In the highly anticipated showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan during the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023, Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the true game-changer with the ball. With an electrifying performance, he showcased his mastery over spin bowling and outshined Pakistan’s star-studded batting lineup. The left-arm spinner completed his second five-wicket haul in ODIs.
Kuldeep executed a breathtaking dismissal of Fakhar Zaman during the second ball of the 20th over in a remarkable display of spin brilliance. The 28-year-old’s delivery was a textbook leg break, landing perfectly on a full length and menacingly homing in on the stumps. Zaman’s attempt to unleash a massive slog resulted in a terrible miss, with the ball slicing off the inside edge and breaking the stumps.
Also READ: Anushka Sharma reacts as Virat Kohli creates another record in international cricket – IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s
Here’s the video:
TIMBERRRR! 💥@imkuldeep18 puts himself in the wickets column, foxing ace batter @FakharZamanLive!
Huge blow for #Pakistan.Can #TeamIndia wrap this up soon?
Tune-in to #AsiaCupOnStar, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network#INDvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/giFQcgKRdG
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 11, 2023
India’s stunning win: Pakistan outplayed by 228 runs
India clinched a 228-run victory over Pakistan in a rain-affected clash at Colombo, displaying their dominance in every aspect of the game. India’s batting prowess was evident from the outset, with the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill setting the stage ablaze. However, the real heroics came from Virat Kohli, who hammered an astonishing 122 and KL Rahul, who played a glorious comeback knock of 111. Together, they orchestrated a massive 233-run partnership, propelling India to a massive total of 356 runs.
Regarding defending their total, Pakistan’s batting order appeared rattled by India’s formidable fast-bowling attack. However, the match’s turning point was Kuldeep’s masterful spell. His performance was instrumental in India’s emphatic 228-run memorable victory.
The win has further cemented India’s claim in the Asia Cup 2023 final. They will be squaring off against Sri Lanka in their second game of the Super 4 stage on Tuesday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.