File photo of the Indian cricket team.© AFP
Kuldeep Yadav registered a five-wicket haul while Virat Kohli and KL Rahul smashed unbeaten centuries as India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match in Colombo on Monday. The match that started on Sunday but was moved to the reserve day due to rain ultimately saw India finish on a high note with both the bat and the ball. At 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs on Monday, with Kohli and Rahul at the crease, India posted a daunting total of 356 for 2 in 50 overs against Pakistan.
Kohli scored 122 not out, while Rahul hit an unbeaten 111 to steer India to the big total. Only when India’s dominance in the game was slightly lacking, Kuldeep returned with figures of 5 for 25.
After the big win, India rose to the top spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 table. They have two points to their name, but an excellent net run rate (NRR) of +4,560 has put them in the driver’s seat.
On the other hand, Pakistan dropped to number three with an NRR of -1.892.
Sri Lanka is ranked second with an NRR of +0.420, while Bangladesh is at the bottom of the four-team rankings with an NRR of -0.749.
Here is the updated table:
Speaking of the game, Kohli’s excellent fitness was clearly evident in his 47th ODI century, while comeback man Rahul produced an equally captivating ton during his comeback as India defeated a listless Pakistan by a record margin of 228 runs in the rain-marred match .
This is India’s biggest victory in terms of fighting against its cross-border neighbors.
India posted an imposing 356 for 2, as Kohli (122 not out off 94 balls) and Rahul (111 not out off 106 balls), which was his sixth ODI hundred, tackled a hapless Pakistan, whose chase ended at 128 for 8 as Kuldeep Yadav (25/5) cut through.
(With PTI inputs)
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