India’s Dominant Opening Stand Unsettles Pakistan Bowlers
India has found the correct intent to see through Pakistan pacers in Asia Cup 2023. The only way to get better of these spearheads was by putting them under pressure and both Indian openers did it effectively on Sunday evening at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
What would have happened if they tried to be defensive like the previous match? Maybe they would have struggled more because heading to the World Cup, as a team you don’t want to have your back against the wall in early overs. The challenge for Indian cricket team was to negate the threat of early overs and once they had done it, the opponent were under huge pressure.
Lining up Shaheen Shah Afridi was part of strategy because Shaheen was the leader of the pack of Pakistan’s bowling attack. Rohit Sharma put him under pressure with a range of attacking shots, Shubman Gill, on the other hand, showed his classed against Shaheen. Naseem Shah bowled well, he is a determined bowler with a great control over his line and lengths.
Babar Azam was forced to make some changes in his plans, he decided to bring Shadad Khan to stem the run flow but Khan like the previous match against India wasn’t at his best and hence he took some beatings from Sharma. Ultimately, the change in bowling attack worked for Pakistan as Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf were able to put some break on free flowing hitting of Indian openers.
5 Things That Will Decide Who Wins India vs Pakistan Match
Seemingly, the plan of Indian openers was to play out first 10-12 overs aggresively and unsettle the Pakistan’s bowlers. It worked incredibly well for them because due to this dominant initial phase, the middle order got a bit of cushion to build up innings and create a launching pad for death overs.
Pakistan’s Shaheen and Shadab Fight Back To Dismiss Set Openers
Both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan, who failed to bowl well in their first spell, upon returning dismissed both openers within space of two overs. Shaheen dismissed Gill who scored 58 off 52 balls and Shadab got better pf Rohit who was batting at 56 runs in 49 balls.
With these two crucial wickets, Pakistan found their way back in the game. India still going with just over 6 runs per over with Virat Kohli (8 runs off 16 balls) and KL Rahul (17 runs of 28 balls) on the crease. Both are looking to play some big innings but rain’s disruption might work better for Pakistan who were under pump for good 15 to 20 overs.
Live India vs Pakistan Scorecard
India are at 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs and the play will resume on Monday at 3 PM. Pakistan will definitely sniff an opportunity in the first few overs when both Kohli and Rahul will try to be cautious in the first 4-5 overs. A wicket or two there will definitely bring Pakistan back in the game.
On the other side, if India continues to play the way it got its start then anything around 350 is on card which will be tough chase for Pakistan. Their batting order doesn’t look fit enough for big chases but this is a game of cricket and often we see unpredictable things taking place.
India cricket team coach Rahul Dravid will definitely be happy to see the improvement and progress from previous match against Pakistan. It will be template of India in upcoming Men’s ODI World Cup. They will try to siege the game within first 10-15 overs with a bit of risk but the reward is incredible that can put you very ahead in the game.
