NEW DELHI: India managed to post a competitive total of 266 against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup clash on Saturday. The innings was marked by a remarkable rescue act by Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan, who battled through a fiery opening spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The early stages of the Indian innings were fraught with danger as Pakistan's pace duo, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, combined forces to send Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back to the pavilion. India found themselves at a precarious 66 for 4 in just 14.1 overs.
However, it was Pandya (87 off 90 balls) and Kishan (82 off 81 balls) who turned the tide in India's favour with a magnificent 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Their collaboration was built on a foundation of patience and precision shot-making, a far cry from their usual aggressive style.
The challenging conditions at Pallekele, compounded by intermittent drizzles, demanded a cautious approach. Afridi, who finished with figures of 4 for 35, used his lethal in-swing to great effect, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf tested the batsmen's mettle outside the off-stump.
Boundaries and big shots were scarce, but Pandya and Kishan adeptly pushed the scoreboard forward with singles. Their 50-run partnership came in 52 balls, demonstrating their ability to adapt to the circumstances.
Pandya, typically known for his explosive batting, embraced the role of a supporting partner to Kishan. This marked the first time the left-hander batted below the No. 4 slot in his career, yet he displayed remarkable composure.
Pakistan's captain's decision to rely on spinners, namely Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and Salman Agha, allowed Kishan to settle into his innings. He notched up his fifty in just 54 balls, and it seemed he might reach triple figures.
However, Kishan's ambitions were curtailed as he attempted a forceful pull shot against Rauf, only to find himself caught by Babar Azam inside the circle. Nevertheless, his innings did offer some solace to the Indian camp, especially concerning concerns over their middle-order following KL Rahul's absence.
Once Kishan departed, Pandya took charge of the Indian innings, striking a massive six off Nawaz over mid-wicket. But Afridi returned to break the partnership, deceiving Pandya with a slower delivery that resulted in a simple catch at extra cover by Salman.
With the innings nearing its conclusion, Jasprit Bumrah played a brief but impactful cameo, adding some crucial runs to propel India past the 250-run mark.
As the Indian innings concluded, another spell of steady downpour began, potentially affecting the scheduled proceedings or Pakistan's chase. The stage is set for a riveting encounter as Pakistan prepares to take on the target of 267 runs set by India in the Asia Cup battle at Pallekele.
(With inputs from PTI)
