India vs Pak: Final Over Thriller

Team India registered a victory against Pakistan in a final over thriller in the first match of its Asia Cup campaign tonight. Hardik Pandya’s all-round show helped the men in blue in winning this low scoring game. India managed to chase a total of 148 runs in 19.4 overs.

While chasing a target of 148 runs, India got an early blow as opener KL Rahul got out on the second ball of the innings. Later, Virat Kohli (35) and Rohit Sharma (12) settled the game. But things turned upside down when both of them got out within no time.

Even Surya Kumar Yadav got out without scoring much. Then, Ravindra Jadeja (35) and Hardik Pandya (33* off 17 balls) took care of the chase and made a partnership of 52 runs for the fifth wicket. Jadeja got out in the last over but Hardik Pandya kept his calm and won the match for his side with two balls to spare. For Pakistan, debutant Naseem Shah (2/27) and spinner Mohammed Nawaz (3/33) performed well.

Pakistan didn’t get an ideal start while batting first. Top-order batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman went back to the pavilion without creating an impact. Opener Mohammed Rizwan (43) got good support from Ifthikar Ahmed (28) for a while. But once they got out, Pak didn’t bounce back again. Due to a couple of sixes from the last batter Shahnawaz Dahani, Pak managed to score 147. It got all-out in 19.5 overs. Bhuvi got four wickets (4/26), Hardik got three (3/25) and Avesh scalped two wickets (2/33).

India will take on Hong Kong in its next match which will be held on August 31.