Twitter Reactions: Pakistan dance to Rohit, Gill's tune on batting-friendly Colombo

The much-awaited Super Four stage clash of the Asia Cup 2023 between India and Pakistan got underway at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on September 10. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and invited the Men in Blue to bat first.

India got off to a solid start, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill firing from the get-go. With some aggressive batting, Rohit and Gill guaranteed that India did not lose any wickets in the first ten overs, punishing Pakistan's pace attack. The duo carried up their relentless batting and put on a century-run opening stand in the first 14 overs.

Gill reached his half-century in 37 balls, achieving his second consecutive fifty in a 50-over format. Rohit, on the other hand, reached the 50-run mark in 42 balls with an incredible six off Shadab Khan's delivery.

After Haris Rauf bowled a superb over, giving just three runs, Shadab came in to bowl in the 17th over. In the penultimate ball of the over, the all-rounder took the crucial wicket of Rohit, with Faheem Ashraf pulling off a spectacular catch.  The 36-year-old  struck 56 runs off 49 deliveries while India were at 121.

Later, star India batter Virat Kohli came in and attempted to form a crucial partnership with Gill. However, Pakistan found another breakthrough in the following over, with Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissing Gill in the final delivery. The youngster amassed 58 off 52 balls with the help of ten boundaries. 

The first match between the two sides seemed like a thriller at first, but Pakistan's chase was abandoned due to rain in Pallekele. With the possibility of rain at the venue, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has approved a reserve day for the game this time. 

Let's take a look at how 'X' users reacted to Rohit-Sharma-Shubman Gill partnership

Blockbuster opening from Rohit and Gill on par with #Jailer and #Jawan 😃😃#INDvPAK #AsiaCup

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) September 10, 2023

Brilliant 50s for @ShubmanGill and @ImRo45 👏🏾 India off to an explosive start, taking the attack to the Pakistani bowlers. 👏🏾 #INDvPAK #AsiaCup2023

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) September 10, 2023

Sunday had started well for team india 🇮🇳. Brilliant opening partnership by Shubman & Rohit 👏 #IndiavsPak

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 10, 2023

This is some start and statement by the indian openers. Ab yeh dil mange more #IndiavsPak #AsiaCup

— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) September 10, 2023

Interesting approach and a good start to the game by @ImRo45 and @ShubmanGill in today's match against Pakistan! Their brilliant partnership and skillful batting is keeping us all on the edge of our seats. 🙌 #INDvsPAK #Asiacup2023

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 10, 2023

Pakistan opting to field first after winning the toss playing into India’s hands. Pressure on their bowling to restrict India to 250 sorta score. And then playing Bumrah-Siraj under lights.

Said it at the time of toss on @ZeeNews and it’s turning out that way 🫶🤞 #AsiaCup…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 10, 2023

The clarity of mind in which young Shubman gill is playing is impressive. Exactly that’s what has helped him to have solid footwork. #INDvsPAK

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 10, 2023

Shubhman is looking a million bucks here

No jinxing hopefully 🤞#INDvsPAK #AsiaCup

— DK (@DineshKarthik) September 10, 2023