In the 5th league match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2018, India defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at Dubai International stadium to win two matches in a row inside two days.
The hype around the Indo-Pak match was huge, but it proved to be a lopsided affair, much to the disappointment of cricket fans.
After Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first, Indian bowlers made sure they don’t let Pakistan batsmen do much. They went on to remove Pakistan openers within three overs, hence gripping their hold over the match from the very start. After early wickets, Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam came to rescue, forming a big partnership over 80 runs. However, as soon Kuldeep Yadav’s googly removed Babar, Pakistan batting again faced a downfall.
Their innings finally ended on 162, which was a below-par score on any track of the world. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan replied strongly to the low total by forming an 86-run opening stand. Rohit scored a fiery 39-ball 52 while Dhawan scored vital 46. Though, they couldn’t finish the game but did the job by providing the platform to Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik who later helped India cross the line in mere 29 overs.
Team India after returning from the ground had some funny moments. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was also adjudged ‘Man of the Match’, was later on seen cutting a cake with a sword to celebrate India’s victory while others gathering around him.
Here’s the video:
