A heavy downpour in the lead-up to the game rendered the outfield at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium sluggish. The pitch was on the slower side, too. But India’s fielding and catching was sloppier than the conditions as Nepal tallied a respectable 230 before being bowled out in the penultimate over in a must-win Asia Cup clash for both teams.
But when it came to a rain-curtailed chase, India’s openers were far from sloppy. Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill dominated Nepal’s bowling attack as the Men in Blue overhauled the revised target of 145 in 23 overs with 17 balls to spare.
Had it not been for the groundstaff’s stupendous effort, India’s reply would not have been possible after two heavy showers. Once the openers resumed at 17 for no loss in 2.1 overs, they were unstoppable.
