Asia Cup 2023: 5 Conclusions from India vs Pakistan Super 4s, 3rd ODI
India defeated Pakistan by a record 228 runs in the Super 4s stage Asia Cup match and here are the five things that became clear after the match.
4. Pakistan not utilising spin well, while Indian spinners were excellent
Another reason why the Pakistan bowling unit was plundered for 356 runs in 50 overs was how Babar Azam handled his spinners Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Iftikhar Ahmed. To start with, the decision to go with Faheem Ashraf as the all-rounder in place of Mohammad Nawaz was questionable.
Nawaz had done well against India previously as well, but Babar Azam wanted to go with four pacers in the side. Shadab Khan was mauled by Rohit Sharma at the start itself which broke his confidence as the vice-captain went for 71 runs in 10 overs despite one maiden and picked one wicket.
Salman Ali Agha was not brought into attack by Babar, who instead handed the ball to Iftikhar in the death overs and he leaked 52 runs in 5.2 overs.
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma let loose Kuldeep Yadav on the Pakistan batters after Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, along with Shardul Thakur had softened the batters early on. Kuldeep shined and showed that he was the answer to the problem by spinning a web around the Pakistan batters.
Kuldeep ended with 5/25 in 8 overs with 33 dot balls to his name. Rohit Sharma should be praised for his use of his trump card.
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