Ishan Kishan’s unbridled 82 and Hardik Pandya’s blinding batting display at Pallekele helped India post 266 after Pakistan’s pacer attack dismantled Men in Blue’s top order in their Asia Cup 2023 campaign opener here at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Kishan and Pandya’s stand of 138 off 140 balls laid the foundation for India’s total of 266. Pakistan’s pacer attack was too good for the Indian batter as they bundled out Men in Blue for 266 in 48.5 overs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the wrecker-in-chief as he dismantled India’s top order and took the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah bagged three-wicket hauls each.
Put to ball first, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam gave the new ball to Shaheen Shah Afridi and the pacer almost pulled what could have been the big breakthrough for them, however, India captain Rohit Sharma was lucky as the square leg fielder dropped the catch. (ANI)
