Virat Kohli and returning KL Rahul hit unbeaten centuries to lead India’s 228-run thrashing of Pakistan in a rain-hit Super Four clash of the Asia Cup on Monday’s reserve day.

Kohli (122) and Rahul (111) put together 233 runs as India reached 356-2, a total defended after they bowled out Pakistan for 128 in the 50-over contest in Colombo.

Pakistan ended on 128-8 in 32 overs with injured bowlers Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah not turning out to bat. India spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned figures of 5-25.

India resumed on 147-2 after rain ended play early on Sunday and pushed the match into an additional day set aside by the tournament, which is a precursor to the ODI World Cup.

Rain again delayed the start but no overs were lost and then the Kohli-Rahul pair roused the Indian fans at a largely empty stadium.

Rahul, who returned from an injury lay-off, raised his bat to celebrate his hundred and was hugged by Kohli, who soon brought up his own ton after surpassing 13,000 ODI runs.

Half-centuries from skipper Rohit Sharma and fellow opener Shubman Gill got India off to a good start on Sunday with a 121-run stand.

Kohli and Rahul resumed cautiously on their overnight scores of eight and 17 before they took to the Pakistan attack with 100 runs in 102 balls.

Pakistan suffered a blow when officials said fast bowler Rauf had suffered a strain and would take no further part. Later fellow quick Naseem also walked off with some discomfort to his hand.

Rahul smashed 12 fours and two sixes, including whipping Shadab Khan over mid-wicket, in his 106-ball knock.

Kohli finished the innings with a six down the ground against a bowling attack that lacked sting. Sloppy fielding added to Pakistan’s woes.

Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab got a wicket each on Sunday.

Ground staff worked tirelessly to get the field ready after Monday’s early rain.

Pakistan were never in the chase after they lost two early wickets, including skipper Babar Azam bowled for 10 off an impressive in-swinger by Hardik Pandya.

Rain once again interrupted play but not the Indian momentum as the bowlers kept up their charge after resumption and Kuldeep sent back Mohammad Rizwan with his left-arm wrist spin.

Wickets kept tumbling and Kuldeep got three more to get into the Pakistan tail and then claimed his second ODI five-wicket haul.

The extra day was a last-minute addition to the Super Four clash — the only game to get the advantage other than the final — after a previous group game between the two teams was washed out in Pallekele.

India will head into a third successive day of cricket when they meet Sri Lanka in the next Super Four clash on Tuesday at the same venue.

Pakistan’s innings

32nd over

Kuldeep, who had bowled beautifully so far, was dispatched for a clean six by Afridi over his head. The spinner then made a comeback in the same over as he dismissed Faheem Ashraf on the last bowl with Faheem missing the wrong one completely. As injuries prevented tail-enders Haris and Naseem from taking their turn at the crease, Pakistan’s innings came to an end, as they were deemed all out for a total of 128 runs.

31st over

Thakur replaced Jadeja in the 31st over with the Indian bowler only going for 2 runs. 5 dots and a double brought Pakistan’s chase to 121 for the loss of seven wickets.

30th over

Iftikhar dispatched Kuldeep to start the 30th over. He was dismissed by the leggie on the third delivery of the over after the southpaw took the catch himself. Pakistan tally reached 119 for the loss of seven wickets after 30 overs.

29th over

Jadeja spun the ball sharply in his fifth over as Iftikhar and Faheem tried to make sense of the southpaw’s off-spin bowling. Pakistan ended the 29th over with 115 for the loss of six wickets.

28th over

Kuldeep dismissed Shadab for his third as the leggie tried to lift the ball over the long-on fielder. Thakur finished the job as the pacer, who himself bowled beautifully, grabbed a high lofted shot while moving slightly to his right. Pakistan’s tally reached 111 for the loss of six wickets after 28 overs.

27th over

Jadeja continued from the other end as the spinners continued to seek wickets for the blue side. Four runs from the 27th over brough Pakistan’s chase to 108 for the loss of five wickets.

26th over

3 runs as Iftikhar edged it inbetween the keeper and the first slip on the fourth delivery of Kuldeep’s fifth. The spinner who was looking for his third wicket kept the Pakistani batters guessing. Pakistan’s tally reached 104 for the loss of five wickets.

25th over

Five runs came from the 25th over as Pakistan’s chase moves to 101 for the loss of five wickets. There is little to no hope left for the hosts side at the mid-point of their innings.

24th over

Kuldeep dismissed Salman on the last delivery of the 24th over. A leg-before-wicket, which was reviewed by Salman, brought an end to Salman’s innings for 23 runs. Pakistan’s chase stood at 96 for the loss of five wickets after 24 overs.

