Asia Cup 2022: India penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate against Pakistan

India were slow with their over rate (PC: Twitter)

Team India bowlers did a wonderful job in the first innings of the on-going India vs Pakistan game at the Asia Cup 2022, having bowled out Pakistan for a total of 147 in 19.5 overs. However, India skipper Rohit Sharma was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate, for which the team was penalised. As a penalty, India were asked to withdraw one of their fielders from outside the 30-yard circle for the last over, which was bowled by left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.

In the final over, Singh conceded 10 runs while also dismissing the last main remaining - Shahnawaz Dahani. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was the pick of the bowlers, having taken 4 wickets for 26 runs, including two wickets off consecutive balls. Bhuvneshwar first dismissed Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, before send back Asif Ali, and Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah in consecutive balls. His bowling figure of 4 for 26 is now the best figure recorded by an Indian bowler in a T20I match against Pakistan. Kumar was well assisted by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who took three wickets. 

Meanwhile Arshdeep Singh (2) and Avesh Khan (1) also chipped in with wickets. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan top scored with 43 while Iftikhar Ahmed’s 28 was the second best knock. Four of their batsmen scored in single digits.

When India and Pakistan last played a game of T20I cricket – at the 2021 T20I World Cup, the Babar Azam-led side won by 10 wickets. India now stand a great chance to take revenge for the same, having bowled brilliantly in the on-going game.

Also Read: 'It's a massive surprise'- Gautam Gambhir on Rishabh Pant's snub