Pakistan won a thrilling one-wicket win over arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup tie as man of the moment, Shahid Afridi slammed two big sixes to seal the match for the Men in Green with two balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. With virtually down and out, here’s what we think Virat Kohli can take back from this numbing defeat.
Pakistan won a thrilling one-wicket win over arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup tie as man of the moment, Shahid Afridi slammed two big sixes to seal the match for the Men in Green with two balls to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. With virtually down and out, here’s what we think Virat Kohli can take back from this numbing defeat.
Bowlers performed well
Indian pacers were used to leaking runs in the final overs but today Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar did put up a great effort with the ball. Apart from the first ten overs, both the bowlers did squeeze the run leak when they were recalled for the second spell.
Amit Mishra shines
After a barren spell on the sidelines and warming the benches, Delhi leg spinner Amit Mishra finally got his due and was rewarded an Indian playing eleven spot. And he grabbed it with both hands as the spinner grabbed two wickets and was the star performer amongst the Indian bowlers.
Virat Kohli is a ‘good’ skipper
Even though India might have missed the services of MS Dhoni, his deputy; Virat Kohli gave a good accountancy of leading the side. Even though India has lost both to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Kohli led the side well and has shown the signs of a future skipper.
Ambati Rayudu has a great potential
When India were struggling in the first innings, it seemed all doom and gloom when Ambati Rayudu arrived on the scene. The batsman stuck to the crease and his battling 58 was one of the contributions why India reached a score above 200. Rayudu is a great potential for Team India and could a future star.
Team India might be down and out from this tourney, but today’s performance could be a motivating one for Virat and his young brigade. In the absence of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli has taken few gambles, picked the right players and set an attacking field which was lacking under the former. Kohli must not let his players droop down and with his matched aggression, must get some positives out of this demoralising defeat.
