In a highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 encounter between cricketing giants India and Pakistan, all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased his bowling prowess with a sensational delivery that left the cricketing world in awe. Pandya’s inch-perfect inswinger outfoxed Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, providing a pivotal breakthrough for Team India in a thrilling contest.
The incident happened during the eleventh over of the second innings. Facing the fiery pace of Hardik Pandya, Babar seemed well-set and confident at the crease. However, Pandya had other plans.
With finesse and precision, Pandya delivered a remarkable inswinger that angled in towards the batsman. Babar, known for his exquisite batting technique, found himself in a challenging situation as the ball came in sharply. In a bid to defend, Babar misjudged the swing, and the ball sneaked through the gap between his bat and pad.
As the ball crashed into the stumps, the Indian team erupted in celebration, fully aware of the significance of this wicket. Pandya himself couldn’t hide his joy, and the Colombo crowd witnessed a moment of cricketing brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.
Asia Cup 2023: What will happen if the reserve day of India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash gets washed out due to rain? Details inside
Babar was visibly disappointed as he made his way back to the pavilion. He managed to score just 10 runs after facing 24 deliveries.
Here’s the video:
Massive moment in the game! 🤯@hardikpandya7 swung them big, eventually knocking @babarazam258's stumps over!
HUGE wicket in the context of the game! #TeamIndia on 🔝Tune-in to #AsiaCupOnStar, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network#INDvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/2w59Vv1mSi
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 11, 2023
Pakistan lose their main man Babar Azam… 😔
A long way back for them now. #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/9qLUnJKBzs
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) September 11, 2023
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s tons help India post mammoth a 356-2
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul showcased their batting prowess by crafting unbeaten centuries, propelling India to a commanding total of 356-2. Their remarkable partnership of 233 runs for the third wicket came off 194 balls, establishing a new record as India’s highest partnership in the history of the Asia Cup.
This formidable total also ranks as the fourth-highest score ever achieved at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Notably, no ODI team has successfully pursued a target of 357 at this venue, emphasizing the substantial challenge facing Pakistan. Furthermore, India’s total of 356 equals their joint-highest ODI score against Pakistan, matching the 356 achieved in Visakhapatnam in 2005.
The Super 4 fixture, initially interrupted by rain on Sunday, was extended to Monday’s reserve day. India resumed their innings at 147-2 and proceeded to assert complete control over Pakistan.
