Daily Times

DUBAI: India took the wind out of Pakistan sails when they defeated their traditional rivals by nine wickets in the Super-Four match of the Asia Cup at Dubai International Stadium here on Sunday night. Chasing a modest target of 238, India raced home for the loss of nine wickets. Rohit Sharma and Shikar Dahwan sparkled with fine centuries to achieve the winning target in 39.3 overs. This was the second defeat of Pakistan against India in the Asia Cup. Muhammad Aamir continued his wicket-less streak after conceding 41 runs. Skipper Rohit (111 not out) was dropped by Imamul Haq and Fakhar Zaman. Opener Dhawan was run out after completing his ton: 114 runs off 100 balls including 16 boundaries and two sixes with the strike rate of 114. Earlier, India restricted Pakistan to 237 runs courtesy wicket-taking spinners and fine fast bowling by Jasprit Bumrah in death overs. Shoaib Malik was the only batsman who offered a resistance by providing a much-needed stability to the team by contributing 78 runs as back-to-back wickets halted Pakistan from building early momentum after opting to bat. Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets apiece in the match.

Pakistan received their first setback as legspinner Chahal trapped opener Imam (10) on lbw in the Asia Cup. His brief stay contributed team 10 runs off 20 balls. The next to depart was Fakhar, the out of form batsman was given lbw on the ball of Kuldeep as he lost his balance when he strode to hit. Replays indicate that the batsman managed a glove on the ball before it hit his body. A review might have prolonged his stay.

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s erroneous decision led to middle-order batsman Babar Azam’s (9) wicket. The skipper signalled for a run but after a few steps realised he would never make it and returned back to crease, leaving Azam stranded. A 107 stand between Malik and skipper Sarfraz deflected the pressure towards India before Kuldeep dismissed Sarfraz at 44. Senior batsman Malik was the next to leave as he nudged the bowl to the keeper. The veteran’s innings included 4 boundaries and two sixes with the strike rate of 86.66. In the 45th over, Asif Ali (30) fell prey to his hit-and-miss style, getting bowled out by Chahal as the Pakistan hopes of posting a 250-run target dwindled. The Indian pacers bowled an extremely tight line and length in the final five overs, rarely giving them the opportunity to free their arms.

Published in Daily Times, September 24^th 2018.