the last laugh in the end by dismissing the Indian skipper and Shaheen sent Shubman Gill back to the pavilion. Soon after that, rain came and the play was called off. Today, the Pakistani bowlers weren’t on their A-game as they failed to pick any wickets during the innings. They certainly missed their speedster, Haris Rauf who had to pull out due to niggle and didn't bowl at all on the reserve day as the others were smashed all around the ground. Naseem was the only bowler who bowled well and troubled the batters at the start of the day, unfortunately for him, he failed to get any wickets. Some poor bowling and sloppy fielding allowed the Indian batters to reach their centuries. The Indians have put forth a massive 357-run target for the batters.
At the toss, Rohit Sharma was confident he wanted to bat first and he was happy to do it after losing the toss. Fair to say, he along with his team stood up on the occasion and put up a brilliant batting display during these two days. Yesterday, we saw a very strong opening pair of Rohit and Shubman Gill putting up a good 123-run partnership to start off the innings. After their dismissal, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul started off their innings steadily but then came the rain which brought an end to the day’s play. At the start of the reserve day, they both picked off from where they left and put the pressure on the fielders. They slowly built up a very good partnership and went to their half centuries. After that, there was no stopping them as along with rotating the strike, both the batters played aggressively smashing the bowlers all around the ground. A lot of milestones were achieved by both of them as KL smashed his 6th ODI ton and Virat crossed the mark of 13000 runs in ODI cricket, quickest to that feat, just before reaching his century. Thanks to the brilliance of the top 4 batters, India have put up a massive score of 356 - their joint-highest score against Pakistan in ODIs.
Total carnage! It did rain in Colombo this evening also but the cricket fans won't mind it as long as it's fours and sixes and not H2O! Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have put up some brilliant batting displays out here. What a comeback match for KL Rahul, he will certainly gain a lot of confidence from this knock! India have put up 356 on the board and this is a huge total on this ground.
50
over
50 | 18 Runs |
HH: 356/2
49.6
6
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, SIX! OH, MY WORD! Virat Kohli ends proceedings in epic fashion and 18 runs come off the final over of the innings. Faheem Ashraf looks for the yorker on middle but Kohli reads it well and walks down the track converting the ball into a full toss. Kohli then just holds the shape and whacks it straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum and holds the pose as well. India finish with a mammoth total of 356/2 on the board!
49.5
4
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Does get the free ball away and the 350 is also up for India. Fuller in length and well outside off, Virat Kohli reaches out and slaps it over cover-point for yet another boundary.
49.5
5
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Oh, that is cheeky! Very full and outside off, Virat Kohli gets across the off stump but adjusts brilliantly to change the face of the bat and deflect it past short third man for a boundary. Faheem Ashraf has overstepped as well and a no ball is called. Free Hit coming up for Virat Kohli.
49.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Top delivery! Faheem Ashraf bowls this one at 134 clicks and gets it right around the base of middle stump, Virat Kohli just about gets a bat on it.
49.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Banged in short and outside off, KL Rahul picks it up and flat-bats it down to long on for just another single.
49.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Well bowled! Very full, right in the blockhole on off, Virat Kohli can only manage to dig it out to long on for one more.
49.1
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Good length outside off, KL Rahul attempts the reverse ramp but miscues it on the off side for a single.
49
over
49 | 8 Runs |
HH: 338/2
48.6
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Full and straight, drilled back but straight to the bowler who makes a sharp stop.
48.5
4
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Pierces the gap now! A juicy full toss on the legs, Virat Kohli just uses his wrists and eases it behind square leg for a boundary. The fielders from fine and deep square leg converge but neither can get to it.
48.4
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, DROPPED! That can hardly be considered a catching chance though. Floated up full on middle, KL Rahul hammers it straight back and Iftikhar Ahmed gets both hands out to his left. The ball hits the palms hard and goes toward mid off. They get a single and the umpire is relieved Iftikhar Ahmed got his hands to it.
48.3
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Comes from around the wicket and bowls it very full on middle. Virat Kohli only manages to firm it down to long off for a single.
Naseem Shah is walking off the field. It seems he has some injury and he will not continue. A big concern for Pakistan especially when Haris Rauf is already injured.
48.2
2
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Gets it over the infield! Short and outside off, Virat Kohli frees his arms and slaps it well over extra cover for a couple of runs.
48.1
0
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, A slower bumper this over middle, right around the helmet and Kohli misses the pull.
48
over
48 | 11 Runs |
HH: 330/2
47.6
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Slower and shorter outside off, cut away late but can't get it past the man at short third.
47.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR MORE! KL Rahul showing his full range here. Shaheen Afridi nails the yorker around off, Rahul walks across the stumps and paddles it on the full past the diving man at short fine leg for a boundary.
47.4
4
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR! The carnage is on! Full and outside off, KL Rahul lofts it over the cover region and picks up another boundary. The 200-run stand is also up between these two.
47.3
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, ODI HUNDRED NUMBER 47 FOR VIRAT KOHLI! Short of a length around off, Virat Kohli just bunts it out in front of point for a quick single and gets through for a single. Kohli punches the air in joy and takes off his helmet as well. Kohli just loves the big stage and this is his fourth consecutive hundred at this ground as well, staggering!
47.2
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, 13,000 ODI runs up for Virat Kohli! Banged in short at the body, Kohli gets inside the line and pulls it down to fine leg for a couple of runs. Kohli also becomes the fastest man to achieve this feat and he moves to 99 as well.
47.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Good length outside off, angling in a bit, Virat Kohli pushes it toward point for no run.
47
over
47 | 12 Runs |
HH: 319/2
46.6
2
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, What a comeback, take a bow KL Rahul! This is floated up full and on the stumps, Rahul leans on a bit and just pushes it gently through mid on. They race back for the second and Rahul gets to his SIXTH ODI HUNDRED. He takes off the helmet and soaks in the applause from the crowd and his teammates, classy knock.
46.5
1
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Much better from Naseem Shah as he bowls it quick and full around off. Virat Kohli knocks it down to long off for a single but seems a bit displeased with his shot.
46.4
6
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, SIX! Picked up and dispatched! Attempted slower ball, in the slot a bit and around middle, Virat Kohli gets under it and lofts it over the long on fence for a maximum.
46.3
2
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Hard length over middle and leg at 140 clicks, Virat Kohli nudges it away past square leg and picks up a brace. Kohlu moves into the 90s now.
46.2
0
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Hard length outside off, takes pace a bit as well. Virat Kohli looks to stand tall and just lift it over mid off but is undone by the lack of pace.
46.1
1
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Good length angling into middle and leg, hit away on the up in front of mid-wicket by KL Rahul and he picks up a single.
46
over
46 | 7 Runs |
HH: 307/2
45.6
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Excellent running! Hard length around off, Virat Kohli stands tall and just checks the pull shot, hitting it down to long on for a couple of runs.
45.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Fuller and angling into the legs, flicked away to deep square leg for one more.
45.4
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Slower again and bowled into the pitch over off, Virat Kohli looks to force it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the leg side for a run.
45.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Good change of pace. Good length over the stumps but the pace is taken off, Virat Kohli comes forward but is beaten all ends up.
