The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 has been canceled due to persistent rain. The Indian cricket team batted first and managed to post a total of 266 runs, but rain started pouring immediately after their innings, preventing the match from getting underway.
The rain interruptions during India’s innings favored Pakistan, as they were able to pick up crucial wickets. India faced an early setback when Captain Rohit Sharma was bowled out by Shaheen Afridi after scoring 22 runs from 11 balls. Virat Kohli also fell quickly, contributing just four runs from seven balls. Shreyas Iyer, making his return after approximately five months, showed promise but could only manage 14 runs off nine balls. Shubhman Gill added 10 runs to the total.
However, the highlight of the Indian innings was the remarkable partnership between Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. They put together a superb 138-run stand in 141 balls for the fifth wicket. Ishan Kishan played a pivotal role, scoring 82 runs from 81 balls, featuring nine boundaries and two sixes. Hardik Pandya departed after contributing 87 runs from 90 balls. Unfortunately, apart from these two notable performances, no other Indian batsman could surpass the 20-run mark.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, made significant contributions with the ball. Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah took three wickets each.
Despite the excitement surrounding the India-Pakistan clash, the weather had the final say, resulting in a disappointing cancellation of the match. Cricket fans from both nations will have to wait for another opportunity to witness this intense rivalry on the field.
