India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023

India thrashed Pakistan by 228 runs in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 at Colombo on Sunday. India posted a mammoth total of 356 for 2, thanks to unbeaten centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Kohli smashed 122 off 94 balls, while Rahul scored 111 off 106 balls. The duo added 233 runs for the third wicket, after openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had given India a solid start with fifties.

Pakistan’s chase never got going, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Jasprit Bumrah, who returned to the side after missing the previous game, struck in his first over to remove Imam-ul-Haq. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 47 for 3. Fakhar Zaman tried to resist with 27, but he became the first of Kuldeep Yadav’s five victims. Kuldeep ran through the middle and lower order, finishing with figures of 5 for 32. Pakistan were bowled out for 128 in 32 overs, handing India their biggest win over their arch-rivals in terms of runs.

Kohli was named the player of the match for his masterful knock, which included nine fours and three sixes. He also became the fastest batsman to reach 14,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in his 230th innings. Rahul, who made a comeback after a long injury layoff, also impressed with his fluent innings, which featured 12 fours and two sixes.

With this win, India have secured their spot in the final of the Asia Cup, while Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka in their last Super Four match to have a chance of qualifying. The final will be played on September 15 at Colombo.