45.2
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, The call is for two and they get it with ease. Back of a length over middle, Virat Kohli nudges it nicely into the gap in front mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.
45.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Hard length close to the off pole, KL Rahul looks to cut close to the body but chops it past the stumps and to the left of the keeper. Mohammad Rizwan scampers across to make the stop as the batters pick up a single.
45
over
45 | 14 Runs |
HH: 300/2
44.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Fuller and straight on middle. KL Rahul drives it to long on for a single to end the over.
44.5
4
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, FOUR! Another one off the bat of KL Rahul! Faheem Ashraf with another slow ball on the hard length but outside off. KL Rahul waits for it and plays it late and in the gap through point. The ball races away to the fence for another boundary. KL Rahul moves to 94 now.
44.4
2
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Slow and very full outside off. KL Rahul guides it well through the legs of Shaheen Afridi at short third man for a couple of runs.
44.3
4
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, FOUR! What a shot that is from KL Rahul! Faheem Ashraf bowls another short ball this time outside off. KL Rahul stands tall and lofts it over the infield and over mid off. The ball bounces just short of the fence and crosses the boundary for four.
44.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Short again and in line of leg. Virat Kohli comes forward and pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
44.1
2
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Banged in short and on leg. Virat Kohli pulls it away fine of deep square leg who dives to stop the ball. The batters take couple of runs.
44
over
44 | 6 Runs |
HH: 286/2
43.6
1
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Slower one again and full on off. Virat Kohli drives it to mid on for a single to end the over.
43.5
2
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Shortish and slow on leg. Virat Kohli pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a quick couple of runs courtesy of an overthrow.
43.4
1
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Short and on top of off. KL Rahul pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another single. That is good bowling from Naseem Shah.
43.3
0
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Short and outside off again. KL Rahul swings but misses out due to the excess bounce.
43.2
1
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, On length and outside off. Virat Kohli comes down and slaps it straight back at the bowler. Naseem Shah manages a hand on it and the ball rolls to long off for one.
43.1
1
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Short and on top of off. KL Rahul punches it to mid off for a single to start the over.
43
over
43 | 16 Runs |
HH: 280/2
42.6
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, A juicy full toss on leg. KL Rahul comes down the track and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.
42.5
2
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Fullish and on the toes again. KL Rahul flicks it off to deep mid-wicket and he calls for two. Virat Kohli is quick and the batters take a couple of runs.
42.4
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Fullish and on the toes. Virat Kohli flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
42.3
4
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, FOUR NOW! Virat Kohli is batting brilliantly here. Iftikhar Ahmed with another short ball on middle and leg. Virat Kohli rocks back and pulls it through the gap at mid-wicket. The ball runs away to the fence for another boundary.
42.2
2
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Very full on the toes. Virat Kohli flicks it lightly to deep square leg for a quick couple of runs.
42.1
6
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, SIX! UP UP AND AWAY! Iftikhar Ahmed bowls this full and on leg. Virat Kohli dances down the track and muscles the ball over cow corner. The ball sails beyond the fence for a maximum of the first ball. Iftikhar Ahmed is under pressure here.
42
over
42 | 9 Runs |
HH: 264/2
41.6
4
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR! KL Rahul is rolling now! Shaheen Afridi bowls this on the hard length and just outside off. KL Rahul is ready for it and he cuts it away with perfect timing through the gap at point. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary to end the over. These two are batting brilliantly here.
41.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Short and on the thigh pads. Virat Kohli nudges it to deep square leg for one.
41.4
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, In the air...safe. Shaheen Afridi bowls this on length and outside off. Virat Kohli comes down the ground and lofts it with no timing towards wide third man. Naseem Shah is sloppy in the deep as he doesn't pick up the ball at all and the batters take a couple of runs.
41.3
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Yorker length now on middle and leg. KL Rahul digs it out to mid on for a single.
41.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Very full and outside off. KL Rahul reaches for it and sends it to the fielder at point. Good bowling from Shaheen Afridi.
41.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Full and on middle and leg. Virat Kohli lofts it over the infield but it lands well short of wide long on. The batters cross for one.
41
over
41 | 4 Runs |
HH: 255/2
40.6
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Very full and on the off pole. KL Rahul digs it back to the bowler to end the over.
40.5
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Pitched up and on middle. Virat Kohli rocks back and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket area for another single.
40.4
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Uppish and on middle and leg. KL Rahul nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.
40.3
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Shortish and on top of off. Virat Kohli slaps it to mid-wicket region for a single.
40.2
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Fuller now and on off. Virat Kohli comes forward and flicks it to mid-wicket.
40.1
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Short and on off. KL Rahul cuts it to point for a quick single.
Powerplay 3! Pakistan are now allowed as many as five fielders outside the inner ring till the end of the innings.
40
over
40 | 8 Runs |
HH: 251/2
39.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Fuller and wider of the off pole, hit away square to deep cover for a single.
39.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Nicely bowled! Another slower ball now, bowled slightly shorter around off and KL Rahul is through the pull way too early. The ball beats the bat and moves away a bit as well.
39.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Length ball well outside off, KL Rahul stays leg side and looks to open up the off side but misses the ball.
39.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Full and at the stumps, clipped away past square leg for a single.
39.2
2
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Excellent running! Banged in short, Virat Kohli comes forward and forces it through the cover region. The batters push hard for two and the throw from Fakhar Zaman at the bowler's end. Faheem Ashraf fails to collect it and KL Rahul manages to make his ground.
39.1
4
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Thumped away by Virat Kohli! Slower one, pitched up right in the slot outside off, Kohli hits through the line and hammers it over the mid off region for a boundary.
39
over
39 | 6 Runs |
HH: 243/2
38.6
4
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, FOUR! KL Rahul just keeps on finding the fence every now and then. This is full and around off, Rahul gets down on one knee and sweeps it crisply past square leg for a boundary.
38.5
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Short and outside off, cut away hard wide of point but the fielder there makes a good stop.
38.4
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Well in! Tossed up around off, KL Rahul attempts the reverse sweep but gets it off the glove and on the bounce to the keeper. Mohammad Rizwan does well to move across and throws the ball back onto the stumps. The replays show that Rahul has his back leg planted inside the crease.
38.3
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Fuller delivery around off, Virat Kohli drills it down to long on and gets across for a single which also brings up his FIFTY. A trademark knock from the former Indian skipper and he gets a thumbs up from his partner as well.
38.2
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Short around off, turning square, KL Rahul goes on the back foot and manages to pull it toward deep mid-wicket for one.
38.1
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Tossed up full on off, KL Rahul steps out and hits it straight back to the bowler.
Drinks are on the field now as the players take a breather. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have kept the momentum going and have picked up from where they left yesterday. If this partnership keeps going, India is looking at a very high score on the board. Pakistan has failed to make use of the conditions. They need a few quick wickets towards the end and need to break this partnership as soon as possible. We are approaching the end phase of the innings. Let's see how the game pans out.
38
over
38 | 6 Runs |
HH: 237/2
37.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Back of a length around off, KL Rahul stands tall and plays it with an angled bat toward deep cover-point for a single.
