India demolished Pakistan by a staggering 228 runs in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match in Colombo. Led by unbeaten centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, India posted a massive 356/2 in 50 overs. Kuldeep Yadav starred in bowling with a 5-wicket haul, sealing India’s largest ODI victory over Pakistan in terms of runs.

Kohli and Rahul’s Record Partnership and Dominant Batting

The game had been postponed due to rain and resumed on Monday with India at 147/2 in 24.1 overs. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 122, while KL Rahul also remained unbeaten with a score of 111. Together, they built the highest ODI partnership for India against Pakistan, 233 runs, even as Pakistan had to deal with an injured bowler, Haris Rauf.

Haris Rauf’s Injury Affects Pakistan’s Bowling

Pakistan was forced to use part-time spinner Iftikhar Ahmed to fill in for the injured Haris Rauf, who was off duty due to an inflamed oblique muscle. Kohli and Rahul capitalized on this and helped India score 92 runs in the last eight overs, setting up a daunting total of 356/2 in 50 overs.

Bumrah and Siraj Set the Pace; Kuldeep Yadav Finishes Off Pakistan

After India’s strong batting performance, pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj troubled the Pakistan openers, making life difficult for Babar Azam, the world’s current No. 1 ODI batter. Babar Azam eventually fell to Hardik Pandya in the 11th over, and rain interrupted play for a little over an hour.

Collapse of Pakistan’s Chase

After play resumed, Shardul Thakur took a wicket, and Kuldeep Yadav dismantled Pakistan’s chase entirely. In his second over, Kuldeep claimed his first victim, Fakhar Zaman. Pakistan could only muster 51 runs after this, with Kuldeep finishing with figures of 5 for 25.

Kuldeep’s performance sealed the win for India, ending the game with Pakistan at 128/8 in 32 overs. Injuries to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah prevented them from batting, completing a comprehensive win for India in this crucial Asia Cup match.

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