04 September,2023 10:30 PM IST | Pallekele | mid-day online correspondent
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (Pic: @BCCI/X)
India were set a revised target of 145 in 23 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis method after play resumed following the day's second rain interruption in their Asia Cup match against Nepal on Monday. Chasing 231, India were 17 for no loss in 2.1 overs when it started raining heavily, forcing the game's second interruption. The match restarted after a break of two hours.
Earlier, sent into bat, Nepal were 178 for six in 37.5 overs when the heavens opened up first time in the middle of the match. Play resumed after about one hour but no overs were lost. Opener Aasif Sheikh made 58 off 97 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel scored a 25-ball 38.
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The 50-over tournament is a tune-up for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India but persistent rain has affected the event, forcing organisers to discuss a venue change for upcoming matches in Colombo. India's opening match against Pakistan was abandoned due to rain after one innings. A win or a washout against Nepal would mean the Asian giants directly qualify for the Super Four stage of the tournament.
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Skipper Rohit Sharma, on four, and Shubman Gill, on 12, were batting when rain interrupted play for the second time in the match after a 60-minute break during the Nepal innings. Opener Aasif Sheikh top-scored with 58 after Nepal were invited to bat first and were bowled out in 48.2 overs. Spinner Ravindra Jadeja and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj took three wickets each.
Meanwhile, Jadeja tied with compatriot and pacer Irfan Pathan to become the Indian bowler with joint-highest wickets in ODI Asia Cup history. He accomplished this during the Asia Cup group stage match against Nepal at Kandy. During the match, Jadeja emerged as India's pick of the bowlers. He took 3/40 in 10 overs, taking wickets of Bhim Sharki (7), Rohit Paudel (5), and Kushal Malla (2). In 16 ODI Asia Cup matches, Jadeja has 22 wickets at an average of 24.77, with the best bowling figures of 4/29.
(With agency inputs)
