Tag: Asia Cup 2023

KANDY: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s unbeaten half-centuries after a combined bowling effort powered India into the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s with a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nepal on Monday.

India were set to chase a revised target of 145 in 23 overs after the second innings was interrupted by a heavy downpour in the third over.

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill completely dominated the inexperienced Nepal’s bowling attack and muscled their side to a flawless 10-wicket victory, courtesy of their unbeaten partnership.

Captain Rohit Sharma top-scored for India with a 59-ball 74 which featured six boundaries and five sixes while his partner Shubman Gill scored 67 not out off 62 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries and a six.

The dominant 10-wicket victory lifted India to book their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s and joined the hosts Pakistan, who secured their berth after their much-anticipated clash against India was washed out on Saturday.

Notably, no team from Group B could make it to the next round of the tournament yet.

Put into bat first in their must-win Asia Cup 2023 fixture, Nepal could manage to post 230 on the board with Aasif and Kami leading the charge with the bat.

Nepal got off to a flying start to their innings as their opener Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif dominated the Indian bowlers on their way to a brilliant 65-run partnership.

The pair got several lifelines, courtesy of sloppy fielding by the former champions, who dropped three catches in the first five overs.

Aasif and Kami had taken Nepal past the 60-run mark in the 10th over but Shardul Thakur hit back to provide a much-needed breakthrough to his side as he got Bhurtel caught behind.

Bhurtel scored a brisk 38 off 25 deliveries, laced up with three boundaries and two sixes.

Following his dismissal, Nepal began to lose wickets in quick succession and slipped to 101/4 in the 22nd over.

Aasif, who batted cautiously while losing partners at the other end, then put together a brief anchoring knock with Gulshan Jha.

The duo could put together 31 runs for the fifth wicket before Aasif finally perished in the 30th over.

He remained the top-scorer for Nepal in their must-win Asia Cup 2023 game with a 97-ball 58 which featured eight boundaries.

Gulshan Jha soon followed Aasif back to the dugout in the 34th over to leave Nepal reeling at 144/6 in the 32nd over.

He scored 23 in 35 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.

Following the slump, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami stitched an astounding partnership for the seventh wicket and added a valuable 50 runs to the total before Hardik Pandya broke the stand by trapping the former in the 42nd over.

Airee scored 29 off 25 deliveries, hitting three boundaries.

Kami then put on a one-sided 34-run partnership with Sandeep Lamichhane before Mohammed Shami got him caught behind to spark a collapse.

Sompal Kami fell just two runs short of his third ODI half-century as he scored 48 off 56 deliveries, laced with a boundary and two sixes.

Nepal could then add two more runs to their total at the cost of their remaining two wickets and managed to post 230 in their must-win Asia Cup 2023 fixture.

Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja led the bowling attack for India with three wickets each while Shardul Thakur, Shami and Pandya made one scalp each.

READ: BCCI delegation reaches Pakistan for a historic visit amid Asia Cup 2023

DHAKA: Bangladesh received a boost to their Asia Cup 2023 campaign when batsman Litton Das was declared fit to play Monday and was immediately drafted into the squad, the chief selector said.

“Litton is fit now, he will travel to Pakistan tonight to join the squad,” Minhajul Abedin told AFP.

Litton Das missed Bangladesh’s two group matches of Asia Cup 2023 due to a fever and was replaced by Anamul Haque.

Bangladesh lost their opening match against Sri Lanka by five wickets on Thursday but bounced back strongly on Sunday to beat Afghanistan by 89 runs.

The big win against Afghanistan took Bangladesh’s run rate ahead of Sri Lanka, meaning they were assured of a place in the Super Four.

Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan in Lahore on Tuesday for the remaining Super Four slot from the group.

Litton’s return to fitness came as a relief for Bangladesh, who also lost frontline seamer Ebadot Hossain to injury.

Batsmen Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz both struggled with fitness on their way to a 194-run third-wicket stand against Afghanistan in Lahore.

Miraz retired hurt after making a career-best 112, while Shanto, who batted cramp for a long time, slipped on the crease and was run out after making 104.

