COLOMBO – Team India defeated Pakistan with an overwhelming eight-wicket victory at the Emerging Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday in Colombo.
Sai Sudarshan, who struck an undefeated century, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar, who claimed an incredible five wickets, both put forth outstanding efforts during the encounter.
India’s victory propelled them to the top of Group B, where they currently hold a perfect record of three victories in a row and six points.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is in second place with four points after two victories and one defeat.
Pakistan had a challenging time against India’s bowling onslaught after choosing to bat first.
However, despite the heroic efforts of Qasim Akram (48), Sahibzada Farha (35) and Mubasir Khan (28), they were dismissed for 205 runs in 48 overs.
Five-wicket haul of Rajvardhan Hangargekar (5/42) and assistance from Manav Suthar (3/36) were key in limiting Pakistan’s score.
Sai Sudarshan of India team received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his match-winning century.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first.
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Pakistan Shaheens win the toss and elect to bat first against India A ????#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gEAv6FsIEr
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 19, 2023
Earlier this week, Qasim Akram’s maiden six-wicket haul in List-A cricket and half-centuries by Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub led Pakistan Shaheens to a commanding 184-run win over UAE A at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo.
Chasing 310 to win, the spin duo of Qasim and Sufiyan Muqeem were all over the UAE A batters after openers Aryansh Sharma (37, 34b, 8x4s) and Jonathan Figy (25, 50, 4x4s) stitched a 59-run partnership for the first wicket.
After the departure of both opening batters, only Nilansh Keswani (17, 30b, 2x4s) and Ethan D’Souza (10,19b, 2x4s) managed to enter into double figures.
Qasim, with his right-arm off-spin bowling, bagged six wickets for 26 runs from 10 overs while left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan ended up with match figures of 8.5-1-36-3.
PCB chief Zaka Ashraf to unveil Asia Cup 2023 schedule on July 19
