With the rematch between arch-rivals India vs Pakistan underway, things started to get interesting as the Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill started things off in aggressive fashion as they managed to raise 100 runs within the first thirteen overs.
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Gill took initiative in the beginning showing positive intent against the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. The trio had managed to put Team India under pressure in the previous encounter.
But despite the aggressive batting, Pakistan had their chance to break the opening partnership but sub-par fielding denied them their opportunity to do so.
Naseem Shah had bowled short and wide to Shubman Gill who managed to edge the ball when attempting to play the cut shot and the ball went in between both slips none of them attempted to make the catch.
Iftikhar Ahmed misses an easy catch of Shubman Gill. This is the issue I have with him. Drops catches in the field. Gives extra runs in the field. And then when he bats he turns down 2’s and can’t run. Embarrassing from him♂️ #PAKvIND#AsiaCuppic.twitter.com/TBAW1xGRoh— Haroon (@hazharoon) September 10, 2023
Fans across social media gave their reactions to Pakistan’s sloppy fielding efforts which could prove costly looking at the long-term perspective in the match and the tournament.
Follow the plan! Plan: Gill ka catch choro …. 3 chokay khao …. Repeat! #INDvsPAKlive pic.twitter.com/1AqHPI2TE5— Muhammad Farman (@MFarmanali99) September 10, 2023
This could prove costly to the Pakistan team as Team India looks to be on a roll with Rohit Sharma going against the spinners and picking up the pace as well. With both ends firing, India is looking to set a high target for the Pakistan side to chase which could be a problem with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah back in the side.
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Bumrah had missed the previous fixture against Nepal as his wife Sanjana Ganesan gave birth to their first child. Bumrah returned to the Indian squad soon after and was selected for the rematch between India vs Pakistan.
Along with Bumrah returning to the squad, KL Rahul also came back in due to Shreyas Iyer getting injured with a back spasm making it a concern whether Iyer could continue in the later stages of the Asia Cup and even the World Cup squad.
Team India has gotten off to a brilliant start thanks to the opening duo of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, both of which reached the 50-run marks in relatively quick fashion.