Top 3 talking points from India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash in Asia Cup 2023 

In the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 at the renowned R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a ton-up Kohli joined centurion Rahul in a record-breaking partnership to assist. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, amassed a commanding total in their match with Pakistan. 

In the rain-delayed game, Kohli and Rahul both scored an undefeated century to help India thrash Babar Azam’s team by 228 runs. They were well complemented by the Indian bowlers, who made quick work of Pakistan’s batting. Let’s take a look at top 3 talking points from the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash in Asia Cup 2023.

1. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli’s incredible partnership 

By creating an Asia Cup record, Virat Kohli as well as KL Rahul cemented their names in the archives of cricket history. At the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, they stitched a historic partnership of 233 runs over the third wicket in the Asia Cup Super Four game versus Pakistan.

The highest partnership recorded by an Indian duo in the Asia Cup was surpassed by this combination. This score eclipsed Kohli and Rahane’s 213-run partnership against Bangladesh at Fatullah. In the end, their outstanding combination helped India post a dominant score of 357 runs, creating an impossible goal for Pakistan to reach.

2. Lacklustre bowling from Pakistan

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, won the toss and chose to field first, but his bowlers were unable to help the side make an early breakthrough. India’s skipper Rohit Sharma made his intentions known by hitting Shaheen Afridi with a magnificent six in the game’s first over. After that opening six, Shaheen Afridi simply could not find the appropriate line and length.

Pakistan were just able to scalp two wickets in their 50 overs as Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi got a solitary wicket each. Their lacklustre bowling propelled India to a massive score of 357 runs during Asia Cup 2023.

3. Impressive bowling from Kuldeep and Jasprit Bumrah 

Given that the Indian bowling assault included bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Md. Siraj who significantly damaged Pakistan’s top order, Pakistan was expected to chase down an enormous total of 356 runs. 

However, Kuldeep Yadav had other ideas. The Delhi Capitals bowler earned his spot in India’s preliminary World Cup roster by dismissing half of Pakistan’s team in his eight overs of bowling. 

Pakistani batsman Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf were ultimately dismissed by Kuldeep. Due to injury concerns, sea pitchers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf did not start the game.