Asia Cup 2022: Team India penalised for slow over-rate offence against Pakistan

While Team India bowlers put up a clinical show in the ongoing Asia Cup clash against Pakistan, skipper Rohit Sharma was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate. As a result, the Men in Blue were forced to keep one less fielder outside the 30-yard circle for the last over, which was bowled by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

The young pacer gave away 11 runs in the final over while taking the wicket of last-man Shahnawaz Dahani in the penultimate ball of the innings. As a result, Babar Azam’s men were bundled out for 147 and India would be the happier side at the halfway mark. The Indian bowlers were on a roll as Pakistan could never step on the paddle.

Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar took four wickets, all-rounder Hardik Pandya sent three batters to the pavilion. Arshdeep Singh (2) and Avesh Khan (1) were the other wicket-takers in the line-up. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan top scored with 43 while Iftikhar Ahmed (28) was the only other batter to breach the 20-run mark.

It must be noted that dew is expected to play a part in the latter half of the game and hence, defending a paltry total would test the characters of Pakistan bowlers. Not to forget, Shaheen Shah Afridi isn’t a part of the tournament due to an injury. Hence, Indian batters would be raring to take their side over the line.

For the unversed, India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in their previous meeting against Pakistan, which occurred in the T20 World Cup last year. The same fact enhanced the hype of the ongoing contest and it would be interesting to see which side emerges victorious. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit and vice-captain KL Rahul will have the onus to give their side a strong start. Many eyes are also on former Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has been short of runs lately. As far as Pakistan are concerned, they need early wickets.