Asia Cup 2023 : Top Stories in India vs Pakistan, Match 3

The Asia Cup 2023 resumed after a day's break with a much-anticipated match between Team India, the favorites, and Pakistan in Kandy. Under cloudy skies, Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat, a decision that had mixed reactions from fans. In the end, the rain played spoilsport as the match failed to produce results.

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Here are the top three stories from India vs. Pakistan, Match 3, Asia Cup 2023

India’s Top-order collapse:

One of the most disastrous takeaways for India was their terrible top-order batting. Rohit Sharma (11 off 22), Shubman Gill (10 off 32), Virat Kohli (4 off 7), and Shreyas Iyer (14 off 9) all departed for cheap scores frustrating fans. The biggest turn-off for fans would be Shubman Gill who only managed 10 in over 30 balls. Over time, he has assumed the status of a player who can only perform in flat pitches. Virat Kohli’s dismissal was unfortunate as well, fans had much higher expectations from the talisman. Rohit Sharma is not someone fans look up to as a consistent bankable option in batting. Shreyas Iyer, lastly, is making his comeback after considerable time out due to injuries. This performance would haunt the management ahead of their clash against Nepal.

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Is Shaheen Afridi the best new-ball bowler of World Cricket?

Shaheen Afridi, once again, proved unplayable. He conceded just 35 runs while scalping four wickets in the game. He dismissed the key men – Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who form the backbone of India’s batting. He returned to dismiss the dangerous Hardik Pandya who looked well set for a century. Lastly, he scalped the wicket of Ravindra Jadeja, who couldn’t influence the game, whatsoever. Shaheen is largely regarded as the new best new-ball bowler in World Cricket. While that will continue to be a debate among fanbases, he surely is performing up to the expectations.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s resilient rescue-mission

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Team India were down to 66/4 in 14 overs and it looked like the game could end up being a cakewalk for the Green Brigade. However, India’s middle-order batters, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya had slightly different ideas. They stitched a 138-run partnership that did not only rescue the innings but also gave India an equal chance at winning the game. Lastly, Ishan Kishan with 82 off 81, including nine fours and two sixes, and Hardik Pandya with 87 off 90 with seven fours and one six remained India’s brightest sparks in batting.

Also Check: The three players to watch out for in the BAN vs. AFG Asia Cup 2023 game.