Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, leading the Indian squad, displayed an excellent effort, going undefeated as they strolled to a resounding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in a rain-affected match. This victory secured India’s position in the Asia Cup Super Four stage on Monday.
India successfully chased down a revised target of 145 in 23 overs, in a rain-interrupted match, with 17 balls to spare at Pallekele. Nepal managed to put up 230 on the board, with their opener Aasif Sheikh top-scoring with 58.
The Asia Cup tournament which serves as preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, has been hindered by rain, causing officials to consider transferring future matches to Hambantota. India’s debut encounter against Pakistan ended in abandonment after just one innings, while in their second outing, India was at 17-0 in 2.1 overs when severe rain halted play. The ground staff’s meticulous efforts paid off as they set up the field for action once more.
Rohit and Gill emerged with resolve, hitting boundaries to secure their half-centuries and guide India to the objective. Rohit, in particular, demonstrated his brilliance with five sixes in his 59-ball innings. Nepal, relatively new to International cricket with ODI status granted in 2018, demonstrated determination after Sheikh’s fifty enabled them to build a competitive total. While they struggled after a solid start by Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel (38), the middle and lower order came back, with number eight Sompal Kami providing an important 48-run contribution. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja and quick bowler Mohammed Siraj both got three wickets each.
Rohit won the toss and elected to field first, but early runs poured for Bhurtel and Sheikh, thanks in part to three dropped catches by the Indian fielders within the first five overs. Shreyas Iyer missed a clean catch at slip, Virat Kohli threw down a simple chance at short cover, and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan let one slide between his fingertips. Bhurtel increased the challenges of India by striking a four and a monster six off successive balls from fast bowler Shardul Thakur before getting caught behind on the following delivery.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Kami then demonstrated their ability to perform well against India’s top players. Kami, in particular, skillfully handled the short deliveries from Siraj and Hardik Pandya, scoring 48 runs from 56 balls, while Airee added 29 runs from 25 balls to the team’s total.
India is gearing up to face their arch-rival Pakistan in the super four stage of the Asia Cup where they will meet on September 10 in Hambantota as per the reports.