Bangladesh will open their campaign in the Super Four against Pakistan, who have already qualified from Group A, in Lahore on Wednesday.

India and Nepal are playing in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, on Monday to qualify for the Super Four as the other team from Group A.

Five Asian Test-playing nations and Nepal are playing in the biannual tournament jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the final set for September 17.

The tournament is a tune-up for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.

READ: ‘Pakistan is the host of the Asia Cup, it was our duty to come here,’ Rajeev Shukla

LAHORE: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Roger Binny and Vice-president Rajeev Shukla shared their feelings of camaraderie with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the BCCI delegation reached here for their historic two-day visit to Pakistan today.

The BCCI delegation visited Pakistan for the first time since 2008 and was welcomed by the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf.

“Pakistan is the host of the Asia Cup 2023, it was our duty to come here,” Rajeev Shukla said while talking to the media. “PCB and BCCI share very good cricketing relations, we will take good memories from this trip,”

“There are interesting matches going on in Asia Cup 2023, enjoy the ongoing tournament for now, we will talk about the rest of the things later,” he further added.

“It is my first visit to Pakistan since 2005, I feel good to be here and will take great memories with me,” BCCI President Roger Binny shared.

Meanwhile, Zaka Ashraf showed gratitude for the Indian delegation visiting Pakistan.

“We are thankful to the BCCI delegation for visiting Pakistan on our invitation, this visit will further improve the relationship between PCB and BCCI,” said Zaka Ashraf.

The BCCI delegation will discuss matters of mutual interest with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials before watching the Asia Cup 2023 fixture between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium.

The delegation will also be attending an official dinner at the Governor’s House.

READ: ICC Men’s World Cup trophy to reach Pakistan on September 5

LAHORE: The delegation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under the leadership of BCCI President Roger Binny has reached Pakistan today on a two-day visit amid the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, Director BCCI Yudhvir Singh and Secretary to Vice President Muhammad Akram are also part of the delegation on their historic visit to Pakistan after 15 years. This is the first visit to Pakistan by a BCCI delegation since 2008.

The Indian delegation will reach the local hotel shortly and will be welcomed by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Zaka Ashraf.

The BCCI delegation will discuss matters of mutual interest with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials before watching the Asia Cup 2023 fixture between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium.

The delegation will also be attending an official dinner at the Governor’s House.

Earlier this week, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf announced that the BCCI President and vice-president will visit Pakistan.

While talking to the media at Gaddafi Stadium during the national men’s team’s jersey unveiling ceremony for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Zaka Ashraf welcomed the players and officials who are visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

“BCCI President and Vice President are coming to Pakistan for the opening ceremony of Asia Cup,” Zaka Ashraf said. “We welcome everyone who is coming to Pakistan [during Asia Cup].”

He also showed confidence and faith in the Pakistan team and expressed his hope that the national team will continue the recent good form and perform well at the Asia Cup as well as the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

“Our team is currently united and performing well, and consequently is number one in the ODI team rankings,” he said.

“Looking at the recent performances of the team, it is hoped that our team will be successful in the World Cup, however, at the moment all the attention is focused on the Asia Cup,” he added.

Talking about the recently unveiled Pakistan jersey for the World Cup, he said: “The Star Nation Jersey bears witness to the enduring bond between our cricketers and the passionate fans who stand by them through every match. This jersey encapsulates our rich cricketing heritage and the luminous future that awaits.”

Asia Cup 2023: Mbappe scores twice as ruthless PSG hammer Lyon

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah on Sunday flew back home due to personal reasons and will miss the team’s group match against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023, a source told AFP.

Rain looms over the final Group A fixture in Pallekele on Monday, a match which will decide the second team after Pakistan to move into the Super Four Stage of the 50-over tournament.

India’s opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday was abandoned after just one innings due to rain, which is threatening to disrupt more games in the tournament seen as a tune-up to the upcoming World Cup in India.

Even if Monday’s match is washed out India will enter the next stage as they shared points with Pakistan, who thrashed Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opener.

Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned to the team after a long injury lay-off and made 16 with the bat in India’s 266 all out, is expected to be back by the next match.