23rd over

Jadeja was expensive as he came back for his second spell as the spinner gave 9 runs in the 23rd over. Salman also smacked a boundary on the second ball of the over. He pumped the southpaw over the mid-on region as somehttps://i.dawn.com/large/2023/09/11215848938ff6b.jpgpressure is taken off from Pakistan’s chase which stood at 93 for the loss of four wickets.

22nd over

Yadav gave a single in the 22nd over as the spinner continued to trick the Pakistani batters with his legspin. The over ended with five dots as Pakistan’s tally at 84 for the loss of four wickets.

21st over

Jadega was called into the attack by the Indian skipper to start the 21st over. The allrounder gave four singles in his first over conceding four runs with Pakistan’s tally reaching 79 for the loss of four wickets.

20th over

The opener was dismissed by Kuldeep after Fakhar missed the ball trying to heave the ball on to the leg side. A straight delivery, Fakhar yorks himself as the ball went onto crash into the stumps. Two runs from it ended a very good over from the southpaw leggie. Pakistan chase stood at 77 for the loss of four wickets after 20 overs.

19th over

Pandya continued the bowling from the other end, replacing Thakur. The ball was sent to the covers by Fakhar on the third delivery from Hardik’s fifth. A much-needed slog from the opener brought Pakistan’s tally to 77 for the loss of three wickets at the end of the 19th over.

18th over

The spinner was brought into the attack by Rohit Sharma after some really good fast bowling from the Indian side. Kuldeep found Fakhar’s edge on the second delivery but was dropped by the Indian skipper at first slip. The ball popped out of Sharma’s hand and it seemed if the Indian skipper will grab it in the second attempt however that was not to happen. Pakistan’s chase at the end of the 18th over stood at 71 for the loss of three wickets.

17th over

An excellent comeback from Hardik Pandya as the pacer only gave a run. A slow start for Fakhar continued to pile pressure on the Men in Green as Pakistan stood at 69 for the loss of three wickets at the end of the 17th over.

16th over

Thakur gave away only three runs in the 16th over from three singles. A good over from the pacer ended his third with Pakistan’s score at 68 for the loss of three wickets.

15th over

Pandya gave five wides on the first delivery of his third over. A wayward ball over the keepers head gave Pakistan five extras. Four more runs ended the over with Pakistan score at 65 for the loss of three wickets after 15 overs.

14th over

A straight drive from Agha in Thakur’s second over brought a welcome boundary for Pakistan. Thakur still managed to move the ball around in the air threatening the edge of both the batters. Eight runs came off it as Thakur ended the 14th over with Pakistan 56 for the loss of three wickets.

13th over

Pandya kept it outside the fourth stump in his second over. A single from it, Pakistan stood at 48 for the loss of three wickets after 13 overs

Update

12th over

Shardul Thakur started the bowling after rain spoiled the play at the end of the 11th offer. Thakur dismissed Rizwan on the fourth delivery of the over. A beautiful delivery ended Rizwan’s innings for two runs. Salman Ali Agha came down to the crease with Pakistan’s score at 47 for the loss of three wickets after 12 overs.

11th over

Babar — after scoring 10 off 24 balls — was sent back to the pavilion by Hardik Pandya who was brought into the attack by the Indian skipper. Three don’t and one that nipped back in did it for the skipper. Mohammad Rizwan has come to the crease as Pakistan stand at 44 for the loss of two wickets.

10th over

Babar dispatches Siraj to the covers in the 10th over on the fourth delivery. A flick of the pads was sent to the midwicket boundary. A single more from the over ends the powerplay with Pakistan at 43 for the loss of one wicket.

9th over

Bumrah continues with his fifth over and dispatched for a boundary behind point. A really good backfoot punch from the skipper. Back-to-back eight runs from two overs as Pakistan looks to build for the huge total. Pakistan’s score stand at 38 for the loss of one wicket.

8th over

Fakhar opens his arms against Siraj in the eighth over as the Green Team looked to ease off some pressure. A single, two byes and a double ends the eighth over with eight runs from it. Pakistan now 30 for the loss of one wicket.

7th over

Bumrah bowls another excellent over following his wicket maiden over in the fifth. A single from it as the pacers pile up pressure on the Pakistani top order. Pakistan now 21 at the end of the sixth over having lost Imam.

6th over

Fakhar gets off the mark on the fourth delivery from Siraj’s over who has bowled really well from the start of Pakistan’s batting. Both Indian pacers helping each other in the first spell. Three runs from it ends the sixth over with Pakistan’s score placed at 20 at the loss of one.

5th over

Bumrah strikes in the fifth over as he sends Imam back to the pavilion. A perfect line got Imam’s outside edge and Gill held onto a comfortable grab. Bumrah hit the pads upfront to the skipper who came out to bat at number three. Bumrah, the only one convinced, appealed to no avail. A wicket maiden from Bumrah ends the fifth over with Pakistan at 17 for the loss of one wicket.

