In a highly anticipated showdown, India and Pakistan faced off in the third match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. The thrilling encounter took place on Saturday, September 2nd, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, setting the stage for a classic rivalry clash.
Team India began their innings with a tough start as the top-order batsmen struggled to make an impact. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s contribution was limited to just 11 runs off 22 deliveries, while the star batter, Virat Kohli managed only four runs off seven deliveries before being removed by Shaheen Afridi.
In addition to the top-order’s poor performance, Kohli’s choice of shot garnered great attention. He attempted to play a delivery outside the off-stump and ended up getting bowled when the ball hit the stumps. This decision by the seasoned batter was widely criticized. Reflecting on the incident, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir grabbed center stage and expressed his criticism of Kohli’s shot decision, highlighting that it felt like a careless stroke with no apparent strategy behind it.
“That was a nothing shot, neither forward, neither back. I think was a bit casual. That is what you get when you play someone like Shaheen Afridi. You do not know whether to go forward or back,” Gambhir said during a conversation on Star Sports.
In addition, the former Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis also offered his perspective on Virat Kohli’s dismissal during the third match of the 2023 Asia Cup. Younis suggested that the talented Indian batsman may have been slightly unlucky at that particular moment.
“Kohli was a touch unlucky. Inside edge, the ball did not come on to the bat and maybe even kept a bit low. But credit to Shaheen Shah Afridi for altering his length,” Younis stated.
In the game, the Indian middle order stepped up admirably to steady the innings following a challenging beginning. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya delivered impressive performances with the bat. Unfortunately, rain intervened and disrupted the match, ultimately leading to both teams sharing points.
