In a rain-shortened encounter, India emerged victorious against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023, securing their place in the Super Fours. Chasing a revised target of 145 runs in 23 overs, India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, delivered a commanding performance, guiding their team to victory without any hiccups.
The innings began with Gill showcasing brilliant form, capitalizing on the width offered by Nepal’s pacers to dispatch boundaries off the back foot. Unfortunately, rain intervened, resulting in a lengthy delay and a curtailed contest. Play resumed just five minutes before the designated cutoff time.
With the revised target demanding an aggressive approach, Rohit Sharma took the initiative, taking on Nepal’s legspinner Sandeep Lamichanne. He launched a blistering assault, hitting consecutive boundaries and sixes off Lamichanne’s deliveries. Rohit achieved his half-century in just 39 balls, while Gill, although slightly slower, reached his fifty in 46 balls, ensuring that India maintained their momentum.
In contrast, India’s initial bowling performance in the Asia Cup displayed a mix of excellence and inconsistency, as fielders dropped catches, offering Nepal’s openers a few reprieves. Khushal Bhurtel, in particular, impressed with his aggressive stroke play, contributing 38 runs off 25 balls before falling while attempting another big shot.
His partner, Aasif Sheikh, initially struggled but gradually settled into his innings, ultimately reaching his 10th ODI fifty. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s spin proved challenging for Nepal’s middle order, with Jadeja claiming crucial wickets, including that of Rohit Paudel and Kushal Malla.
Despite a spirited seventh-wicket partnership between Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami, rain once again interrupted the game. When play resumed, India’s bowlers struck again, with Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami taking vital wickets. Nepal managed to post a competitive total of 230 runs before being bowled out.
India’s response was clinical, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s partnership securing a commanding 10-wicket victory, propelling them into the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023.
