In an astounding show of strength, assurance, and disposition, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and energetic Ishan Kishan crushed an unimaginable 138-run stand to resurrect India’s fortunes after an unpleasant beginning in the Asia Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday.
Rising on the greatest of events in universal cricket, the team pulled off an exceptional association after India was down and out right at the beginning of the marquee contest.
Coming in at no. 4 and 5 and the side reeling at 66 for four after a top-order emergency, Ishan and Hardik first arrested the slide and resuscitated the innings with an electrifying 138-run stand.
An under-pressure Hardik (87 off 90), who did not have numerous huge scores beneath his belt this year, played a culminate thump but missed on a chance to score his lady ton, wrapping up with his moment best ODI score.
All 1️⃣0️⃣ wickets by the pace trio! 🔥
Superb bowling in the death overs to dismiss India for 266 in 48.5 overs 🎯#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/RuGPkSPmEH— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 2, 2023
On the other hand, Ishan (82 off 81), who was not a definite starter for the competition and got a chance within the playing XI after KL Rahul was ruled out for the primary two recreations, got the opportunity with both hands, nailing an unbelievable thump but missed out on a ton as well a bit like Hardik.
While Ishan was rejected by Haris Rauf within the 38th over, Shaheen Afridi was freed of Hardik within the 44th over.
Earlier, India got off to a shocking beginning, losing star hitters Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (4) for humble scores around rain intrusions.
Pacer Shaheen thumped over the pair to put early weight on India.
Shubman Gill fell for 10, whereas comeback-man Shreyas Iyer (14) got to be the moment casualty of pacer Rauf.