37.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Another dot ball and this is smart bowling from Faheem Ashraf. Takes pace off and keeps the length a bit short, KL Rahul forces it toward extra cover.
37.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Hits the length hard again and bowls it over off, KL Rahul hops back a bit to keep it down on the off side.
37.3
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, A bit of an extra bounce! Hard length again outside off, seaming away, KL Rahul looks to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.
37.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Hard length around off and skidding on, Virat Kohli stays back and lets the ball come onto the bat before deflecting it down to third man for a single. Kohli is just a run away now from his 50.
37.1
4
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Streaky but will do! Faheem Ashraf sees Virat Kohli advancing and pulls the length back nicely. Kohli looks to hit it away but gets an inside edge past the leg stump and the ball runs away into the fine leg fence.
37
over
37 | 3 Runs |
HH: 231/2
36.6
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Fuller on middle, KL Rahul steps out and flicks it straight to mid-wicket.
36.5
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Flatter one on middle, staying a touch low as well, KL Rahul keeps it out off the back foot.
36.4
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A fraction shorter around off, cut away to deep cover-point for a single.
36.3
0
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Drifted into middle and getting it to turn away, Virat Kohli blocks it off the front foot.
36.2
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated delivery around off and turning away, KL Rahul leans on and pats it away through covers for another easy single.
36.1
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Tossed up on leg stump, Virat Kohli advances and looks to go big downtown but gets it off the inner half toward wide long on for a single.
36
over
36 | 3 Runs |
HH: 228/2
35.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Back of a length outside off, Kohli stands tall and hits it away to deep cover for a single.
35.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Bowls it fuller, takes pace off as well, Virat Kohli drives it to mid off this time.
35.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Hard length around off, Virat Kohli steps out and punches it toward cover.
35.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Another slower one, bowled into the pitch and pushed well outside off, KL Rahul reaches out and slaps it away in front of cover-point for one more.
35.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Takes pace off and bowls it shorter around off, Virat Kohli hangs back and dabs it down close to the body toward short third man for a single.
35.1
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Hard length around off, Virat Kohli with a lovely cover drive but finds the fielder at extra cover to perfection.
35
over
35 | 14 Runs |
HH: 225/2
34.6
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Slower and shorter, nudged away in front of square on the leg side for a single.
34.5
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Pulls the length back a bit, KL Rahul stays back, opens the bat face and just pushes it to short third man for another single.
34.4
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Looped up on middle and leg, Virat Kohli clears the front leg and drives it down to long on for one more. The 100-run stand between these two is also up.
34.3
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up outside off, driving through cover for a single.
34.2
6
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, SIX! Oh, that is an amazing shot! Tossed up again outside off, KL Rahul uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and then with just a flick of the wrist he lofts it against the turn and well over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. 10 runs off the first two deliveries!
34.1
4
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, FOUR! Nicely done! Tossed up outside off, KL Rahul gets a big stride out and gets inside the line before sweeping it well behind square leg for a boundary, putting Shadab Khan under pressure right away.
34
over
34 | 7 Runs |
HH: 211/2
33.6
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Back of a length over middle, Virat Kohli nudges it down on the leg side and looks for one but KL Rahul quickly sends him back.
33.5
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Shorter one outside off, KL Rahul stays back and dabs it through the cover region for a single.
33.4
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Fuller this time on off and nipping back in. Virat Kohli looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls to short third. They pick up a single as well.
33.3
4
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Hammered away! Short and wide, Virat Kohli throws his hands at the width and slashes it through the hands of the leaping fielder at backward point for a boundary.
33.2
0
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Bowled back of a length and outside off, Virat Kohli punches it down to the cover region.
33.1
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, A FIFTY on his return to the national side for KL Rahul and this has been a very solid knock from him. Fullish length wide of off, driven on the up to sweeper cover for a single.
33
over
33 | 11 Runs |
HH: 204/2
32.6
4
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Cheekily done by Virat Kohli. Flatter one close to the off stump, Kohli stays back and just opens the bat face at the last moment to guide it fine of third man for another boundary. Another expensive over from Iftikhar Ahmed.
32.5
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Comes from around the wicket and floats this one up full on the stumps. KL Rahul sweeps it hard down to deep backward square leg for a run. Rahul moves to 49 now.
32.4
4
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, FOUR! Up and over! Tossed up outside off, KL Rahul skips down the track and lifts it easily over the extra cover region for a boundary.
32.3
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Flighted again on off, Virat Kohli wrists it through mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
32.2
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Nicely flighted around off, Virat Kohli leans on and eases it toward mid on.
32.1
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Floated up on a shorter length around off, turning it back in. KL Rahul uses the depth of the crease to punch it through cover for a single.
32
over
32 | 7 Runs |
HH: 193/2
31.6
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Two more to end the over! Hard length outside off, Virat Kohli stands tall and just runs it down to third man. The fielder at deep point runs around to his left and dives in to save a couple of runs for his side.
31.5
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Uppish but in the gap and there's a fumble in the deep as well. Shorter and outside off, Virat Kohli reaches out and hits it over the point region for a couple of runs more.
31.4
2
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Fullish length around off, Virat Kohli plays a high-elbow cover drive and gets it wide of the man in the deep, picking up a brace in the process as well.
31.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Length ball close to the off stump, Virat Kohli tries to play it late and just dab it past point but ends up getting and inside edge back onto the pads.
31.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Fuller and around off at 143 clicks, Virat Kohli drives it sweetly but straight to mid off.
31.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Good, positive running! Pitched up around off, angling in a bit, KL Rahul punches it on the up to mid off and scampers through for a single.
31
over
31 | 11 Runs |
HH: 186/2
30.6
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Short and outside off, cut away hard off the back foot to deep point for one.
30.5
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, On length around middle and off, KL Rahul pushes it to the left of mid off where Shadab Khan makes a good diving stop.
30.4
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Touch fuller one middle, KL Rahul stands tall and just nudges it toward mid on.
30.3
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Nagging length, turning into middle and leg, KL Rahul stays back and blocks it out.
30.2
4
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, FOUR! Cut away, and cut away to perfection. Slightly short and around off, KL Rahul rocks back and backs away before cutting it late well behind point for a boundary.
30.1
6
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, SIX! Top shot! Bowled fuller on off, KL Rahul gets across the off stump and slog-sweeps it well over the square leg fence for a biggie. Rahul starting to attack now.
30
over
30 | 8 Runs |
HH: 175/2
29.6
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, On length and on off. KL Rahul punches it with good timing to deep cover for a single to end the over.
29.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Fuller and outside off. Virat Kohli drives it to deep cover for another single.
29.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Full again and outside off. Virat Kohli miscues it back to Shaheen Afridi.
29.3
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, On length and on middle. KL Rahul punches it to cover for one.
29.2
4
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR! What a shot! Shaheen Afridi bowls this fuller and outside off. KL Rahul stands back and slaps it with impeccable timing through the gap at deep point. The ball has enough pace on it to race away to the boundary for four runs.
29.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Short and quick on off. Virat Kohli pushes it to the cover region for a quick single.
