Asia Cup 2014: India VS Pakistan – Pakistan restricts India to 8/245
Pakistan, having won the toss invited India to bat in this group stage match of Asia Cup 2014 at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah, on Saturday, restricted India to 8/245 their 50 overs.
Half-Centuries from Ambati Rayudu (58), Rohit Sharma (58), and Ravindra Jadeja (52) propelled India to a respectable score after struggling at 5/155 inside 36 overs.
Ravindra Jadjea’s quick-fire 52 off just 49 balls gave India those crucial 20 extra runs in last five overs, because at one stage it looked like India will fold around 225.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma played an aggressive innings which gave India a bright start but the five time champions stumbled after losing the big wickets of Virat Kohli (4) and Ajinkya Rahane (23).
On the other hand, Saeed Ajmal was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 3/40 in his 10 allotted overs. Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Talha both claimed two wickets each, while Umar Gul, who proved very expensive today, picked up one wicket but conceded 60 runs on his nine overs.
At the toss, India made one change to the team which lost to Sri Lanka by dropping Stuart Binny and replacing him by leg-spinner Amit Mishra.
On the other hand, Pakistan also made one change to their line-up by bringing in Mohammad Talha in place of Anwar Ali.
At the half-way mark, Pakistan are favorites to win this match and hence will be under pressure now. Hope Indian bowling stands out for once in this match.