India defeated Pakistan by 6 wickets in Super Fours stage in Asia Cup.
In their Super Four Asia Cup match in Dubai, India defeated Pakistan by six wickets thanks to a scorching century partnership between Abhishek Sharma (74) and Shubman Gill (47).
The victory was not straightforward, though, as Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma were among those who failed to take simple catches that helped Pakistan to a respectable 171/5 in their 20 overs, including a catch by Sahibzada Farhan that scored 58.
Speaking during the post-match presser, Suryakumar said, "Fielding coach ne already email daal diya hai ladkon ko office mein aane ke liye, jinke haathon mein butter laga tha (The fielding coach has already sent an email to the boys, who had buttered fingers, to appear before him at his office). But this happens; it is a part of the game. I am okay with it because it happened in the first game itself, and we have more crucial games to go."
The Indian skipper said that the wicket today was much better from a batting point of view.
"The team that will play good cricket from over 7 to 15 will have an upper hand. You have to be smarter with your plans in the finish. In powerplay, the ball is hard and you can time it well, but after that, you have to bat smartly. That is what we did today," he added.
Suryakumar credited Shivam Dube’s 2/33 as the turning point for India, as he dismissed Farhan and Saim Ayub.
"The drinks during the first innings were a turning point. When bowlers changed their line and lengths and showed more energy, spinners bowled well. Shivam Dube's spell was a turning point in the game. He has been working hard on his bowling. This was a perfect game for him. He always wanted to bowl two overs minimum, but he got four today, and he was very happy. He was very clear with his plans. This makes my job easier," he concluded.
During the run-chase of 172, Abhishek Sharma (74 in 39 balls, with six fours and five sixes) and Shubman Gill (47 in 28 balls, with eight fours) took Pakistan out of the game in the first ten overs. Though Haris Rauf’s two wickets gave Pakistan false hope, Tilak Varma, with 30,* took India past the finish line safely as they won by 6 wickets.