Asia Cup, India vs Pakistan: Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya incredible stand saves the day for India | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a fabulous display of courage, determination and temperament, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and dynamic Ishan Kishan smashed an incredible 138-run stand to revive India’s fortunes after a horrendous start in the Asia Cup Group A match against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on Saturday.
Rising on the biggest of occasions in international cricket, the duo pulled off an outstanding partnership after India were down and out right at the start of the marquee contest.
Coming in at no.4 and 5 and the side reeling at 66 for 4 after a top-order meltdown, Ishan and Hardik first arrested the slide and then revived the innings with a sensational 138-run stand.
The partnership is now India’s highest fifth-wicket stand against Pakistan.

An under-pressure Hardik (87 off 90), who did not have too many big scores under his belt this year played a perfect knock but missed on a chance to score his maiden ton, finishing with his second best ODI score.

On the other hand, Ishan (82 off 81), who was not a definite starter for the tournament and got a chance in the playing XI after KL Rahul was ruled out for the first two games, grabbed the opportunity with both hands, nailing a masterful knock but missed out on a ton as well just like Hardik.
While Ishan was dismissed by Haris Rauf in the in the 38th over, Shaheen Afridi got rid of Hardik in the 44th over.
Earlier, India got off to a horrendous start, losing star batters Rohit Sharma (11), Virat Kohli (4) for lowly scores around rain interruptions. Pacer Shaheen knocked over the duo to put early pressure on India.
Shubman Gill fell for 10 while comeback-man Shreyas Iyer (14) became the second victim of pacer Rauf.