India started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in Dambulla on Friday. Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Match, led a disciplined bowling effort, taking 3-20 to restrict Pakistan to just 108 runs. Openers Smriti Mandhana (45 off 31) and Shafali Verma (40 off 29) then chased down the target with ease, launching India’s title defense in style.

Powerplay: India’s strong start

Nida Dar chose to bat first on a dry, batting friendly pitch, but Pakistan’s top order struggled against Pooja Vastrakar’s early strikes. In contrast, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma went after the Pakistani bowlers, scoring at 9.5 runs per over in the first six overs. Pakistan managed only one double-digit over in their PowerPlay, with India’s pacers applying constant pressure in windy conditions.

Pakistan’s struggle: Vastrakar removes openers early

Pooja Vastrakar was in top form, removing both Pakistan openers in her PowerPlay overs. She used the short ball effectively, and despite a boundary off her first ball, she quickly took control. Pakistan’s top order couldn’t recover, managing only a few boundaries in the first six overs.

Spinners and Renuka Thakur keep Pakistan in check

India’s spinners took over, with Patil striking in her first over. Aliya Riaz fell to a leading edge, and with Harmanpreet Kaur also bowling spin, Pakistan crawled to 53/3 at the halfway mark. Vastrakar’s return added pressure, leading to the dismissal of Pakistan’s captain, Dar. Renuka Thakur then took two quick wickets in her final over, leaving Pakistan struggling.

Late counterattack curbed by off-spinners

Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana provided some resistance, adding 31 runs for the ninth wicket. Tuba was aggressive, hitting boundaries off Deepti, Vastrakar, and Shreyanka, but Deepti dismissed her soon after. A run-out and a quick wicket by Patil ended Pakistan’s innings at 108 with four balls left.

India’s chase

Verma’s blazing start

Pakistan started with spin, but Shafali Verma quickly punished Sadia Iqbal. Verma and Mandhana kept the score ticking with boundaries, racing to 57 runs in the PowerPlay. Verma’s aggressive batting set the tone, hitting Fatima Sana for consecutive boundaries.

Mandhana seals the deal

Nashra Sandhu provided brief respite with a tight over, but Mandhana’s onslaught on Tuba ended Pakistan’s hopes. Mandhana hit five boundaries in one over, reaching 45 before being dismissed. Verma also fell, but D Hemalatha maintained the momentum with quick boundaries. Despite Sandhu’s late strike, India easily completed the chase in the 15th over.

POTM

Deepti Sharma received the Player of the Match award for her outstanding performance with the ball, taking 3-20.

Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024 – Group A:

The ninth Women’s Asia Cup starts on Friday, July 19, in Sri Lanka.

Eight teams will compete in the T20I format, marking the fifth time this format is used. This tournament also serves as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October and November.

In the initial stage, the eight teams are divided into two groups of four. The top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals.

The final match is scheduled for July 28 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.

India, the defending champions won the last final against Sri Lanka in 2022. They have won every Asia Cup except for the 2018 edition in Malaysia, where they lost to Bangladesh.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 groups

Group 1: India, United Arab Emirates, Nepal and Pakistan

Group 2: Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 full squads

India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Uma Chetry (WK), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajana Sajeevan.

Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (C), Iram Javed, Sadia Iqbal, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sundhu, Tasmia Rubab.

United Arab Emirates squad: Esha Rohit Oza (C), Kavisha Kumari, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Lavanya Keny, Khushi Mohan Sharma, Rishitha Rajith, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish, Vaishnave Mahesh, Emily Thomas, Heena Harish Hotchandani, Mehak Thakur, Indhuja Nandakumar, Rinitha Rajith.

Nepal squad: Indu Barma (C), Kajol Shrestha, Rubina Chettri, Sabnam Rai, Sita Rana Magar, Rajmati Airee, Puja Mahato, Dolly Bhatta, Kritika Marasini, Samjhana Khadka, Bindu Rawal, Roma Thapa, Mamta Chaudhary, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar.

Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorifa Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Marufa Akter, Sabikun Nahar Jesmin, Ritu Moni, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sultana Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Rabeya Khan.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kaveesha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunarathne, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Nilakshi De Silva, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Udeshika Prabodani, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasooriya,

Thailand squad: Thipatcha Putthawong (C), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai (WK), Suwanan Khiaoto (WK), Koranit Suwanchonrathi, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Nattaya Boochatham, Chanida Sutthiruang, Kanyakorn Bunthansen, Nannaphat Chaihan, Rosenanee Kanoh, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Chayanisa Phengpaen, Sunida Chaturongrattana,

Malaysia squad: Winifred Duraisingam (C), Mas Elysa, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Wan Julia, Mahirah Izzati Ismail, Aina Najwa, Suabika Manivannan, Amalin Sorfina, Nur Aisyah, Irdina Beh Nabil, Aisya Eleesa, Nur Izzatul Syafiqa, Arianna Natasya, Elsa Hunter, Dhanusri Sri Muhunan.

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 full schedule

Women’s Asia Cup 2024 live streaming and telecast

Watch the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 matches on the Star Sports Network and stream them live on Disney+ Hotstar in India.

Usain Bolt, an ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, graced the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York for its inaugural showcase on Wednesday, May 15. The stadium, constructed from scratch for the 2024 T20 World Cup, is eagerly anticipated to host the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash on June 9 during the group stage.

Excitement builds for India vs Pakistan clash

Accompanying Bolt were cricketing legends including Curtly Ambrose, Liam Plunkett, and Shoaib Malik, along with USA cricketers Corey Anderson and Monank Patel, both selected for the T20 World Cup squads.

Notable sports personalities from New York and the USA, such as John Starks (NBA / New York Knicks), Elena Delle Donne (WNBA / USA), Bartolo Colon (MLB / New York Yankees-Mets), Victor Cruz (NFL / New York Giants), and Ibtihaj Muhammad (Fencing / USA), also graced the occasion.

“The new stadium is going to be a fantastic…”

Expressing his excitement, Bolt, renowned as the greatest sprinter of all time, lauded New York as one of the host cities for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He anticipated an electrifying atmosphere during the games, making the venue a vibrant hub for cricket enthusiasts.

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Usain Bolt said, “The new stadium is going to be a fantastic place to watch from. It’s very enclosed and you feel very close to the action. I can imagine it will be full of energy when cricket fans get to Nassau County International Stadium next month.”

As anticipation reaches a fever pitch for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the clash of titans in what promises to be a thrilling tournament. The ICC events stand as the crown jewels of international cricket, drawing millions of fans worldwide to witness the pinnacle of cricketing excellence.

This ninth edition of the T20 World Cup holds unprecedented significance, expanding to include a record 20 teams and venturing into new cricketing territories with matches to be played on American soil. The inclusion of teams like Canada, Uganda, and the United States reflects the sport’s growing diversity and the depth of talent on a global scale.

As England, the defending champions, gear up to defend their title, the absence of star all-rounder Ben Stokes adds an intriguing twist to the narrative. However, with a field teeming with talent and potential, every match in the tournament promises to be a riveting encounter, showcasing the exhilarating unpredictability of T20 cricket.

Throughout the tournament, cricket enthusiasts will be treated to a series of must-watch games that epitomize the essence of the sport’s most electrifying format. From fierce rivalries to underdog triumphs, these matchups are set to captivate audiences and carve unforgettable moments in cricketing history.

Through the following, you will discover five must-watch games of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, highlighting the matchups poised to enthral audiences and create lasting memories for cricket fans worldwide. Get ready to witness edge-of-the-seat excitement and exhilarating cricketing action as the world’s best teams vie for T20 supremacy.

India vs Pakistan, 9th June 2024, Tuesday: A Historic Showdown in the ICC T20 World Cup

The much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 transcends mere cricket; it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites fans and ignites passions across the globe. As two cricketing giants, the rivalry between these teams holds immense significance, with each encounter raising the stakes and intensifying the anticipation.

Venue: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York

Adding to the spectacle is the iconic backdrop of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, marking a historic moment for cricket in the United States. With its grandeur and significance, this venue sets the stage for an unforgettable match between India and Pakistan. Scheduled for the 9th of June, the match will commence at 8 pm IST.

Where to Watch

For cricket enthusiasts eager to witness this epic showdown, the match will be live-streamed for free on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app. This ensures that fans worldwide can experience every moment of the action, immersing themselves in the thrill and excitement of one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries. Mark your calendars and prepare for a spectacle as the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium awaits the clash of titans.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: A Thrilling Encounter in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

In the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is poised to deliver yet another enthralling chapter in their burgeoning rivalry. These two cricketing nations consistently produce captivating matches, showcasing their competitive spirit and skill on the global stage.

With each game promising nail-biting excitement and unpredictable twists, fans worldwide are in for a treat as these teams battle it out. Controversies, such as Angelo Mathews’ timed-out incident in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, only add to the drama, fueling intense discussions among cricket enthusiasts. As both teams seek to assert their dominance, this clash guarantees box office entertainment, fueled by determination, passion, and skill.

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium

The stage is set at the Grand Prairie Stadium, where Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will compete for supremacy in the tournament. As anticipation builds and the stakes soar, fans can expect nothing short of a thrilling spectacle that keeps them on the edge of their seats until the final ball. The match is scheduled to commence at 6 AM IST on the 8th of June.

Where to Watch

Cricket aficionados can catch all the action live on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app. With seamless streaming and comprehensive coverage, fans won’t miss a moment of the excitement as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh go head-to-head in this electrifying encounter.

Australia vs England: The Ashes Rivalry Reignited in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

The 8th of June promises a double-header featuring one of cricket’s most storied rivalries: Australia vs England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This clash brings together two cricketing powerhouses and reignites the fierce Ashes rivalry on the global stage.

While Australia has historically dominated the Ashes, showcasing their prowess and resilience, defending champions England are determined to stage a comeback and reclaim their cricketing pride. As these titans of the game lock horns once again, cricket fans can expect nothing short of a spectacle that transcends borders and captivates audiences worldwide.

Venue: Kensington Oval, Barbados

The historic Kensington Oval in Barbados provides the perfect backdrop for this epic showdown, where the echoes of cricketing legends past add to the intensity of the contest. With its rich history and iconic atmosphere, the stadium sets the stage for an unforgettable battle between bat and ball. The match is set to begin at 10:30 PM IST.

Where to Watch

Viewers can catch the action live on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app. With seamless streaming and comprehensive coverage, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement from anywhere worldwide, ensuring they don’t miss a single moment of this gripping encounter.

Afghanistan vs West Indies: A Triumphant Return to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

As the hosts, West Indies, grace the field in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, it marks a triumphant return after missing out on qualifications in 2021 and 2022. This sets the stage for a dramatic comeback in front of their home crowd, with the 2016 champions eager to reclaim their former glory and make a resounding statement on the global stage.

With Afghanistan rapidly ascending the ranks and boasting talents like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed spinning their webs, and West Indies fueled by the enthusiasm of their home crowd, this match promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable showdown in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Venue: Beausejour Stadium

The iconic Beausejour Stadium provides the perfect backdrop for this crucial encounter, where the winds of cricketing fate will sway in favour of either Afghanistan or the West Indies. With its rich history and electrifying atmosphere, the stadium sets the stage for a match filled with adrenaline and anticipation. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 AM IST on the 18th of June.

Where to Watch

Catch all the action from this thrilling encounter live on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app. Whether at home or on the go, the app ensures you never miss a moment of excitement. Tune in to witness the clash between Afghanistan and West Indies as it unfolds in real-time, and experience the drama, passion, and skill of T20 cricket at its finest.

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Sri Lanka vs South Africa: A Clash of Cricketing Titans

The clash between Sri Lanka and South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a riveting contest between two formidable cricketing nations. For South Africa, the ICC trophy has remained elusive, with the Proteas yet to claim a major ICC title despite their consistent performances over the years. However, armed with a talented squad and a hunger for success, they enter this tournament with renewed determination to break their duck and etch their name in cricketing history.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka is known for turning up in significant events, often defying the odds and producing stellar performances when it matters most. With a proud cricketing heritage and a tradition of excellence in limited-overs cricket, the Sri Lankan team brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table. As they step onto the field at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, fans can expect an evening of high-intensity cricket, where every run, wicket, and catch will be crucial in determining the outcome of this thrilling encounter.

Venue: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium

Located in the heart of New York, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium provides the perfect setting for this exciting match. With its state-of-the-art facilities and passionate cricket fans, the stadium is set to buzz with energy as Sri Lanka and South Africa battle it out on the pitch. The match is set to begin at 8 PM IST on the 3rd of June.

Where to Watch

Cricket enthusiasts can watch this highly anticipated match live on the Disney+ Hotstar mobile app. With its seamless streaming and comprehensive coverage, the app ensures that fans don’t miss any action from this crucial encounter in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

For more than four years, cricket fans have been eagerly awaiting the resurgence of an ODI showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. With their highly anticipated clash in the ongoing Asia Cup, the excitement surrounding the event is palpable. In the absence of ODI encounters, both teams have engaged in four gripping T20 matches against each other, where the scoreboard reflects an even split of victories. Beyond the customary feelings of national pride and rivalry, these encounters have evolved into a showcase of exceptional cricketing prowess. It’s not just about animosity; it’s about a riveting cricketing battle where multifaceted skillsets will be put to the test on the day of the match.

Under overcast conditions, India won the toss and opted to bat, a choice that initially appeared to be a misjudgment as the Pakistani pacers exploited the favorable conditions, extracting significant movement from the ball. Within the initial 15 overs, they claimed the first four wickets of the Indian side, placing the onus on the middle and lower-middle order to salvage the innings.

At a juncture when the outlook seemed rather bleak for India, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya intervened, weaving together a magnificent partnership worth 138 runs through sensible shot selection. While their valiant efforts saw them fall just short of centuries, the Indian lower order struggled to make substantial contributions, with the exception of Bumrah’s spirited cameo, which propelled the team’s total to 266.

But the rains unfortunately played a spoil sport and the match had to be halted with just an innings of play. In this article, we will delve into the various shots that Kishan and Pandya manufactured throughout their responsible partnership.

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Ishan Kishan’s sparkling knock

Kishan has always been known to be an aggressive batter, irrespective of the format he plays in. There was a lot of pressure hovering over him as he had to adjust to his newfound position at number 5. With India being 4 down within 15 overs, Kishan had to down shift from his usual aggressive nature and play according to the situation, which he performed wonderfully.

Without focusing much on his innovative stroke play, he shifted it to a textbook style of cricket, with a majority of his runs coming from the front foot drive (28.05%). He was also quite fluent in adjusting to the short delivery and accounted for close to 25 percent of his runs via the back foot pull shot.

Once he had settled down, he started taking on the spinners with some eye pleasing lofted drives and also showed prowess in the cut shots (15% of the runs). There were many instances where the aggression within him could have taken control, but he maintained a calm composure. When the bowlers where pitch hard lengths, he focused more on the back foot drives (14% of the runs), rather than wild slogs and slashes.

Hardik Pandya’s fitting reply

Hardik Pandya has seen a remarkable resurgence in his bowling abilities, showcasing improved pace and the ability to generate movement in recent times. However, his batting performance had been subpar for a considerable period. An innings like the one against Pakistan had been anticipated for a while, and he executed it flawlessly. In this particular match, he adopted a more traditional cricketing approach, adapting to the situation, and impressively accumulated nearly 26 percent of his runs through front-foot drives and 17 percent through front-foot pushes.

He has also been a genuinely good player of the cut shot and it was no different this innings either, scoring close to 17 percent of his runs with the back foot cut. He largely relied on grounded strokes and always focused on putting away the bad deliveries. While he was unable to reach his maiden ODI century, his astounding knock provided a optimistic sign for team India ahead of the tournament.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) executive Najam Sethi has encouraged BCCI to take a judicious choice with respect to its position on not heading out to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023. In 2022, Pakistan was awarded the right to host the continental tournament. However, India may be reluctant to travel to Pakistan because of political tensions between the two nations.

Sethi made a statement regarding the issue, stating that he is not concerned about the Asia Cup but rather the ODI World Cup 2023, which may be held in India on October 5. He went on to say that the boycotting game will continue if the two boards don’t find a compromise right now.

“BCCI should take a good, rational decision so that we don’t have any problems going forward. I’m not worried about the Asia Cup, it’s the World Cup, and India should not be looking at a situation where we end up boycotting the Asia Cup and also the World Cup and then India ends up boycotting the Champions Trophy – there’ll be a huge mess,”

PCB chairman Najam Sethi was quoted as saying by NDTV.

Reports claim that Pakistan presented the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) with a hybrid model in which India would have played its matches in the United Arab Emirates while the other teams would have played in Pakistan. However, logistical issues are said to have hindered the model’s reception by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

How can you ignore our team and our country? : Najam Sethi

Further talking about the discussion, Sethi said that Pakistan can’t be overlooked as they’re positioned higher than India in ICC ODI rankings and consequently ICC ought to step in to determine the issue.

“And so we (Pakistan) are right at the top (ODI rankings). So the thing is, how can you ignore our team and our country? So the ICC should step in. But my sense is that India would not like the ICC to step in,”

he added.

Notably, India last visited Pakistan in 2008 when the Asian Cup was held there. Since their last bilateral series in India in 2012-2013, the two teams have only met in multi-national competitions.

India and Pakistan have been at odds over where the Asia Cup 2023 will be held, and the debate over which nation will host the tournament appears to be far from over. While BCCI secretary Jay Shah has obviously referenced that India won’t travel to Pakistan for the competition, PCB executive Najam Sethi has threatened to not head out to India for the ODI World Cup, which is booked for the near future.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are said to be supporting BCCI’s move to move the Asia Cup out of Pakistan, which is a new development

The report further recommends that the two nations are in any event, able to have the competition assuming the facilitating freedoms are detracted from Pakistan.

If Pakistan declines to participate in the tournament, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) may also consider substituting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for them. This information comes from a report published in Geo News.

Jay Shah, who is also the president of ACC, has even promised the broadcasters that an India series in the near future will make up for any loss they suffer as a result of Pakistan’s absence.

There were earlier reports that the tournament would be held in a hybrid model, with all of India’s matches, including the final if they qualify, being played at a neutral location.

Be that as it may, according to late reports BCCI have dismissed the cross breed model proposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has been asked by the Indian government to take on a severe position during the following ACC meeting.

India and Pakistan last played bilateral series in 2012-13

Notably, since Pakistan was given the right to host the Asia Cup 2023 in 2022, the two countries have been fighting verbally. Ramiz Raja, the former chairman of the PCB, had also echoed the board’s current position of not traveling to India for the World Cup.

India and Pakistan last played a reciprocal series in 2012-13 and presently just go head to head with each other during global competitions, for example, Asia Cup or World Cup. In the forthcoming months, the disarray over Asia Cup is supposed to end after one more gathering of ACC.

The marquee match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is very likely to be played at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens stadium. However, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has also been shortlisted as a potential location for the high-voltage match, according to reports. In case any inconvenience comes up Kolkata facilitating the touchy conflict, Chennai could be granted the match.

Eden Gardens has facilitated various India versus Pakistan conflicts previously, including the one that was played in the T20 World Cup 2016. Virat Kohli scored 55* runs in 37 deliveries as the MS Dhoni-led team defeated the Men in Green by six wickets in the match. The storied Indo-Pak match that India won by 29 runs previously took place at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali during the 2011 ODI World Cup.

However, the controversy surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup on Indian soil has not yet been resolved, as the Pakistan Cricket Board, led by Najam Sethi, had previously requested that Bangladesh be considered for hosting Pakistan’s World Cup matches. Even though that is highly unlikely, Pakistan and India have not reached a decision on this, so the discussions are still ongoing.

In the meantime, according to reports, 12 settings have been concluded to have all the matches of the impending World Cup. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been shortlisted to host the final, and each venue is expected to host four matches.

India’s Asia Cup matches likely to be hosted outside Pakistan

India’s Asia Cup matches are likely to be held outside of Pakistan. Notably, the refusal of India to play the Asia Cup on Pakistani soil sparked the discussion about holding Pakistan’s World Cup matches in Bangladesh. Sethi, the head of the PCB, initially objected to the idea, but he eventually agreed to the idea of holding India’s matches in another nearby nation if the ICC and BCCI honored their request regarding their position on the World Cup venue. Nations, for example, the UAE, Oman and Sri Lanka are in the know to have India’s Asia Cup matches.

The PCB also retaliated after the BCCI’s decision by stating that the board would not send its team to the coveted ICC World Cup if India boycotted the Asia Cup, contrary to earlier reports

Sources have reported that the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, might host the match if Pakistan does not agree to play in India and if the ICC and BCCI grant permission. The schedule and the location, on the other hand, won’t be revealed until after everything has been finalized, so the ICC has yet to make any announcements in this regard.

Pakistan’s decision to hold back Mohammad Nawaz until the last over backfired as, with 13 required from three balls, the slow left-arm was adjudged to have bowled an above-waist-height no-ball which was heaved for six by Kohli. Nawaz’s nerve deserted him as he threw in a wide down the leg-side with two needed off the last ball, after which Ravichandran Ashwin coolly lifted over the in-field for a single as India overhauled Pakistan’s 159 for eight with four wickets to spare.

On more than one occasion India looked sunk in the run-chase, but a 113-run union between Kohli and Hardik Pandya (40 off 37 balls) kept them afloat, with the pair growing in authority as the stand grew. Kohli, who last month ended a two-and-a-half-year wait for an international century in any format. Has particularly watchful after India had slipped to 31 for four, taking just 15 off his first 24 balls.

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Walking through the soul-stirring final over in India’s win over Pakistan

He seized the moment when it counted, not just off Nawaz but helping to get the target down to a manageable 16 off six with back-to-back sixes from the last two balls of the penultimate over. Bowled by Haris Rauf, amid a cacophony of noise from a 90,293 crowd that ratcheted up in a dramatic finale. Following the sensational win, India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Virat Kohli and called the batter’s MCG heroics inning as former captain’s best ever. Stating that it is always important to get off the mark well. Rohit said that this win would give them a lot of confidence.

An explosive half-century by star batter Virat Kohli and a century stand with Hardik Pandya helped India defeat Pakistan by four wickets in their Group 2 clash. With this win, India is at top of Group 2 with two points. “Those two guys (Kohli and Pandya) are experienced. Staying calm and taking the game deep was very critical. Good for our confidence. Always crucial to get off the mark like this. We were in no position to win this. The way we won that’s more pleasing for us. Hats off to Virat for the way he batted, has to be the best innings he has played for India.

Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris feels that with the present form Pakistan captain Babar Azam is in at the moment, bowlers need to bowl an exceptional delivery to get him dismissed. Azam is currently the only batter to be in the first three rankings of every international format. 

A prolific white-ball cricket run-scorer, he will be seen in action during the upcoming Asia Cup, where Pakistan will confront arch-rivals India on August 28 in Dubai. He was one of the main architects in Pakistan’s 10-wicket whipping of India in the T20 World Cup last year, where he was unbeaten for a 52-ball 68, hitting six fours and two sixes, in the 152-run chase alongside opening partner, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who made 79 not out.

This is what Styris said on ‘Sports Over The Top’ show on Sports18

“I’m not so sure (on how to get Azam out). I think what you would say is if India could win, any team could say I’ll give you 16 Babar Azam’s and then you’re out. They would take it every day of the week. He is that good. He is the number one man going around. Look there’s usually what you look to do is to give him a single and get him off strike and bowl the guy at the other end. And I think that’s not something new. That’s been around for a decade or two, or three decades.”

“So that sort of strategy to Babar Azam, I think he’s used to it, and I’m not sure that will work. I think you’ve almost got to be brave. Be a little bit risky and try that magic delivery that you might be a little afraid to bowl, because if you get it wrong, it can go out of the park because it’s going to take a special delivery to get somebody like him out in the form that he’s in.” 

He continued

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“He’s that good a player at the moment and that’s perhaps the strategy. As it is, I think I’d probably need a few more hours of studying film to work out any genuine weaknesses that he has, but as it is just you’ve got to be aggressive and go after it,”

Pakistan enter Asia Cup 2022 without their left-arm pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is ruled out of the tournament because of a right knee ligament injury. Styris felt that Afridi’s absence is big news for all top-orders of each and every side partaking in the tournament.

“Every top order should be high-fiving themselves because he has every possible attribute that you could want in a fast bowler. He has height, he has the pace, he gets bounce, he has that ability to swing the ball, and he has the variation of being a left armer as well. So, everything you would want from a fast bowler, he has it.”

He concluded