India-Pakistan matches are always full of intense rivalries, dramas, and goosebumps. Especially when it’s on a big stage like the Asia Cup or World Cup. However, the 2018 Asia Cup frustrated Pakistan’s supporters as they had to face two losses against India.
India’s clinical bowling performance with sensible batting helped them to secure the wins. In the group stage match, Pakistan had no reply to the Indian bowlers, and they ended up with only 162 in 43.1 overs. In response, India reached their destination comfortably in 29 overs, losing 2 wickets.
The Super Four encounter was significant for both teams. India once again showed their dominance in that match, winning by 9 wickets with a record partnership of Rohit and Dhawan(210). Let’s remember some of the iconic moments of the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 face-offs.
India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2018
- The Group Stage Clash
Background: If you haven’t forgotten, the 2018 Asia Cup could produce the biggest upset in cricket history. India somehow survived a banana peel against Hong Kong.
And guess what? The next match is against the biggest rival, Pakistan. It was all set in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 encounter.
Match Overview: Pakistan was all out for 162 in just 43.1 overs. Hardly any batter than Babor Azam & Shoaib Malik could show resistance against the Indian disciplined bowling attack. India comfortably chased it down in 29 overs, keeping 8 wickets in hand.
Now, we will go through some of the crucial moments of the match.
Bhuvneshwar On Fire!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was out of form and wicketless for more than 35 overs. Interestingly, he took the big match to perform. Starting with disciplined wicket-to-wicket bowling, Bhuvi cleaned Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman within his 3rd over. Bhuvneshwar became the man of the match with the nail-biting spell of 3 for 15.
Early Wickets and Partnership
The fall of 2 wickets in just 3 runs lead Babor Azam and Shoaib Malik under pressure. However, they tried to recover from it. But Babor got dismissed, keeping Pakistan 85/3.
Kedar Jadhav’s 3 wicket Hauls
Returning to the side, Kedar made a great impact with the ball. He came to bowl as the 6th bowler, bowled 9 tight overs, taking 3 wickets in the middle.
Rohit & Dhawan’s Sensible Batting
Replying to the small target, the Indian legendary opening pair went for a solid start. Rohit Sharma made a comfortable fifty, and Dhawan made a crucial knock, scoring 46. India comfortably reached their target within 29 overs and beat Pakistan by 8 wickets.
Picture of the Match Moment:
India vs. Pakistan match summary at a glance:
5th Match, Group A
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Date: 19 September 2018
Toss: Pakistan (Elected to bat first)
Pakistan innings: 162/10 (43.1)
Babor Azam: 47(62)
Shoaib Malik: 43(67)
India bowling:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 3/15
Kedar Jadhav: 3/23
India innings:
Rohit Sharma: 52 (39)
Shikhar Dhawan: 46(54)
Pakistan bowling:
Faheem Ashraf: 1/31
Shadab Khan: 1/6
Match won by: India won by 8 wickets (with 126 balls remaining)
Man of the Match: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/15)
- The Super Four Encounter
Background: Pakistan was hungry for redemption after a shocking loss in the group stage. But India continued their domination like the previous encounter.
Match Overview: Winning the toss, Pakistan decided to bat first once again. A slow start and wickets in the regular interval led Pakistan to score 237/7 at the end of 50 overs. Shoaib Malik had shown his class, scoring 78(90). In response, the Indian opening pair just nailed it. Both Rohit Sharma & Shikhar Dhawan made centuries. Eventually, India beat Pakistan by 9 wickets.
Trademark Shoaib Malik’s Innings
After the loss of 3 wickets, Pakistan needed a partnership to build up the innings. The under-pressure captain Sarfaraz Ahmed & Shoaib Malik made a hundred-up partnership. Sarfaraz Ahmed was dismissed at 44, but Malik continued to show his redemption, scoring 78(90).
Economical Bumrah
The Indian speed star Jasprit Bumrah just tested each Pakistan batsman. His sharp line and length kept the opponent batsmen in a hunger for runs. He bowled 38 dots in his 10 overs and conceded only 29 runs for 2 crucial wickets.
Classic Rohit-Dhawan Pair
To chase down the target, Rohit and Dhawan started showing their dominance. Rohit had been in a sweet touch throughout the tournament.
It was a mesmerizing captain’s knock from Rohit, making an unbeaten hundred (111* of 119).
Shikhar Dhawan, at the same time, was even more attacking. He picked up his century in just 95 balls. While Shikhar returned to the dressing room with an unfortunate run out, the pair made a record partnership in the Pakistan vs. India Asia Cup face-offs. Dhawan was selected as the player of the match, scoring 114 for 100 balls.
India chased down the target with one wicket down and 63 balls in hand, by 9 wickets with a record partnership of Rohit and Dhawan(210).
Picture of the Match Moment:
India vs. Pakistan Match Summary At a Glance:
3rd Match, Super Four
Date: September 23, 2018
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Toss: Pakistan (Elected to bat first)
Pakistan innings: 237/7 (50)
Shoaib Malik: 78 (90)
Sarfaraz Ahmed: 44 (66)
India Bowling:
Jasprit Bumrah: 2/29 (10)
Kuldeep Yadav: 2/41 (10)
INDIA innings: 238/1(39.3 Overs)
Shikhar Dhawan: 114 (100)
Rohit Sharma: 111* (119)
Pakistan Bowling:
Shoaib Malik: 0/14 (4.3)
Mohammad Nawaz: 0/35 (7)
Match won by: India won by 9 wickets (with 63 balls remaining)
Man of the Match: Shikhar Dhawan for 114 (100)
Final Thoughts
India-Pakistan match is something that always fascinates cricket maniacs. India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2018 matches were memorable for Indian fans. In that tournament, India were the defending champions.
Beating Pakistan in the group stage match helped India to get back the rhythm. No matter which team fan you are, you must be waiting for the next Pakistan vs. India show. The battle is something beyond a cricket match.
Resources:
Date: 19 September 2018 – IND vs PAK
Date: 23 September 2018 – Pakistan vs India