29
over
29 | 4 Runs |
HH: 167/2
28.6
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Uppish again and on top of off. KL Rahul has watchfully blocked it out. A good over from Iftikhar Ahmed.
28.5
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Pitched up on off. KL Rahul pushes it back to the bowler.
28.4
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to Virat Kohli, Floated up and outside off. Virat Kohli slices it to deep point for yet another single.
28.3
1
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Fullish and on the leg stump. KL Rahul dances down and lofts it to long on region for another single.
28.2
0
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Tossed up on the off pole. KL Rahul drives it to mid off.
28.1
2
Iftikhar Ahmed to KL Rahul, Full and outside off. KL Rahul cuts it well to deep point for a couple of runs.
28
over
28 | 8 Runs |
HH: 163/2
27.6
0
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Short and on the thigh pads. Virat Kohli tries to flick it and he appears to miss it as the ball sails to the keeper. There is a loud appeal which is turned down by the umpire. Babar Azam has reviewed it. The UltraEdge shows a flat line when the ball is next to the bat and Pakistan have lost both their reviews.
27.5
0
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, On the hard length and on the thigh pads. Virat Kohli blocks it on the onside.
27.4
2
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, On length again and outside off. Virat Kohli reaches and gets the toe end of the bat to drive the ball to deep covers for a couple of runs.
27.3
4
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, FOUR! A much-needed boundary! Naseem Shah is unlucky here. He bowls this short with a hint of outswing. Virat Kohli tries to guide it to the off side but manages an outside edge. There is no slip and the ball races away to the thrid man fence for the first boundary of the day.
27.2
1
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, On length and on the pads. The ball rolls away to square leg after an inside edge onto the pads from KL Rahul. The batters cross for one.
27.1
1
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Short and quick on top of off. Virat Kohli guides it towards point for a single to begin the over.
27
over
27 | 3 Runs |
HH: 155/2
26.6
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Faheem Ashraf bowls this on a good length and on top of off. KL Rahul pushes it back to the bowler for a dot ball to end the over.
26.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, On length and on the thigh pads. KL Rahul nudges it to the fielder at mid-wicket.
26.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Shorter and outside off. KL Rahul punches it to the fielder at cover. Virat Kohli rejects the single from the other end.
26.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, Hit the hard length again and just on top of off. Virat Kohli guides it to thrid man for yet another single.
26.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to KL Rahul, Short and outside off. KL Rahul punches it with good timing to the fielder at deep cover for another single.
26.1
1
Faheem Ashraf to Virat Kohli, On length and outside off. Virat Kohli guides it to third man for a quick single to start the over.
26
over
26 | 2 Runs |
HH: 152/2
25.6
1
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Shot and outside off. Virat Kohli punches it to deep cover for a single to end a really good over by Naseem Shah.
25.5
0
Naseem Shah to Virat Kohli, Hits the hard length again, and swinging away. Virat Kohli tries to block it but misses out due to the out swing as the ball goes to the keeper.
25.4
1
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, On length and on the thigh pads. KL Rahul nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single to get off strike.
25.3
0
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, Jaffa! Naseem Shah bowls this fuller on off and the swings out really late. KL Rahul attempts to drive it but is beaten all ends up as the ball sails just past the off stump and to the keeper.
25.2
0
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, On the hard length again angling on the pads. KL Rahul pushes it back to Naseem Shah.
25.1
0
Naseem Shah to KL Rahul, On length and on the pads. KL Rahul has blocked it from his crease back to the bowler.
Naseem Shah (5-1-23-0) to steam in from the other end.
25
over
25 | 4 Runs |
HH: 150/2
24.6
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Very full just outside off. KL Rahul drives it with good timing to deep cover for a single to end the over.
24.5
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Fullish again and on middle. Virat Kohli drives it down to mid on for another single.
24.4
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up on middle. KL Rahul miscues it to mid on for a single.
24.3
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Tossed up again on the off pole. KL Rahul drives it back to the bowler.
24.2
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Shadab Khan bowls this one full and on middle and off. KL Rahul blocks it solidly.
After what feels like an eternity later, we are ready to resume play! The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Pakistan. The pair of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli also make their way out to the middle, ready to restart their innings. It will be Shadab Khan who will start proceedings with the ball and complete his unfinished over.
BREAKING - One huge news coming in from the Pakistani camp is that Haris Rauf will not bowl anymore in this game as a precautionary measure (suspected side strain) and this could be a big blow to the Pakistan side. That said, the Men in Green had picked an extra seamer in Faheem Ashraf and that should fill the void slightly.
UPDATE 4.22 pm IST (10.52 am GMT) - The news we all have been waiting for is here! The game will restart at 4.40 pm IST (11.10 am GMT) and yes, it will be a complete contest, 50 overs per side which is the best we can hope for. The players are out doing their warm-ups, so, grab a cup of coffee and strap yourselves in for this high-octane contest.
UPDATE 4.11 pm IST (10.41 am GMT) - The umpires were out in the middle a few minutes after the rain stopped and have scheduled an inspection for 4.20 pm IST (10.50 am GMT). The visuals earlier showed that the ground was quite firm and hopefully, unlike yesterday, there aren't any damp patches on the outfield. If that is the case, then we might just get a start time soon after the inspection. Stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.
UPDATE 3.46 pm IST (10.16 am GMT) - Good news! The skies don't seem very clear at the moment but there's not even a drizzle around, so, the covers are beginning to be taken off. Given that the ground was covered prior to the rain, the outfield shouldn't be completely drenched and we might actually see the game start sooner rather than later, weather permitting that is. Stick around for further updates.
UPDATE 3.16 pm IST (9.46 am GMT) - The covers did start to come off but it seems there is still a very light drizzle, so for precautionary measures not all of the covers are being removed and most of the energy is being concentrated on getting the accumulated water off the covers themselves. The players though look eager to get out there and get on with proceedings as a lot of them can be seen around the boundary ropes watching the ground staff work. Stay tuned for the latest updates from the ground.
UPDATE 2.43 pm IST (9.13 am GMT) - So, the start of play on the reserve day has officially been delayed! But along with that, there's some good news from the ground as the rain has completely stopped and the covers are slowly coming off. As mentioned earlier, the covers were already on before the rain started and hence, all the water, or almost all of it is on the covers. The ground staff are up and running with their work and we might see some news from the ground pretty soon. Stick around for the latest updates.
UPDATE 2.30 pm IST (9 am GMT) - Right then, the covers are still firmly on but the rain has actually come down to a light drizzle. The ground staff had covered the ground much prior to the heavy rain and now, we can see a few players and the coaching staff in the dugout having a chat. It looks like we will have to play the waiting game once again but signs do look a bit more promising at the moment. Stay tuned for more updates.
The two teams did arrive at the stadium early on and the forecast for rain in the afternoon had also decreased quite a bit but it is certainly raining at the moment in Colombo and the ground is completely under covers. We might have a delay but let's hope we can get some action in soon. Just to remind you, we did see 24.1 overs being bowled in the first innings with India 147/2. So, the game if and when it starts will pick up from that same mark and for now, it will be a 50-over-a-side contest. Stick around for further updates and news.
