India defeats Pakistan by a score of 228 runs in Asia Cup

India scored a commanding 356 for 2 as Kohli (122 not out off 94 deliveries) and Rahul (111 not out off 106 balls), his sixth ODI century, thrashed a helpless Pakistan, whose pursuit ended at 128 for 8 as Kuldeep Yadav (5/25) steamrolled through them.

Pakistan, needing 357 to win after Kohli scored 122 not out off 94 balls and Rahul remained unbeaten on 111 off 106, failed to get going and concluded on 128 with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf both out injured. After Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Imam-ul-Haq and Hardik Pandya crushed the lethal Babar Azam, India spinner Kuldeep Yadav (5-25) sliced through Pakistan’s lineup.

When India resumed the day from 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs, they needed Kohli and Rahul, the two overnight batsmen, to step up, and they did it in spectacular fashion. Kohli and Rahul put up 233 runs for the undefeated third wicket stand, India’s greatest ODI partnership against Pakistan.

Kohli also added to his already lengthy list of personal achievements, becoming the fastest batter to reach 13000 ODI runs and striking his fourth century in four innings. Kohli is only the second hitter in history to score four consecutive hundreds at the same venue, joining South Africa’s Hashim Amla at Centurion.

Pakistan got off to a fantastic start thanks to the likes of Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf, but with the arrival of part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed, the runs began to flow. Except for Naseem Shah, none of the other four Pakistan bowlers were able to stop Kohli and Rahul, who batted well. Kohli took his time getting started, allowing Rahul to do the early work.

The omission of Rauf cost Babar Azam’s squad dearly, with Iftikhar Ahmed giving 46 runs in his five-over session, with Kohli and Rahul putting on a 150-run third-wicket partnership in his last over. The Indian bowlers didn’t have to do much because they were defending 357, and the highest-ever run chase at this location was 292.

Rohit Sharma, India Captain: “We wanted to walk out to the park and have some game time. Many of the guys didn’t have game time. This wouldn’t have been possible if for the groundsman. I know how tough it is to do it yesterday and then again today. Big thanks to the groundstaff. It’s not easy. We’ve seen them. There are so many people around the ground who wanted to make sure the game happened. It was a fantastic batting performance, right from yesterday. When we started, we knew the wicket was good. With interruptions you have to adjust, but with two experienced batters in the middle, we knew they’d get their eye in and then terrific effort from both. Bumrah looked good. We all saw that. wung the ball both ways. Really worked hard for the past 8-15 months. I know how hard it is who goes through that kind of injury. Bumrah is only 27. For him to come back… the way he bowled, he’s shown what Bumrah is all about. Good to see him in that rhythm. Looking at how we batted, there were lot of positives. And then Virat and KL obviously. We know it was a typical Kohli innings, brilliantly paced. Very happy for KL. Last minute change. Not easy coming from injury. Five minutes before the toss we had to tell him to play… not easy to come out in those circumstances.”

Pakistan Captain Babar Azam: “Weather not in our hands – but both bowling and batting. They had a plan for our bowlers. And then KL and Virat followed up and finished very well. Jasprit and Siraj bowled very well in first ten overs swinging both ways. Yes we lost back to back wickets, couldn’t build partnerships.”

Virat Kohli , Player of the Match: “I always prepared my game in a way I can help the team. Today was a classic example of you don’t get off to a good start. KL started better, I was trying to bring him on strike and playing second fiddle. And yes, then after that I stepped up where I could. I take a lot of pride in fitness. Pushing for doubles are easy runs, compared to a big shot. It has paid off before, hope to continue in the same way. Both KL and myself are both conventional players. And when you have him batting the way he was and me playing, its tough to break these partnerships because we don’t play fancy shots. We didn’t think about the partnership too much, the idea was to ‘keep batting.’ It is one of the memorable partnerships we’ve had and for Indian cricket as well. He hit form for us straightaway, good for us. Its the first time I have done anything like this in 15 years of cricket. Luckily we are Test players, so we know how to come back the next day and play. Recovery is crucial. It was humid out there today. I am 35 in November, so I need to take care of my recovery. A big shoutout to the groundstaff from my side.”

India will face Sri Lanka on Tuesday after their group match with Pakistan in Pallekele was cancelled due to rain.

India 356 for 2 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 122*, K L Rahul 111*, S Khan 1/71).

Pakistan 132 all out in 23 overs (Fakhar Zaman 27; Kuldeep Yadav 5/25)