READ: Pakistan team reaches Lahore for Asia Cup Super 4s match

LAHORE: The Pakistan cricket team on Sunday reached here via a chartered flight from Colombo to partake in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s fixture against either Afghanistan or Bangladesh, scheduled on Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, the national team will enjoy a rest day tomorrow before hitting the nets at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Tuesday, September 5 to prepare for their only Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s stage match on the home soil.

Before starting the training, a squad member will hold the pre-match press conference.

Pakistan will play either Bangladesh or Afghanistan in the first Super 4s match on Wednesday, September 6, provided they qualify for the next round.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan are squaring off at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore today. If Bangladesh loses today, they will be knocked out of the Asia Cup, having lost the previous game against defending champions Sri Lanka.

Pakistan on the other side secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s stage as they finished their group-stage campaign with three points in two matches after a dominant victory over Nepal and a washed-out game against arch-rivals India yesterday.

Meanwhile, India next face Nepal on September 4 in a bid to join Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s.

Pakistan’s pace-packed bowling attack booked India on 266 in the first innings after Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s half-centuries before persistent rain washed out the high-octane Asia Cup clash yesterday.

Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Usama Mir

Traveling Reserve: Tayyab Tahir

Asia Cup 2023: Miraz, Shanto hit tons as Bangladesh set Afghanistan to chase 335

LAHORE: A three-member Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delegation will reach Pakistan tomorrow via Wagah Border amid the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

According to the details, BCCI President Roger Binny will lead the delegation which will also feature BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on their important visit to Pakistan.

The BCCI delegation will discuss matters of mutual interest with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials before watching the Asia Cup 2023 fixture between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium.

The delegation will also be attending an official dinner at the Governor’s House.

Earlier this week, Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf announced that the BCCI President and vice-president will visit Pakistan.

While talking to the media at Gaddafi Stadium during the national men’s team’s jersey unveiling ceremony for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Zaka Ashraf welcomed the players and officials who are visiting Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

“BCCI President and Vice President are coming to Pakistan for the opening ceremony of Asia Cup,” Zaka Ashraf said. “We welcome everyone who is coming to Pakistan [during Asia Cup].”

He also showed confidence and faith in the Pakistan team and expressed his hope that the national team will continue the recent good form and perform well at the Asia Cup as well as the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

“Our team is currently united and performing well, and consequently is number one in the ODI team rankings,” he said.

“Looking at the recent performances of the team, it is hoped that our team will be successful in the World Cup, however, at the moment all the attention is focused on the Asia Cup,” he added.

Talking about the recently unveiled Pakistan jersey for the World Cup, he said: “The Star Nation Jersey bears witness to the enduring bond between our cricketers and the passionate fans who stand by them through every match. This jersey encapsulates our rich cricketing heritage and the luminous future that awaits.”

Asia Cup 2023: Miraz, Shanto hit tons as Bangladesh set Afghanistan to chase 335

LAHORE: Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto’s centuries, followed by Taskin Ahmed’s four-fer led Bangladesh to a crushing 89-run victory over Afghanistan in the fourth match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

Set to chase a mammoth 335, Afghanistan could raise 245 before being bundled out in the 46th over despite Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s half-centuries.

Afghanistan had a dismal start to their pursuit as they lost their in-form opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (1) with just one run on the board.

Following an early slump, Rahmat Shah and Ibrahim Zadran anchored the run chase as they put on a sensible 78-run partnership for the second wicket until Taskin Ahmed castled the former.

Rahmat scored 33 off 57 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Ibrahim was then joined by his captain Shahidi and the pair put together a 52-run stand before young pacer Hasan Mahmud removed the set batter.

Ibrahim remained the top-scorer for Afghanistan in their first Asia Cup 2023 fixture with a 74-ball 75 which featured 10 boundaries and a six.

Shahidi was then involved in another crucial partnership for his side when he added 62 runs for the fourth wicket with Najibullah Zadran.

The pair had kept Afghanistan in the hunt before both perished in successive overs to leave their side reeling at 196/5 in 38 overs.

