In a rain-interrupted Super Four showdown between India and Pakistan of the Asia Cup, Virat Kohli and the returning KL Rahul both notched up brilliant unbeaten centuries that helped India to post a mammoth total of 356-2, eventually guiding India to a resounding 228-run victory over Pakistan on the reserve day, which happened to fall on Monday.
India’s innings resumed at 147-2 after rain had halted play on Sunday, extending the match into one additional day given by the competition, which serves as a preparation for the ODI World Cup.
Despite the rain causing a delay in the start of play, no overs were lost. The connection between Kohli and Rahul offered excitement to Indian fans in a relatively sparsely packed stadium.
Rahul, who had returned from an injury hiatus, celebrated his century by raising his bat and was warmly greeted by Kohli. Shortly thereafter, Kohli reached his own century, surpassing the astounding milestone of 13,000 ODI runs.
The previous day had seen India getting off to a great start with half-centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma and his opening partner Shubman Gill, who put together a partnership of 121 runs.
As Kohli and Rahul began the day, they started conservatively, commencing with their overnight scores of 8 and 17. However, they swiftly took charge against the Pakistani bowlers, collecting 100 runs in just 102 balls.
Pakistan experienced a setback when it was reported that fast bowler Haris Rauf suffered an injury and would not be able to continue in the match. Later, another fast bowler, Naseem, too left the field with soreness in his hand.
Rahul’s stunning innings contained 12 fours and two sixes, one of which was a tremendous hit over mid-wicket off Shadab Khan, and it came from just 106 balls.
The ground crew worked frantically to prepare the field after Monday’s early downpour.
Pakistan never got momentum in the chase after losing two early wickets, including skipper Babar Azam who was bowled for 10 by a brilliant in-swinger from Hardik Pandya.
Rain once again delayed play but didn’t dampen India’s enthusiasm as the bowlers continued to press on following the resumption, with Kuldeep removing Mohammad Rizwan with his left-arm wrist spin.
Wickets continued to tumble, and Kuldeep took three more to destroy the Pakistan tail, claiming his second ODI five-wicket haul. The additional day was a last-minute addition to the Super Four showdown – the only match to have this advantage apart from the final – following a previous group game between the two sides being washed out in Pallekele.
India will face a third consecutive day of cricket when they encounter Sri Lanka in the following Super Four clash on Tuesday at the same venue.
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