In a high-stakes clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka, India won the toss and chose to field in their do-or-die match against Nepal. This game marked the first-ever One Day International (ODI) encounter between India and Nepal in ODI history. Nepal set a target of 231 after being bowled out for 230 in 48.2 overs.
Rain intervened, reducing the second innings to 23 overs, with a revised DLS target for India of 145 runs. Remarkably, India chased it down with ease, scoring 147 for no loss. This victory secured India’s spot in the Super Four round, commencing on September 6th, alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, from Group A.
Top Performers of the Match
Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj starred with the ball, each claiming three wickets. Jadeja’s left-arm orthodox spin dismissed Bhim Sharki (7), Rohit Paudel (5), and Kushal Malla (2), ending with figures of 10-0-40-3. Siraj, the right-arm pacer, scalped Aasif Sheikh (58), Gulshan Jha (23), and Lalit Rajbanshi (0), concluding at 9.2-1-61-3. Kuldeep Yadav, though wicketless, bowled economically, conceding 34 runs. His bowling figures were 10-2-34-0.
In the reduced 23-over chase, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill powered their way to a 147-run partnership, the third-highest opening partnership for India in Asia Cup (50-over format) and the fourth-highest opening partnership in 10-wicket wins in ODIs for India.
Rohit Sharma, after a shaky start, unleashed his beast mode to make 74 off 59 balls (6 fours, 5 sixes, strike rate 125.45). Shubman Gill contributed with 67 off 62 balls, including 8 fours and 1 six (strike rate 108.06).
Aasif Sheikh, Nepal’s opener and wicketkeeper, etched his name in history by becoming the first Nepali cricketer to score a fifty against India in international cricket. His gritty 58 off 97 deliveries, featuring 8 fours, provided Nepal with an unexpectedly strong start.
India Qualifies for Super Four Round, to face Pakistan on 10th September
India’s comfortable win in this crucial encounter marked a significant turnaround from their initial loss to Pakistan. Both openers played vital roles in securing victory. Nepal’s impressive batting display was overshadowed by their lack of experience in the bowling department.
Despite their elimination from Asia Cup 2023, Nepal’s exposure to top-quality sides like India and Pakistan promises future growth. India will now face Pakistan on September 10th, although the venue might change due to adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall, including flooding in some parts, has been witnessed over the last few days in Colombo. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) might soon announce that all the matches of the Super Four and the Final, which are scheduled to be held in Colombo, will now be shifted to Hambantota.
“The middle order could have done better, we were 30 runs short- Nepal Skipper After the defeat” – Rohit Paudel
After losing to India and subsequently being eliminated from the Asia Cup 2023, Nepal’s skipper, Rohit Paudel, shared his perspective during the post-match presentation. He acknowledged,
“The openers did a good job for us, the middle order could have done better, we were 30 runs short and if the middle order had done well then we could have reached 260-270,” said Rohit Paudel.
“Our lower order has been doing a great job and contributing in the last 4-5 months. The conditions were really hard but our bowlers bowled well as the ball was not gripping.” he added.