Pallekele, 4 September 2023: The first international match between India and Nepal, although impacted by rain, helped India secure points required to qualify for the Super-Four stage. With DLS coming into play, India was asked to chase down 145 in 23 overs, after Nepal scored 230 in 48.2 overs bowled in the first innings. India reached the target without any loss of wicket.
The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, won the toss and decided to bowl first. It felt like India was missing their ace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, as Nepal got off to a flying start. They were helped by India, who made a couple of misfields early on, allowing the Nepalese opening pair to gain a steady footing in the game.
Shardul Thakur brought India the breakthrough, after he got Kushal Bhurtel out on the second-last ball of the first powerplay. However, even then Nepal was comfortably at 65-1 after the end of the first powerplay. A magnificent 58 by Aasif Sheikh and a fighting 48 by Sompal Kami took Nepal to a respectable total of 230. Three wickets each by Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj ensured that India remained in the game.
Rain delayed the second innings significantly. When play resumed, the second innings had been reduced to just 23 overs. The openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, were asked to chase 145. The Indian captain scored an unbeaten 74 and his efforts were complemented by his partner on the other end, who got an unbeaten 67 to his name as well. India were able to chase their target without a wicket falling.
The sixth match of the 2023 Asia Cup will be played between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka on 5 September at the Gaddafi Stadium at 2:30 pm (PST).
Scores in brief:
India win by 10 wickets (17 balls remaining) (DLS method)
Nepal: 230 all out in 48.2 overs (Aasif Sheikh 58, Sompal Kami 48; Ravindra Jadeja 3-40, Mohammed Siraj 3-61).
India: 147-0 in 20.1 overs (Rohit Sharma 74, Shubman Gill 67)
Player of the match: Rohit Sharma (India)
