Kohli props up India after bowlers skittle Pakistan

In a sublime spell of fast bowling, Mohammad Amir reduced India to 8/3 before Kohli guided the side to overhaul Pakistan’s 83 with nearly five overs left. Ajinkya Rahane has replaced injured regular left-hand opener Shikhar Dhawan as the only change in the squad that won the opening match against hosts Bangladesh.

Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh were then able to rebuild, and they adopted a circumspect approach after coming together with India on eight for three and chasing a paltry target. Virat Kohli, however, smashed 49 off 51 balls, while Yuvraj Singh hit an unbeaten 14 off 32 balls to give Men in Blue their second consecutive win in the Asia Cup 2016.

Ashish Nehra (1/20) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/8) dealt initial blows while new sensation Hardik Pandya (3/8) kept up the pressure and recorded the best figures among the bowlers.

Pakistan: Khurram Manzoor, Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Umar Akmal, Shahid Afridi (captain), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan. After India had rolled Pakistan over for 83 – its third lowest total in T20Is – with a splendid, aggressive performance in the field, there was, it seemed, only one possible outcome. He however, said that it was good practice for the players when it comes to reading the pitch and respecting the conditions.

Manzoor was on 10 when he tried to scoop Ashish Nehra. So much so that Dhoni had a word with umpire.

But his stay at the crease was short lived as Kohli’s direct hit found him way short off ground.

It didn’t take much time to make it 35 for five as Yuvraj, introduced in the attack before Ashwin and Jadeja, struck with his first ball.

Malik did not last long, edging a wide delivery from Hardik Pandya behind. But for those who watched, it was the most exciting period of play.

“They will try to score heavily, but we also have strength in our batting; the batsmen are looking good coming from the PSL”, said Afridi.

At the halfway stage, Pakistan were 47 for six and truly out of the game.