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The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 clash on August 28 was not a typical game between the arch-rivals. Tempers did not flare and even in tense moments players from both sides were sympathetic towards each other. After India’s thrilling final over win over Babar Azam’s side, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli gifted Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf his jersey from the match.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared the video on Twitter. Earlier, before the much-awaited clash, players from both the sides were seen greeting each other in videos posted on Twitter by BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
However, this is not the first time Kohli gifted something to a Pakistan cricketer. Earlier, Kohli had gifted bats to Mohammad Amir (T20 World Cup 2016 and Champions Trophy).
It was Kohli’s 100th T20I game. The 33-year-old became the first Indian and second overall to appear in 100 international fixtures in all three formats. New Zealand’s Ross Taylor is the only other cricketer to achieve the feat.
It also marked the return of Kohli to the field. He got dropped in the first over itself by Fakhar Zaman in the slip cordon off 19-year-old fast bowler Naseem Shah’s bowling. Kohli played a crucial knock of 35 runs in the run chase of 148 before losing his wicket to Mohammad Nawaz. He played 34 deliveries and hit three fours and one six during his stay at the crease.
Rauf had an off game and conceded 35 runs from his quota of four overs. Also, he did not succeed in providing a breakthrough. He leaked few boundaries in the penultimate over against 'player of the match' Hardik Pandya.
Earlier, he remained unbeaten for 13 off seven deliveries as Pakistan suffered a batting collapse in the slog overs. Rauf hit two boundaries in his highest score in the T20I format to help Pakistan post a fighting total of 147 on the board at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both the teams are likely to take on each other in Super Four stage on September 4 at the same venue.
