In a scintillating performance, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill led their team to a 10-wicket victory over Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023. The win also secured India's spot in the Super Four stage of the tournament. Despite rain interruptions, Nepal managed to put up a competitive total of 230 runs after being asked to bat first. However, India's revised target, as per the DLS method, was 145 runs in 23 overs, which they achieved effortlessly.
Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 74 off 59 balls, while Shubman Gill contributed 67 not out off 62 balls. Their partnership was particularly impressive given the initial pressure from Nepal's pacers KC Karan and Sompal Kami. Karan even appealed for an LBW against Rohit in the first over, which was reviewed but turned down. Gill, on the other hand, showcased his class with a series of elegant boundaries.
Although India's win was decisive, their bowling and fielding left much to be desired. The team dropped three catches in the first five overs and committed several misfields and overthrows. Nepal's batsmen, including Aasif Sheikh, who scored 58 off 97 balls, and Kushal Bhurtel, who made 38 off 25 balls, capitalized on these mistakes and gave the Indian bowlers a run for their money.
Nepal's innings had a promising start, reaching 65 for 1 in the first 10 overs, largely thanks to Bhurtel's aggressive batting. India's fielding woes continued as Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan both dropped catches, giving reprieves to Bhurtel. However, Ravindra Jadeja's three-wicket haul and Mohammed Siraj's key dismissals helped India regain control.
Despite their spirited performance, Nepal couldn't sustain the momentum and were eventually restricted to a total that proved inadequate against India's batting prowess. The match highlighted areas of improvement for the Indian side, particularly in bowling and fielding, but their batting strength was more than enough to secure the win and advance them to the next stage of the Asia Cup.