India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team confirmed a berth in Super 4 stage with a thumping win over Nepal in their Group A game on Monday (September 4). The Men in Blue defeated Asia Cup debutants Nepal by 10 wickets (DLS method) to finish second, behind arch-nemesis Pakistan, in Group A. India won the toss and decided to bowl first. They didn't have a smooth start after inviting Nepal to bat first. Indian fielders dropped three catches in initial overs, allowing Nepal batters to get off to a good start.
However, Rohit's move to introduce spin into the bowling attack turned out to be an absolute masterstroke. India slowly crawled into the game with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja picking quick three wickets. Apart from him, Mohammed Siraj also ended up bagging three Nepal wickets in the fixture. The Indian team eventually restricted Nepal to 230.
After an almost two-hour rain halt, India were given a revised target of 145 runs to chase from 23 overs. Openers Rohit (unbeaten 74 off 59 deliveries) and Shubman Gill (unbeaten 67 off 62 deliveries) chased down the target with 17 balls remaining.
Super 4 stage in Asia Cup 2023: INDIA vs PAKISTAN on Sunday, September 10
The Group Stage is now over and team India's focus shifts to Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 stage. The Men in Blue will go up against Group A table-toppers Pakistan in their first Super Four Asia Cup 2023 match on Sunday (September 10).
India met Pakistan in their first Group A fixture on September 2. Batting first, Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan's century stand helped India post a decent total. Unfortunately, no play was possible in second innings as the blockbuster IND vs PAK clash had to be abandoned due to rain, without a ball being bowled in second innings.
The historic India-Pakistan rivalry is all set to resume in a couple of days! After Asia Cup 2023, India will square off against Pakistan in 2023 ODI World Cup on October 14.