Hello and welcome once again to our coverage of the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India at the R. Premadasa in Colombo. It is the reserve day of the game and there was a lot of hope as Colombo witnessed a fairly sunny early afternoon but about 15 minutes earlier, the rain came pouring down which is bad news for the teams and all cricketing fans as well. Let's not give up hope that early as no one really knows how the weather is going to play throughout the day and it is just the start if the day. So, fingers crossed, it all clears up soon.
... MATCH DAY 2 ...
Right then, folks, we are afraid it is bad news for today as rain has played the show spoiler once again for the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash. Earlier, we saw Babar Azam winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a fantastic start to the innings as they brought up their respective half-centuries. Shadab Khan dismissed Rohit Sharma after he had smashed the leg spinner all around the ground while Shaheen Afridi dismissed Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul looked well-settled on the pitch and on the way to build a steady partnership but then came the downpour. We saw the covers being removed and inspections happening for a brief period of time but just as things were looking good, the rain arrived again bringing the end of the game for today. Thanks to a reserve day kept for this clash, we will see play resuming from where it stopped, on 11th September at 3 pm IST (9:30 am GMT), and it will remain a 50-overs contest. Our coverage will start an hour earlier until then goodbye and cheers.
UPDATE 8:42 pm IST (3.12 pm GMT) - More bad news folks. The rain has intensified and though the covers are on the ground, more delay is expected. We hope that it passes soon and we can get to see at least some action further in the match. So, hang tight folks as we get you more updates.
UPDATE 8.32 pm IST (3.02 pm GMT) - Just as the umpires started walking out for the inspection, the ground staff are getting the covers back on. There seems to be a light passing shower but given the hard work the ground staff have put in, the logical decision is to get the covers back on. All we can now do is hang tight. Stick around for more updates.
UPDATE 8.11 pm IST (2.41 pm GMT) - The umpires were out for their inspection a few minutes back and that one particular damp patch is still a concern. The ground staff have brought out a makeshift triple-fan set up mounted on a wheelbarrow sort of thing in order to dry that area as the wait for an official word continues. Stay tuned as we might get some official news soon. There is yet another inspection scheduled for 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT).
UPDATE 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT) - Right then, live visuals from the ground show that the inspection is going on and the umpires are having a discussion with the ground staff as well. There are still some damp patches that are of concern but thankfully, the weather has stayed dry for quite some time now. We shall get some official news soon, stay tuned. A few minutes later, the umpires go off again and have a word with the captains, explaining that there are still areas of concern on the outfield. No official word yet but there might be another inspection later on. And, we do have the time of the next inspection, it's 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT) as there seems to be one area of particular concern that the umpires want to revisit.
UPDATE 6.53 pm IST (1.23 pm GMT) - The covers are almost completely off and the ground staff continues to work overtime in order to dry the ground. It surely is tough work out there for them, especially given the multiple wet patches. As mentioned earlier, priority will be given to complete the game today itself and the latest a 20-over-a-side contest can begin is 10.36 pm IST (5.06 pm GMT) with the cut-off time being 12 am IST. Also, Rohit Sharma can be seen in an elaborate discussion with the umpires trying to get an assessment of how things will proceed. Stick around as an official inspection seems imminent. Minutes later, we do get an inspection time - 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT).
UPDATE 6.15 pm IST (12.45 pm GMT) - There is a lot of activity going on at the ground as the rain seems to have stopped. The ground staff are working hard to remove the covers and get water off them and then put them back on. There is also a spot on the outfield that seems very damp and a lot of sponges are being used to dry it down. In in few minutes' time, at 6.22 pm IST (12.52 pm GMT) to be precise we will start to lose overs but if things remain as they are, we might get some play in before the day ends. Stick around for more updates.
UPDATE 5.43 pm IST (12.13 pm GMT) - The latest visuals from the ground show that the covers are still firmly in place and the rain has come down to a light drizzle. There was a bit of delay in covering the whole ground when the rain first came pelting down which means there is water on the ground as well and a few puddles have also formed. Let's hope for the best. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest news from the ground.
UPDATE 5.13 pm IST (11.43 am GM) - The rain is still around and seems to be exceeding its stay but it is not pelting down at the moment which is a positive time. Also, once we start losing overs, the umpires will still try to finish play if possible. Only when a 20-over-a-side contest is not possible, then the game will be moved to the reserve day and will kick on from the point the last ball is bowled. Stick around for more updates.
UPDATE 4.53 pm IST (11.23 am GMT) - Oh, dear! Where did that come from? The rain comes pelting down and the players rush off the field. The ground staff is quick to bring the covers on but it looks like more of a passing shower. Just a few moments later, the intensity has increased further and it looks like we are in for a bit of a delay. Stay tuned for further updates.
24.1
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Full an on the off pole. Virat Kohli drives it to deep cover for a single.
24
over
24 | 6 Runs |
HH: 146/2
23.6
0
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full again outside off. KL Rahul drives it but with no timing to mid off for a dot ball to end the over.
23.5
0
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, On the hard length and bounced up high. KL Rahul looks to play it on the on side but strikes him on the pads. There is a loud appeal from Haris Rauf but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam decided not to review it even after Haris Rauf insisted.
23.5
1
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full and down the leg side. KL Rahul mises on the flick as the umpire signals a wide.
23.4
0
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, A slower short ball outside off. KL Rahul blocks it on the off side.
23.3
4
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, FOUR! A much needed boundary! Haris Rauf bowls this short and outside off. KL Rahul stands tall and pulls it with good balance through mid-wicket. The ball races away to the fence for four runs.
23.2
1
Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Full again on middle. Virat Kohli drives it a little wide of mid on for a quick single.
23.1
0
Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Full and quick on middle and lg. Virat Kohli drives it to mid on.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs |
HH: 140/2
22.6
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Fullish and on middle. KL Rahul has blocked it from the crease. A maiden over from Shadab Khan.
22.5
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Pitched up on middle again. KL Rahul pushes it towards cover for another dot run.
22.4
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up on middle. KL Rahul comes down the ground and drives it back to the bowler.
22.3
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Fullish and turning away from outside off. KL Rahul tries to slice it but is beaten by the turn. There is a loud appeal but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam decided not the review it.
22.2
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Tossed up again on off. KL Rahul miscues it towards mid on.
22.1
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Full and outside off. KL Rahul slaps it to the fielder at cover.
22
over
22 | 3 Runs |
HH: 140/2
21.6
0
Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Shorter and on top of off. Virat Kohli leaves it alone as it sails over his off stump for the keeper to collect.
21.5
0
Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, On the hard length and on top of off. Virat Kohli pushes it to the fielder at point.
21.4
1
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Shorter and on top of off. KL Rahul has punched it to deep cover for another single.
21.3
0
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full this time just outside off. Virat Kohli drives it to the fielder at cover.
21.2
2
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, On length and on the pads. KL Rahul nudges it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
21.1
0
Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Short and on middle from over the wicket. KL Rahul has blocked it to point.
21
over
21 | 2 Runs |
HH: 137/2
20.6
0
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Lobbed up on middle and leg. Virat Kohli has defended it. A very good over from Shadab Khan.
20.5
0
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Pitched up on the off pole. Virat Kohli has driven it to mid on.
