In a remarkable display of dominance, Team India secured their spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 by defeating Nepal with a resounding 10-wicket victory, utilizing the DLS method. This triumph placed them second in Group A, just behind Pakistan.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2023 India vs Nepal: Ravindra Jadeja gets 3 wickets in 9 overs (Match Stopped Due To Rain)
Early Hiccups for Team India
The Men in Blue faced early challenges as they chose to field first, missing three crucial opportunities in the initial overs. This allowed Nepal to establish a strong foundation.
Spin Magic Turns the Tide
However, India made a comeback into the game as Rohit Sharma introduced spin into the attack. This strategic move proved pivotal as India managed to restrict Nepal to a total of 230 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj played crucial roles, each picking up three wickets.
Rain Interrupts, India Resumes Strong
In response, India commenced their innings impressively before rain temporarily halted play. When the game resumed at 10.15 pm IST, the target was revised to 145 runs from 23 overs. Rohit Sharma (74* off 59) and Shubman Gill (67* off 62) effortlessly achieved the revised target with 17 balls to spare and all wickets intact.
*Super Four Showdown Awaits*
With the conclusion of the group stage, Team India now shifts their focus to the Super Four stage. Their first Super Four encounter, scheduled for Sunday, September 10, pits them against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Unfinished Business with Pakistan
The two teams had a fierce encounter in a Group A fixture just a day before. Pakistan got off to a strong start, reducing Rohit Sharma and his team to 66-4 within 15 overs. However, resilient performances from Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan, both scoring half-centuries, guided the Men in Blue to a respectable total.
Rain Foils Exciting Finish
As the game was poised for an exhilarating finish, rain intervened. No further play was possible, resulting in both teams sharing a point apiece.
*Key Players Return for India*
Team India will approach the first Super Four game with full strength. KL Rahul, who missed the first two games due to a minor injury, has fully recovered and is available for selection. Jasprit Bumrah, absent from the Nepal game, returned to India to be with his wife, who gave birth to a son on Monday morning. Both players are expected to rejoin the squad in the coming days, gearing up for the next phase of the Asia Cup 2023.