After India's innings culminated against Pakistan on September 2 (Saturday), skies opened up once again as it had earlier in the game during the start of the Men in Blue's innings. As rain played hide and seek in Pallekele, Pakistan's run chase didn't start at the stipulated time. For a brief moment, Indian players walked out on the field to warm up but the rain returned again, forcing them back into the dressing room.
Now, if the rain gods shower some mercy, Pakistan are bound to have a revised target in front of them on the basis of D/L method as a significant amount of playing time was lost.
What could be the revised target?
If five overs are reduced and it becomes a 45-over run chase for the Men in Green, then they would have a target of 254 runs in front of them. If 10 overs are lost, then Pakistan will have to chase 239 runs in 40 overs. If 20 overs are lost due to rain, then Babar Azam's men would have a target of 203 runs in front of them. In case it turns out to be a 20-over run chase, then Pakistan will have a target of 155 runs. The cut-off time for the game is 10:27 PM IST. If the rain doesn't cease and players are not on the field before 10:27 PM, then the game will be washed out.
Ishan, Hardik recuse India from a deep hole
In an action-packed Asia Cup match, Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan emerged as India's heroes, overcoming Pakistan's fierce bowling to score a solid 266 runs. The pair displayed exceptional resilience against Shaheen Shah Afridi's opening onslaught, stitching together a critical 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
India had a shaky start, reduced to 66 for 4 within the first 15 overs by Afridi and Haris Rauf. Afridi struck crucial blows, dismissing top-order batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Kishan (82 runs off 81 balls) and Pandya (87 runs off 90 balls) adapted to the damp conditions at Pallekele and the aggressive Pakistan bowling attack. Keeping their natural aggression in check, they navigated through the opposition's strategy with precise shot selection and patience.
Despite Afridi's impressive figures of 4/35 and Rauf's 3/58, the duo remained unfazed. They accelerated the run-rate through quick singles, reaching their 50-run stand in just 52 balls.
Interestingly, Pandya seemed content playing a supporting role to Kishan. The duo's 138-run partnership boosted India's chances, especially with concerns surrounding their middle order due to KL Rahul's absence.
Just as Kishan looked set for a century, he was caught by Babar Azam off Rauf's delivery. Pandya took over the reins, hitting a massive six off Mohammad Nawaz, before Afridi returned to dismiss him with a crafty slower ball.
Jasprit Bumrah’s late fireworks helped India cross the 250-run mark, adding the finishing touches to a challenging total. The innings concluded just before another rain spell hit the ground.
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