Asia Cup 2023: India gives a target of 357 runs to Pakistan

Indian batters take on the Pakistani bowlers and reach a massive total of 356 runs. The innings which started yesterday came to a close today after rain abandoned the match yesterday after 24.1 overs. The openers shared a century stand yesterday and then the middle-order batting took on the Pakistani bowlers today.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul reached their centuries while Kohli even became the fastest cricketer to score 13,000 runs in ODIs. Here is a recap of the first innings.

Fastest to 13000 ODI runs.

Take a bow, @imVkohli 🙌🙌#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/UOT6HsJRB2

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023

Rohit and Shubman score 50s

Pakistan chose to bowl first after winning the toss. The Indian openers yesterday attacked the same bowlers that had tormented them in the previous meeting between these two teams a week earlier.  Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, made a tentative start, while Shubman Gill, his opening partner, adopted an aggressive role. Shubman scored frequently, especially when facing Shaheen Afridi. In his initial three-over powerplay period, Shaheen gave up 31 runs. Naseem Shah bowled wonderfully while sharing the new ball with Shaheen but was unfortunate not to take any wickets. In the powerplay, the Indian hitters scored 61 runs. They continued to hold out for a century. 

Rohit smashes Shadab, Pakistan followed by two quick wickets

Shadab Khan entered the attack shortly after the powerplay ended. In his opening over, Rohit attacked Shadab, smashing two sixes and a four. With a six and a four in the subsequent over, he persisted in attacking the spin spinner. After scoring 56 runs in 49 balls, Shadab later got rid of him. As soon as Shaheen took charge, Shubman was fired. Due to the two rapid dismissals, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli started their partnership. After the openers’ ferocious start, Virat and Rahul both got off to a poor start.

Rain interrupts the game

After 24.1 overs, the game was halted by rain. There were puddles on the ground as a result of the heavy rain, which the groundsmen were unable to clear despite their best efforts. The play moved to the reserve day after being put on hold for the day.

Kohli and Rahul take toll on Pakistani bowlers

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The two centurions for #TeamIndia 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/mdMg5lNYHP

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 11, 2023

Kohli and Rahul had to restart their innings today. For Pakistan, Haris Rauf picked up a side strain yesterday which made him unavailable for bowling today. This meant that Iftikhar Ahmed had to bowl five of Rauf’s overs. Virat and Rahul made a great 233-run stand. The highlight of their partnership wasn’t just the numerous boundaries the duo hit but also the speedy running between the wickets. 

Rahul completed his century in 100 balls while the former skipper completed his century in just 84 balls. Virat completed 13,000 runs and became the fastest cricketer to reach the milestone.