20.4
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up on middle. KL Rahul drives it to deep cover for a single to get off strike.
20.3
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Uppish and outside off. KL Rahul has driven it to point.
20.2
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Another fullish delivery outside off. KL Rahul has blocked it from the crease.
20.1
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Full and on the off pole. Virat Kohli nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single to start the over.
20
over
20 | 4 Runs |
HH: 135/2
19.6
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Pitched up on the off stump at 140 clicks, KL Rahul plays a firm straight drive but straight to mid off.
19.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR! Releases the pressure with that shot. Back to over the wicket and banged in short around off. The ball just sits up and KL Rahul pulls it crisply in front of square for a boundary.
19.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Four dots on the trot now! A touch fuller and attacking the pads, KL Rahul watchfully nudges it to short mid-wicket.
19.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Back of a length and outside off, KL Rahul stays on the back foot and keeps it out on the off side.
19.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Fuller one, angling into the legs, KL Rahul pushes it to the left of short mid-wicket where the fielder makes a sharp stop.
19.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Comes from around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length outside off. KL Rahul stays back and looks to cut but chops it back onto the deck.
19
over
19 | 7 Runs |
HH: 131/2
18.6
2
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A high full toss now, dropping onto middle, Virat Kohli works it away down to wide long on for a couple of runs more.
18.5
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Flatter one outside off, KL Rahul rocks back and cuts it in front of square on the off side for a single.
18.4
2
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Looped up, full and on the pads, KL Rahul clips it 'round the corner and comes back for the second run with ease.
18.3
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Floated up on off stump, Virat Kohli leans on and just drives it down to long off for an easy single.
18.2
1
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Nagging length again outside off, KL Rahul goes back and across and pushes it through the cover region for a single.
18.1
0
Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Nagging length, on off and turning away, KL Rahul is drawn forward and just about manages to keep it out.
18
over
18 | 2 Runs |
HH: 124/2
17.6
1
Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Around the hips, nudged away through backward square leg for a single by KL Rahul
KL Rahul walks in to bat now.
17.5
W
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! A straightforward catch and a wicket right away in his return spell for Shaheen Afridi. Afridi steams in and pitches this one right up around off but takes pace off. Shubman Gill leans on for the drive but is through his shot early. The ball holds up a bit and Gill ends up just chipping it to Agha Salman at short extra cover for a simple chance and the fielder makes no mistake. Gill departs after a solid knock and India have lost both their openers in quick succession.
17.4
1
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, A touch fuller and angling across, Virat Kohli leans on and drives it square toward deep cover for a single.
17.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Hard length over middle and leg, Virat Kohli nudges it down toward square leg.
17.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Pitched up around off, Virat Kohli plays a high-elbow drive and firms it to mid off.
17.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Perfect length around middle and leg, Virat Kohli plays it late and nudges it to square leg.
17
over
17 | 4 Runs |
HH: 122/1
16.6
1
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Flatter delivery around off, Virat Kohli stands tall and punches it down to long on for a single.
16.5
0
Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, On the shorter side, turning away from off, Virat Kohli works it off the back foot to mid on.
A loud cheer from the crowd as Virat Kohli walks out to bat at number 3.
16.4
W
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! A brilliant catch in the deep from Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan does get his man. Tosses this one up on a fuller length around off, turning it away. Rohit Sharma looks to just reach out and loft it inside-out over extra cover but ends up chipping over wide mid off. Ashraf at long off runs to his left and takes a good tumbling catch with both hands. A huge relief for Shadab and Pakistan as the destructive Indian skipper departs.
16.3
1
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Very full on middle, Shubman Gill jams it down to long on and turns the strike over.
16.2
2
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Short again, cut away hard off the back foot and behind point for a couple of runs.
16.1
0
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Slightly shorter outside off, turning away, Shubman Gill waits on the back foot and taps it to backward point.
Time for some refreshments as drinks are on the field now. The Indian batters have dominated so far and are dealing in boundaries here. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have brought up their fifties and are looking in good touch out there in the middle. India are looking at a very high total from here. The bowlers ave failed to bowl to their strengths. Naseem Shah bowled a good spell but with no such support from the other end. Pakistan should look for wickets out here as there are many other batters to come. Some quick wickets might help to restrict India from posting a high total on the board. Either way, it will be an interesting match to watch.
16
over
16 | 3 Runs |
HH: 118/0
15.6
0
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Pulls the length back a touch and bowls it around off, angling it back in. Rohit Sharma is late on the shot but manages to defend it to cover-point.
15.5
1
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, On a length around off and this is the off-cutter that nips back in. Shubman Gill tucks it away behind square leg for a single.
15.4
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, A steep bouncer this over middle and at 144 clicks, Shubman Gill stays under it and Mohammad Rizwan does well to leap up and collect it.
15.3
1
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Good running! Slower one, pitched up on the stumps, Rohit Sharma works it away gently in front of mid-wicket and scampers through for the run.
15.2
1
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Slightly shorter and outside off, a bit of an uneven bounce there. Shubman Gill waits and just taps it away past point for a single.
15.1
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Length ball, hitting the top of off, Shubman Gill stands tall and solidly blocks it out on the off side.
15
over
15 | 12 Runs |
HH: 115/0
14.6
0
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Fuller delivery around off, Rohit Sharma defends it out with soft hands.
14.5
1
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Tossed up full and outside off, driven down to long off for a run.
14.4
1
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Flighted delivery, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma leans on and pushes it down to long on for a single.
14.3
0
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Floated up around off, Sharma eases it to covers.
14.2
4
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! A half-volley now outside off, Rohit Sharma frees his arms and drives it away square past point for another boundary. Shadab Khan under immense pressure here!
14.1
6
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! Rohit Sharma has taken a real liking to Shadab Khan here. A juicy full toss on off stump, Sharma gets under it and smokes it well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. FIFTY up for the Indian skipper and he now looks in a punishing mood as well. This is his 50th ODI fifty as well, remarkable!
14
over
14 | 7 Runs |
HH: 103/0
13.6
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Slower one, spilled down leg, Shubman Gill nudges it to the left of the keeper who springs to that side and makes the stop.
13.5
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Full and around off at 144 clicks, Shubman Gill times the cover drive to perfection but finds the man at extra cover.
13.4
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Perfect length, right in the channel and takes pace off as well. Shubman Gill strides out and defends it to cover.
13.3
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Hard length, on off stump, pushed out on the off side by Shubman Gill.
13.3
5
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, FIVE WIDES! Oh, dear, it's going from bad to worse hear for Pakistan. Haris Rauf steams in and bangs it in way too short and outside off as the bail sails over the keeper's head and into the fence. The 100 comes up for India as well.
13.2
2
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Banged in short at the body, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and plays a stylish half-pull through backward square leg for a couple of runs.
13.1
0
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Pitched up right in the slot around off at 149 clicks, Shubman Gill mistimes the drive back to the bowler.
13
over
13 | 19 Runs |
HH: 96/0
12.6
4
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Class batting from Rohit Sharma and 19 runs come off Shadab's first over! Short again and offers width as well, Sharma goes on the back foot and cuts it late behind point for a boundary.
