Asia Cup T20 India v Pakistan - 5 Talking Points

It’s a rare occasion these days to witness an India – Pakistan encounter as political tension between the nations restrict them from facing off regularly and it is only in such tournaments and ICC events that we get to see the contest. India came up against Pakistan at Mirpur for the 4th game of the inaugural Asia Cup T20. The pitch was as much in the limelight as the match itself as the wicket carried the green look and assistance for the bowlers. Pakistan were in no doubt as they fielded four genuine fast bowlers to make the most of the conditions.

But it was India’s bowlers who got the ball talking first up as they rattled Pakistan for a mere 83. Despite a monumental effort from the Pakistani bowlers, India came out on top with a 5-wicket victory.

1. India’s Opening bowlers:

Indian bowlers proved captain Dhoni’s decision to bowl first correct as the quicks were on the spot right away. Veteran Ashish Nehra sent opener Mohammad Hafeez packing in the very first over while Jasprit Bumrah struck in his second over after a maiden he bowled first up. Nehra was unlucky to not get Khurram Manzoor caught behind as the umpire thought otherwise.

The third pacer, all-rounder Hardik Pandya did remarkably well in his 3.3 overs. He too got a wicket in his first over as he had Shoaib Malik caught behind. He later came back to wrap up the Pakistani innings with two late strikes to finish with figures of 3 for 14. Pandya not only recorded his best figures but also the best by an Indian in India v Pakistan T20I.

2. Irresponsible batting by Pakistan batsmen:

Batting has never been Pakistan’s strong suit and this game was no different. With no batsmen willing to show the determinace to hang around they rightfully folded for a paltry total. On a green pitch, their batsmen even struggled to negotiate the Indian spinners as Ravindra Jadeja picked up two scalps whereas Yuvraj Singh struck with his very first ball.

The thing that stood out most was their shocking running between the wickets. There were far too many yes-and-nos between the batsmen which eventually cost them with two vital wickets. Manzoor was sent back mid-pitch by Malik giving him no chance to recover as Kohli threw down the stumps. The experienced Afridi too misjudged a second run as he took on probably India’s strongest arm in Jadeja which got sent back to the pavilion as well.

3. Mohammad Amir’s spell:

Coming out to defend a modest target like 84, every captain would want to see his opening fast bowler steam in with all he has and challenge the opposition. Mohammad Amir did exactly that for his captain. With nothing to lose, Amir was bang on target as he sent Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rhane back to the hut in the very first over. He got both of them LBW with his quick in-swingers. Amir later got the important wicket of Suresh Raina to further give Pakistan hope. Afridi obliged and had him bowl out with four straight overs and boy, Amir didn’t disappoint as he finished with figures of 3 for 18.

4. Virat Kohli’s knock:

India lost their first wicket with no runs on the board and that is when Virat Kohli stepped out to bat. Things got worse as India were tattering at 8 for 3. That’s when India’s most established batsman decided to give it back to the opponents. Kohli mixed caution with aggression as he steadied the Indian ship. Despite Pakistani pacers exploiting the conditions to good use, Kohli didn’t miss out on the scoring opportunities as he found the fence on seven occasions which included some crisp drives and exquisite flicks. He was unfortunately given out LBW on 49 despite getting an inside edge but it wasn’t before he almost shut the match for his team.

It was a knock he and the fans would remember for a long long time. The maturity, the presence of mind, the ability and class were all so evedent during his stay at the crease.

5. Kohli-Yuvraj partnership:

After losing three wickets very early, team India needed some repair work to be done. At the crease was a pair who boast of both experience and flamboyance. While Kohli was looking pretty steady at the crease, Yuvraj though didn’t find it easy but still fought it out and remained unbeaten till the end. The 68-run partnership was very significant especially when the target of 84 is considered. The Pakistani quicks didn’t make life easy for the Indian batsmen and this pair certainly played according to the situation to guide India to an important win against their arch-rivals.

Afridi posted a status on faceook soon after the game. How did things develop on his fake fb wall? – Fake Fb wall: Sidhu trolls Ramiz as India beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup