Despite boasting a quality batting line-up, the Indian cricket team came up short against the Pakistani pace attack as the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill departed early. (More Cricket News)
While skipper Rohit Sharma fell early for 11 runs, Virat Kohli (4) was dismissed in the seventh over. Before the 15th over, India were reeling at 66/4. Both Virat and Rohit were dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi's raw pace as the left-armer also scalped the wickets of Hardik Pandya (87) and Ravindra Jadeja (14)
Had it not been for Hardik and Ishan's (82)
138-run partnership, India would have struggled to cross the 250-run mark.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir was not happy with India's batting order as he lambasted that the seniors should bat at 'tough positions'.
"The kind of form that Ishan Kishan is in, he scored half-century while opening in West Indies. The senior players should bat in the tough positions. Not any youngster. If someone is to bat at No.4, it should've been Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. The seniors should take up the difficult job. You should give a youngster his natural position to excel." Gautam Gambhir said during commentary on Saturday.
Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya produced a wonderful rescue act while Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled a fiery spell but rain forced India and Pakistan to split points in an Asia Cup match that had all the ingredients of a thrilling finish on Saturday.
Before the heavens opened up, India posted 266 all out in 48.5 overs.
Kishan (82 off 81 balls) and Pandya (87 off 90 balls) milked 138 runs for the fifth wicket stand off 141 balls to lift their side from 66 for 4 in 14.1 overs.
The no result meant that Pakistan ended their Group A proceedings with 3 points, and it also assured them of a place in the Super Four of the tournament.
India, who logged a point from their opening fixture, are expected to beat Nepal on Monday and progress to the Super Four.
(With PTI inputs)