Zadran could score 17 off 25 while Shahidi scored a 60-ball 51, laced with six boundaries.

Following their departure, Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled and they were eventually bundled out for 245.

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan launched a brief counterattack on Bangladesh’s bowlers with a brisk 24-run cameo but was undone by Taskin Ahmed.

Taskin led the bowling attack for Bangladesh with 4/44, followed by Shoriful Islam’s 3/36 while Hasan Mahmud and Mehidy Hasan Miraz made one scalp each.

Batting first, Bangladesh raised a mammoth 334/5 in the allotted 50 overs at the back of sensational centuries by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Bangladesh batters justified their captain Shakib Al Hasan’s decision of batting first after the coin flipped in his favour as they dominated the spin-packed Afghanistan bowling attack to put a massive total on the board.

Bangladesh openers Mohammad Naim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz laid a solid foundation with a brilliant 60-run partnership.

The pair scored at a brisk rate and frustrated Afghan bowlers Mujeeb Ur Rahman got rid of Naim in the 10th over. He could score 28 off 32 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.

Afghanistan then had another success in the next over when Gulbadin Naib Towhid Hridoy for a two-ball duck.

Following the back-to-back blows, Najmul Hossain Shanto joined Miraz at the crease and the pair launched an astounding recovery.

Miraz and Shanto cut Afghanistan’s comeback in their first Asia Cup 2023 fixture short as they knitted a magnificent 194-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters had settled down with Miraz amassing his second ODI century but soon retired out after sustaining a blow to his hand.

He remained the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 119-ball 112 which featured seven boundaries and three sixes.

Following his departure, Shanto put on a brief partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim and perished soon after bringing up his century.

He scored 104 off 105 deliveries, laced up with nine boundaries and two sixes.

With Bangladesh’s both mainstays back in the hut, their captain Shakib Al Hasan and wicketkeeper batter Rahim bolstered the total at the death with brisk cameos.

Rahim scored 25 from 15 deliveries with the help of one boundary and a six while Shakib scored an unbeaten 32 off 18, smashing four boundaries and a six.

For Afghanistan, only Gulbadin Naib and Mujeeb Ur Rahman could pick up a wicket.

READ: ICC Men’s World Cup trophy to reach Pakistan on September 5

Pakistan’s young fast bowler Naseem Shah made Indian batters dance to his tunes as he exhibited a brilliant display of swing bowling in the high-octane Asia Cup 2023 clash between the arch-rivals on Saturday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistani pace bowlers booked India on 266 in the first innings after Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s half-centuries before persistent rain denied the second innings’ play, hence, washing out the match between India and Pakistan.

Shaheen Afridi led the bowling charts in the first innings of PAK vs IND with figures of 4-35, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf shared three wickets each.

Naseem Shah talked to the media after the match and shared his experience of playing his first ODI game against India. Naseem Shah has previously faced India in three T20i games during last year’s Asia Cup which was played in T20i format and T20I World Cup.

“It was a new experience playing an ODI against India, thank God I bowled well,” Naseem Shah said. “ODI is a different format and it requires patience,”

He also shed light on his bowling plan against the Indian batting line-up.

“The bowling was swinging at the start, so I was trying to bowl at the right areas,” he added. “The plan was to not let the Indian batters score runs freely, so they would give wickets,”

Naseem also appreciated his fellow pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who bowled brilliantly to bowl India out yesterday.

“Shaheen Afridi bowled well in the beginning, while Haris Roof came in the middle and bowled very well,” said Naseem Shah.

While talking about the upcoming Asia Cup Super-Four stage match against either Bangladesh or Afghanistan on September 6 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Naseem Shah expressed his wish to enjoy and perform well at Lahore.

“As a child, I have played a lot of cricket in Lahore as a kid and I will try to enjoy, and perform well to win the match there,” he concluded.

Pakistan secured their spot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage as they finished their group-stage campaign with three points in two matches after a dominant victory over Nepal and a washed-out game against arch-rivals India yesterday.

Meanwhile, India next face Nepal on September 4 in a bid to join Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s.

READ: Pakistan team to reach Lahore today for Asia Cup Super Four match