Before the match, everyone involved with the cricket fraternity expected their Sunday to be a thriller and exciting, as it was the day of India vs. Pakistan. They thought they would not get bored and would have a match that would keep them glued to their screens.
Also read: Emerging Asia Cup 2023: 121 runs opening partnership by Pakistan A
Well, the first innings and the Pakistan A batters have not disappointed them at all, as they have posted a humongous total of 352 runs on the board in their 50 overs after losing the toss. The innings were entertaining, as there were cracking shots fired across the whole 50 overs, and some glorious drives were also seen.
The foundation for this total was laid in the powerplay itself when both Pakistan A openers, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, took the fast bowlers to the cleaners. They posted 69 runs on the board in the powerplay without losing any wickets.
The partnership continued for 52 more runs when Saim Ayub was caught behind by Dhruv Jurel off Manav Suthar’s sensational delivery. Even though there were small partnerships in between, a constant wicket-falling stage started after the fall of the first wicket.
Riyan Parag’s two, Nishant Sindhu’s one, and a brilliant run-out by Yash Dhull ensured Pakistan A were not running away with the game. They were at 187/5 during the 29th over. Tayyab Tahir and Mubasir Khan then stitched together a stand worth 126 runs that has left India behind in this game.
Tahir made a brilliant hundred filled with stunning sixes and beautiful boundaries. He attacked every bowler and made sure Pakistan were ahead in this game. The score could have been 370 runs, but a few quick wickets during the death overs saved India.
Tayyab Tahir was the pick of the batters, as India’s bowlers were not up to their best in this first innings. India needs to make 353 runs to win this titanic clash as well as the tournament. With the kind of form India’s batters are in, we expect the second inning to be even more mesmerizing.
It is not going to be an easy task for the Blue Boys, but if any batting lineup in this tournament can chase this, it is the top 4 of India A. We are surely in for a cracker game after the inning break.
