Team India outplayed Pakistan in all departments of the game to register a thumping 228-run victory in the Asia Cup 2023 Super-4 clash at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Monday (September 11).
Asked to bat first, the Men in Blue rode on stunning hundreds from Virat Kohli (122* off 94) and KL Rahul (111* off 106) to pile up 356/2 on the board. Rohit Sharma (56 off 49) and Shubman Gill (58 off 52) also smashed dazzling half-centuries at the top.
In reply, Pakistan’s innings folded for a paltry 128 in just 32 overs. It was a listless batting performance from the Men in Green as no one managed to touch the 30-run mark. Fakhar Zaman top scored with 27.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, returning with the figures of 5 for 25 in his eight overs. The wrist-spinner dismissed Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf en route to his second five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
After the game, former India opener Gautam Gambhir lauded Kuldeep Yadav as he analysed the individual performances.
"Can't look beyond Kuldeep Yadav. Yes, Virat Kohli has got a 100, KL Rahul got a 100, Rohit Sharma got a 50, Shubman Gill got a 50. On a wicket like this where it was swinging, seaming, if someone can get five wicket in seven overs, it's brilliant. More importantly, I was surprised that Pakistan batters, who traditionally play spin really well, could not pick Kuldeep from his hand,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.
"I can understand if it was Australia, South Africa or new Zealand. They don't play wrist spin that well. It just show the quality of the bowler. He has beaten people in the air. And he has beaten people off the wicket as well. That is something good for Indian cricket," he added.
With this emphatic victory, India didn’t only boost their net run rate but also climbed to the top of the Super-4 points table. On the other hand, Pakistan’s run rate took a beating as they are now languishing in the third position with NRR of -1.892.
India will face hosts Sri Lanka in their next Super-4 clash in Colombo on Tuesday (September 12).
