As expected rain played spoilsport during the Super 4 India vs Pakistan game on Sunday. Only 24.1 overs were possible as India raced to 147 for two. With reserve day in place, the match will resume today in Colombo. However, the conditions are expected to be overcast and gloomy, which will aid Shaheen Afridi & Co. On Sunday, India openers Gill and Rohit Sharma provided a flying start as the pitch seemed perfect for batting.
On Monday, things will be very different as it rained all night on Sunday, and it is expected to rain on Monday as well. The gloomy conditions will benefit Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris Rauf. Shaheen has the ability to swing the ball both ways, while Naseem and Haris are quick through the air. With still 25 overs to go, India batters need to be careful against the menacing pace trio.
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IND vs PAK: Virat Kohli key as India aim to continue momentum on reserve day against Shaheen Afridi & Co
After the dismissal of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India batters Rahul and Kohli batted cautiously. Pak bowlers also bowled well in the middle phase of the innings. The returning Rahul was particularly watchful and could not be at his fluent best. With the conditions on reserve day to suit PAK more, Kohli will be a key batter for India.
The right-hand batter often paces his innings well and accelerates later. The conditions will be perfect for Kohli to drop anchor and mix caution with aggression. If Kohli manages to play a long innings, then India’s finishers Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja can cash in the later with power hits. Kohli has got his eye in and is currently unbeaten on 8 runs off 16 balls. Giving him company is Rahul, who is unbeaten on 17.