Rohit's men can still progress to Super Four in case of a washout vs Nepal, but they will want game time in all departments
There was robust debate late on Saturday, on social media, YouTube channels and news channels, on who were luckier of the two teams, India or Pakistan, as persistent rain in the second half of their high-octane Asia Cup clash at Pallekele, meant that Pakistan did not even start their chase of 267. Shared points sent Pakistan through to the Super Fours, while India have a chance to join them by beating Nepal on Monday.
For that to happen though, they will have to hope that the weather gods would be kinder to them. The forecast, however, is for more wet weather on Monday. There is a 60% chance of rain in the morning with precipitation dropping to 22% by toss time. While that may sound encouraging, the chances of rain returning go up to 66% in the evening. India are desperate for a full game to test the form and fitness of those who were returning from injury layoffs.
India can still progress to the Super Four in the event of another washout with two points, but they will want game time in all departments.
Their top-order could do with some runs too. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli succumbed to the pace of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf and while Nepal do not have any bowlers who can bowl at that pace, runs under their belt would be welcome for their confidence ahead of sterner tests.
India managed to tick two boxes in terms of middle-order slots as both Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya showed admirable game sense and technique to play escape artists and rescue India from a perilous 66 for 4. With the World cup team to be finalised a day later, those are good tidings.
Flexibility, skipper Rohit's buzzword lately, was seen in abundance from Kishan in his first appearance at No.5. Hardik too displayed all characteristics of a crisis man and adapted his idol MS Dhoni's template of trying to take the game as deep as possible before launching an assault.
The game is crucial for Shreyas Iyer too as he has been trusted with the No.4 spot and till he was dismissed off a well-struck pull shot off Rauf on Saturday, Iyer looked the part even against quality pace, something that he has not found too comfortable negotiating in his earlier outings.
India would also be concerned with the ODI form of Ravindra Jadeja. The allrounder had a good chance on Saturday to make a meaningful contribution with the bat but fell to a loose waft off Afridi which denied India a chance to finish strongly. Since 2022, his bowling too has appeared less threatening and more restrictive. His batting average is an acceptable 32.60, but his strike rate of 60.14 is too low for someone who bats at No. 7 and is expected to finish with a flourish.
1/10:Asia Cup: India face Nepal with an eye on Super Four spot
ANI
2/10:India eye Super Four berth
Team India aims to secure a spot in the Super Four of the Asia Cup by defeating Nepal.AP
3/10:Ishan, Hardik shine for India
Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya's partnership in the last match against Pakistan showed promise for India.Getty Images
4/10:Ishan brings hope
India's middle-order has been a cause for concern, but Ishan Kishan's performance at No. 5 brings hope.ANI
5/10:Hardik's mature knock
Hardik Pandya showed adaptability and composure while playing second fiddle to Ishan Kishan against Pakistan.AFP
6/10:India's top order struggles
India's top order, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, struggled against Pakistan's pacers.Getty Images
7/10:Opportunity to regain form
Match against Nepal provides an opportunity for India's top order to regain their form and get valuable game time.AFP
8/10:Bowlers eager to test skills
India's bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, are eager to test their skills against Nepal after not getting a chance against Pakistan.IANS
9/10:Key players for Nepal
Nepal's leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and captain Rohit Paudel are their biggest hopes to make an impact against India.AFP
10/10:Nepal's desire to limit damage
Nepal aim to limit the damage against cricketing powerhouse India and showcase their enthusiasm.AFPNepal, who were humbled by 238 runs in Multan by Pakistan will look to give India a few jitters and what they may lack in pedigree, they would like to make up with passion.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will hope to feed on the perceived weakness of Rohit and Kohli against the ball that turns away.
Nepal would also hope for a rain-shortened contest where a 20-over shootout has the potential to become a lottery. All matches in Sri Lanka may now be lotteries, thanks to the tournament being played during monsoons.
