IND vs PAK: Rizwan-Nawaz heroics hand Pakistan a memorable victory

Rizwan played a sensational knock [PC: Twitter]

The eighth match of the Asia Cup 2022 witnessed Pakistan swat aside arch-rivals India by five wickets. This is Pakistan's highest ever run chase against India in T20Is. 

Top order's brilliance propels India to a competitive total

The Indian top order, that resulted in their think tank's sleepless nights recently, finally clicked tonight in this all-important encounter. Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, provided them an extraordinary start in the powerplay, adding 54 runs in 5.1 overs. However, Pakistan fought back in style, as Rohit and Rahul were removed in quick time by Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, respectively. 

Virat Kohli in action [PC: Twitter]

However, their dismissal had a little impact on Virat Kohli, as he didn't let the momentum slip off India's hands. Getting ample support from Rishabh Pant and Deepak Hooda, Kohli stroked his way through to a fluent 44-ball 60, before being run out in the last over. His valiant effort played a significant role in powering India to a competitive total of 181 runs at the end of 20 overs. 

Nawaz masterclass ensures Pakistan's stunning victory

In response, Pakistan got off to an undesirable start, losing skipper Babar Azam to Ravi Bishnoi in the fourth over. Experienced Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman steadied the ship by adding 41 runs for the second wicket. 

After Zaman fell prey to Chahal, Rizwan and Nawaz kept Pakistan's hopes alive, adding 73 runs off just 41 deliveries for the third wicket. While Rizwan hit his second consecutive fifty, Nawaz batted magnificently for his fabulous 20-ball 42. 

Mohammad Nawaz [PC: Twitter]

Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought smiles back in the Indian camp by dismissing Nawaz in the 16th over. Soon, Hardik got rid off Rizwan to swing the game into India's favour. However, Asif Ali had other ideas. After being dropped by Arshdeep off Bishnoi, the dynamic finisher held his nerves to seal a memorable victory for Pakistan. 

Brief Scores

India: 181/7 (20)
Virat Kohli 60 (44), Rohit Sharma 28 (16);
Shadab Khan 2/31 (4), Mohammad Nawaz 1/25 (4)

Pakistan: 182/5 (19.5)
Mohammad Rizwan 71 (51), Mohammad Nawaz 42 (20);
Ravi Bishnoi 1/26 (4), Arshdeep Singh 1/27 (3.5)

Pakistan won by five wickets. 

Also Read: IND vs PAK: Fans question India's decision to drop Dinesh Karthik