12.5
6
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! And again, even bigger this time around! Poor from Shadab Khan though as he bowls a half-tracker around off. Sharma pulls it off the back foot and does so in front of square, sending the ball sailing over the ropes for a biggie.
12.4
6
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! Easy pickings! Dragged down around middle, Rohit Sharma picks the length early, rocks back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.
12.3
1
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, FIFTY up for Shubman Gill, a thundering knock thus far from the young man. Floated up on a length and around off, Gill pushes it down to long off and picks up a run. Gill will now look to press on.
12.2
1
Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Slightly shorter on off and turning away, Rohit Sharma stands tall and eases it through the cover region for one more.
12.1
1
Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Starts with a nicely flighted delivery around off, Shubman Gill leans on and strokes it away to deep cover for a single. Gill moves on to 49 now.
12
over
12 | 8 Runs |
HH: 77/0
11.6
4
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Top edge! Pacy delivery, banged in a bit around off and Rohit Sharma looks to take it on. Sharma is hurried and the ball flies off the top edge down to third man for four runs.
11.5
2
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Mistimed! Length ball around off, Rohit Sharma clears the front leg and swings hard at it. The ball goes off the toe end to the left of Haris Rauf who gets a hand on it but the batters get two runs as the ball rolls toward long off.
11.4
0
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Hard length around off, punched off the back foot toward cover.
11.3
0
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one right up around off, swinging it in and at 145 clicks. Rohit Sharma punches it right back to the bowler.
11.2
1
Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Right around the top of off at 141 clicks, Shubman Gill tucks it to mid-wicket. The fielder there scores a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill manages to cross over with ease.
11.1
1
Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Starts with a shortish ball around off. Rohit Sharma hangs back and plays it late, dabbing it down to third man for a single.
11
over
11 | 8 Runs |
HH: 69/0
10.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, Takes place off and floats it outside off, Rohit Sharma hangs back and just nudges it down to third man for a run.
10.5
1
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Hard length outside off, Gill pats it away sweetly to sweeper cover and picks up a single.
10.4
4
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nicely done! Shorter one around the hips, Shubman Gill plays it late and just tickles it fine down to fine leg and beats the fielder for a boundary.
10.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, A bit slower and outside off, Rohit Sharma stays back and just taps it down to third man for one more.
10.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Bowls this one back of a length and close to the off pole, Shubman Gill hops and plays it with an angled bat down to third man for a single.
10.1
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On a good length, angling into middle and leg, Shubman Gill nudges it down toward square leg.
The umpire signals the start of Powerplay 2! It will last till the 40th over and the fielding side can have up to 4 fielders outside the inner ring.
10
over
10 | 8 Runs |
HH: 61/0
9.6
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On length and nipping in towards off. Rohit Sharma shoulder arms as the keeper collects the ball.
9.5
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Full and on off. Rohit Sharma has defended it safely.
9.4
4
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR AGAIN! The pull shot comes out! Naseem Shah bowls this short and outside off. Rohit Sharma stands tall and plays his favorite pull shot to send the ball over mid-wicket. The ball races away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.
9.3
4
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! What a shot! Naseem Shah bowls this full and on the pads. Rohit Sharma flicks it off beautifully and over the fielder at mid-wicket. The ball sails over the infield and runs away to the fence for four runs.
9.2
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On the hard length nipping away from outside off. Rohit Sharma tries to defend it but it beaten by the swing.
9.1
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and swinging away, wide outside off. Rohit Sharma plays it onto the ground toward backward point.
9
over
9 | 6 Runs |
HH: 53/0
8.6
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and on top of off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point.
8.5
2
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On length and on top of off. Shubman Gill punches it in the gap through covers for a couple of runs. Good running from the batters.
8.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Full again swinging in onto middle. Shubman Gill defends it solidly off his front foot.
8.3
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on middle. Shubman Gill has driven it down the ground and on the stumps on the other hand.
8.2
4
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is on a roll here. Faheem Ashraf bowls this on the hard length and away from off. Shubman Gill stands tall and punches it with power wide of the fielder at cover and in the gap. The fielder fails to stop it and the ball runs away to meet the fence for a boundary.
8.1
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and outside off. Shubman Gill has driven it to the fielder at cover.
8
over
8 | 9 Runs |
HH: 47/0
7.6
1
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Full again and outside off. Shubman Gill has edged it wide of second slip towards third man for a single to end the over.
7.5
0
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on the off pole. Shubman Gill has driven it to the fielders at cover.
7.4
0
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Short and on top of off. Shubman Gill has blocked it from his crease.
7.3
4
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN! Naseem Shah with another short ball with a hint of outswing outside off. Shubman Gill tries to cut it but gets it off the toe end towards the fielders at slip. The fielders at first and second don't react for a catch and the ball races away to the thrid man fence for four runs. Shubman Gill is lucky here.
7.2
0
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Shorter and swinging away from off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
7.1
4
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a way to start the over. Naseem Shah bowls this on length and outside off. Shubman Gill stands back and guides it beautifully though the gap at point. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary. Shubman Gill is in form here.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs |
HH: 38/0
6.6
0
Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, On length and on top of off. Rohit Sharma has blocked it to the right of the bowler for a dot to end the over.
6.5
1
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and on top of off. Shubman Gill has punched it to the fielder at point for a quick single.
6.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Full again and outside off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point again. A good over so far from Faheem Ashraf.
6.3
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Fuller this time and away from off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point.
6.2
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Short again on the pads. Shubman Gill nudges it towards the mid-wicket fielder.
6.1
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Short and on top of middle. Shubman Gill has blocked it down the ground back to the bowler.
Faheem Ashraf comes into the attack now.
6
over
6 | 0 Runs |
HH: 37/0
5.6
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, A maiden over from Naseem Shah. He bowls this on the hard length and swinging away from outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't offer a shot as the ball stayed low.
5.5
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Another outswinger, short and wide of off. Rohit Sharma leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
5.4
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Shorter on top of off. Rohit Sharma tried to block it but the ball swung away from him. Naseem Shah is bowling brilliantly here.
5.3
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! Short and again swinging away from outside off. Rohit Sharma tries to pull it but is again beaten by the swing.
5.2
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller now and with some outswing. Rohit Sharma tries to drive it but is beaten by the swing.
5.1
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 13 Runs |
HH: 37/0
4.6
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN WOW! Shaheen Afridi with another full ball away from off. Shubman Gill slices it in the gap through point. The ball runs away to the deep point fence and ends the over with another boundary. Some good batting on display here.
4.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is on fire here. Shaheen Afridi bowls this full from around the wicket and on off. Shubman Gill drives it perfectly in the gap through cover with beautiful timing. The ball races away to deep cover fence for four more runs.
4.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Full and on off. Shubman Gill drives it to the fielder at cover.
4.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and nipping in towards off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
4.2
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a shot! Shaheen Afridi bowls this full and on the off pole. Shubman Gill dances down the ground and lofts it over the infield down the ground. The ball races away to the long on fence for four more runs. Shubman Gill looks confident here.
4.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Short again and on top of off. Shubman Gill has miscued it on the off side.
4.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Short and wide outside leg. Shubman Gill leaves it alone and the umpire signals a wide.
