In a commanding performance, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill led the team to a resounding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in a rain-interrupted match, securing their spot in the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup 2023.
After the rain interruption, India had a revised target of 145 runs in 23 overs according to the DLS method. The Indian batsmen comfortably reached the target with 17 balls to spare in Pallekele.
Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 74 runs, while Shubman Gill finished on 67 not out. Nepal, on the other hand, were bowled out for 230 runs, with Aasif Sheikh being their top-scorer with 58 runs.
The Asia Cup 2023 is considered a warm-up tournament for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. However, rain has been causing disruptions, leading to discussions of a venue change for future matches in Colombo.
India’s opening match against Pakistan was abandoned after just one innings due to rain.
In their second outing against Nepal, play was interrupted by heavy rain when India were 17-0 in 2.1 overs. The ground staff worked diligently to prepare the ground for play to resume.
Once the game resumed, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill displayed an impressive batting performance, striking boundaries and rapidly reaching their half-centuries to secure victory. Rohit Sharma hit five sixes in his 59-ball innings.
Nepal, a relatively new entrant in international cricket who gained ODI status in 2018, fought hard after Sheikh’s fifty helped them reach a respectable total. However, their middle and lower order struggled, and they were bowled out in the 48.2 overs. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj took three wickets each for India.
Despite winning the toss and electing to field first, India’s fielders experienced some hiccups, dropping three catches in the early overs. This allowed Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel and Sheikh to score quick runs and build momentum. However, Mohammad Siraj’s bowling dismissed both batsmen, limiting Nepal’s progress.
After a rain delay, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami contributed a crucial partnership of 50 runs for the seventh wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
India’s dominant performance against Nepal showcases their strong form as they progress to the Super 4s stage in the Asia Cup 2023.