4
over
4 | 1 Runs |
HH: 24/0
3.6
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, A good way to end the over. Naseem Shah bowls this short and just outside off. Rohit Sharma is taken by surprise by the excess bounce and he leaves it alone.
3.5
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! Naseem Shah bowls this short and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma comes down the track and swings hard. He is beaten by the swing and the keeper collects the ball. There is an appeal but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam has taken the review and the UltraEdge shows that there was no spike. Pakistan lose a review.
3.5
1
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller and swinging away wide outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't reach it and the umpire signals a wide.
3.4
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On the hard length and outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't offer a shot and lets it go to the keeper.
3.3
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Shorter and on top of middle. Rohit Sharma has blocked it from the crease.
3.2
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! This was an outswinger now pitched on length from Naseem Shah. Rohit Sharma is beaten by the swing. Some good bowling from Naseem Shah.
3.1
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, What a ball! Naseem Shah bowls this on length and swinging in on top of off. Rohit Sharma shoulder arms and the ball goes just over the stumps to the keeper. Brave leave, eh?
3
over
3 | 12 Runs |
HH: 23/0
2.6
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, On length and outside off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.
2.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is batting brilliantly here. Shaheen Afridi with another full ball swinging in onto middle. Shubman Gill stands tall and drives it straight down the ground with perfect timing. The ball races away wide off the fielder to the fence for the third boundary of the over.
2.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Yorker length and on middle. Shubman Gill plays it late but digs it out safely.
2.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Full, this time on off. Shubman Gill drives it to mid off.
2.2
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN! Shaheen Afridi bowls a length ball on the leg stump. Shubman Gill comes forward and lofts it over mid-wicket. The ball races away to the boundary for consecutive boundaries. This one will surely give him some confidence.
2.1
4
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a way to start the over! Shaheen Afridi with another full ball and on the pads. Shubman Gill nudges it lightly very fine and wide of fine leg. The fielder fails to stop it and the ball runs away for a four.
2
over
2 | 5 Runs |
HH: 11/0
1.6
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and on top of off. Rohit Sharma stands tall and blocks it.
1.5
4
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Rohit Sharma is dealing in boundaries here. Naseem Shah bowls this fuller and outside the off pole. Rohit Sharma stands tall and drives it aerially over the fielder at cover. The ball races away to the fence for four runs. That is the second boundary for Rohit Sharma.
1.4
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller and another outswinger. He doesn't play this one either and the keeper collects it.
1.3
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On length and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma doesn't want to reach it as he lets it go to the keeper.
1.2
0
Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short again and on top of off. Rohit Sharma blocks it safely.
1.1
1
Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, In the air...safe. Naseem Shah bowls this one short and outside off. Shubman Gill miscues it aerially to the fielder at third man. The ball just lands short of Shaheen Afridi who puts in the dive and the batters cross for a single.
Naseem Shah to take the other new ball.
1
over
1 | 6 Runs |
HH: 6/0
0.6
6
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, SIX! What a way to end the over! Rohit Sharma is off the mark and in style! Shaheen Afridi with another full length delivery on the pads with a hint of inswing. Rohit Sharma stands tall and flicks it with impeccable timing over deep square leg and beyond the fence for the first maximum of the match.
0.5
0
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Fullish and swinging into middle. Rohit Sharma drives it to the fielder at cover.
0.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Fuller again and on the pads. The ball goes to the keeper after deflecting from Rohit Sharma's pads.
0.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, On length and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma lets it go to the keeper.
0.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Very full from Shaheen Afridi on the off pole. Rohit Sharma digs it out and back to the bowler safely.
0.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Right on the money! Shaheen Afridi bowls this full and swinging in onto the pads. Rohit Sharma flicks it to the fielder at square leg.
Done with the pre-game formalities and it is now time for the play to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Pakistan, who can be seen in a huddle before taking their places on the field. Skipper Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India alongside Shubman Gill. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Just the one slip in place and there's a catching short mid-wicket as well. Let's play...
We are just a few minutes away from the start of this highly-anticipated contest but first, the two sets of players will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of India first followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.
India's skipper, Rohit Sharma says that they were looking to bat first as it looks like a good pitch and yes, there will be challenges but runs on the board can be crucial. Adds that every game from hereon is very important for them and they have an opportunity to come out and play well. Mentions that you can't control the weather and they are well-rested for this clash. Informs that they a couple of changes with Shreyas Iyer out due to a back-spasm and Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the side.
Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says that they will bowl first. He adds that he feels chasing will be easier and says that it is a high-intensity match. He feels happy with the form of his players. He ends by saying that his team has no changes.
India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (In for KL Rahul), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah (In for Mohammad Shami).
Pakistan (Unchanged XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
TOSS - Babar Azam flips the coin and Rohit Sharma calls 'Heads'. It lands in favour of Pakistan and they will BOWL first.
PITCH REPORT - Sanjay Manjrekar is pitchside. He says that the pitch has been watered well and it seems sunny now. The pitch is even with a little grass. Waqar Younis joins him and says that the pacers will have an advantage and it is expected to turn as well. They reckon that chasing the target will be easier on this pitch.
India on the other hand have a hectic week coming up as they are yet to play a single game in the Super Four stage. They did get an easy win against Nepal in their previous game but given what happened in that rain-curtailed match last time around against Pakistan, they will surely look to start better against the new ball. Their bowlers haven't been tested as of yet and will be raring to go. Will we see a full game take place? And if so, which of these two giants of the game will have the last say? We shall find out. Toss and team news in a bit.
Pakistan come into this upbeat with their victory against Bangladesh in the last match and a win here will all but seal the top spot for them in this stage. The pacers are in scintillating form and the top order also has batters in good touch. Their spin attack and the sixth bowling option will certainly be something they would be hoping to improve upon going into this mammoth clash.
Hello and a very warm welcome to one and all! It is now time for that epic clash once again as eternal rivals, Pakistan and India face off in a crucial match number 3 of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. A lot of talk about the rain and the inclement weather in Colombo but to everyone's delight, it is nice and sunny at the moment, although there is a chance of rain later in the day, let's hope for a complete game. We do have a reserve day tomorrow, in case it's needed.
... MATCH DAY ...
Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman
Bat/Bow
Imam-ul-Haq
Bat/Bow
Babar Azam
CAP/Bat/Bow
Mohammad Rizwan
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Agha Salman
Bat/Bow
Iftikhar Ahmed
Bat/Bow
Shadab Khan
Bat/Bow
Faheem Ashraf
Bat/Bow
Shaheen Afridi
Bat/Bow
Naseem Shah
Bat/Bow
Haris Rauf
Bat/Bow
India
Rohit Sharma
CAP/Bat/Bow
Shubman Gill
Bat/Bow
Virat Kohli
Bat/Bow
KL Rahul
Bat/Bow
Ishan Kishan
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Hardik Pandya
Bat/Bow
Ravindra Jadeja
Bat/Bow
Shardul Thakur
Bat/Bow
Jasprit Bumrah
Bat/Bow
Kuldeep Yadav
Bat/Bow
Mohammed Siraj
Bat/Bow