4th over

Another good over from India with Siraj continuing the attack alongside Bumrah. Another wide and a single from Siraj’s second bring Pakistan’s total to 17 at the end of fourth over.

3rd over

A very good over from pacer Bumrah giving away only three runs and a wide. India leaking runs through extras at the start of the second innings. Pakistan now 15 for the loss of no wickets.

2nd over

Mohammed Siraj started the second over for the Men in Blue. The pacer started well but was dispatched for a boundary by Imam on the third delivery of the over. A single and a wide ends the over with six runs from the over. Both Imam and Fakhar look vary of the Indian pacers first up.

1st over

Five wides and six dots end the first over for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq came out to bat for the Green Team as Bumrah started the innings with the new ball. Pakistan score stood at five for the loss of no wickets after the first over.

India’s innings

50th over

A wicketless day for Pakistan comes to an end. Both the batters come from the ground with more than a century of runs each. It has been a batting masterclass from the two experienced Indian batters. Rahul makes a comeback with a century of runs. The ever-great Kohli was faultless. India crossed the 350 mark in the fiftieth over. 18 from the last over to bring the Indian total to 356 for the loss of two wickets.

49th over

Naseem was taken off after his second delivery, we hope that the pacer is okay. Iftikhar replaced him giving away eight runs from the over. Indian total now stand at 338 for the loss of two wickets.

48th over

The great, Virat Kohli, completed his13,000 runs in the ODI format and a century of runs against the Green Team, Both batters stand at a century of runs in the 48th over. Rahul opened his hands against Shaheen after he completed 100 runs, swatting back-to-back boundaries against the southpaw to bring from the 48th over. Indian total now stand at 330 for the loss of two wickets.

47th over

Kohli smashed Naseem for a six, similar to his shot against Haris Rauf at the MCG. A good length delivery sent over the ropes towards long off. Rahul completed his century with a double on the last ball of the 47th over. 12 from the over as the Indian stand at 319 for the loss of two wickets.

46th over

The Indian batters got stuck with Shaheen’s ninth over as they tried to open their arms against the southpaw. Seven runs from the over brings the Indian total to 307 for the loss of two wickets.

45th over

Faheem was brought back into the attack by the Pakistani skipper after Iftikhar proved to be expensive. The onslaught, however, was not to be stopped as the Indian side accumulated 14 runs from the 45th over. The over also consequently brought up 300 runs for the blue team.

44th over

Naseem was brought back to bowl the 44th over as India continued to take charge to the Pakistani bowlers. A good over by Naseem under the conditions. Six from it brings the Indian total to 286 for the loss of two wickets.

43rd over

Iftikhar was slapped for a boundary over the ropes ads the great man came down the crease to get closer to the pitch of the delivery. 16 from the over as two doubles and two singles along with a four ana six brings the Indian total to 280 for the loss of two wickets

42nd over

Shaheen came back into the attack as a little bit of pressure was applied from the Pakistan side. Kohli skied one down the fine leg against as the pacer Naseem scrambled to the ball but couldn’t grab it as the ball fell a few metres in front. Rahul went after Shaheen on the last ball and scythed past backward point to bring nine runs from the over. Indian total now stand at 264 for the loss of two wickets.

41st over

Four singles from Iftikhar over brought the Indian score to 255 for the loss of two wickets. A tight over by Pakistan after some time. The fourth wicket partnership now stands at 131from 139 balls.

40th over

Faheem was targeted by Kohli as he was dispatched on the first delivery of the 40th over. 250 up for India at the loss of two wickets, eight of Faheem’s eighth over.

39th over

Virat Kohli brought up his 66th odi half-century in the 39th over. A boundary from Rahul on the last bowl ruined what was a good over until then by Shadab. Six from it bring the Indian total to 243 for the loss of two wicket.

38th over

An inside edge of Kohli’s bat went to the boundary behind fine leg for a four. Pakistan trying to control the run rate. Wickets in hand for the blue team should not worry the Indian side. Good over from Faheem, two singles and an unlucky boundary gives six runs in the 38th over. India now 237 for the loss of two wickets.

37th over

The Pakistani bowlers tried to keep it tight in what looks like a really good batting wicket. Three singles from Shadab’s ninth brought the Indian score to 231 for the loss of two wickets. Kohli and Rahul both tried to go after the leggie but a tight over from Shadab ends the 37th.

36th over

Virat tried to lash at Faheem but the pacer kept it tight and gave only three runs from the 36th over. Indian side now 228 for the loss of two wickets.

35th over

Rahul continued the charge against the spinners, getting 10 runs off the first two balls. Four single from the last four bowls from Shadab ended the 35th over with the Indian score at 225 for the loss of two wickets.

34th over

Rahul’s half-century came up with a single against Faheem who was brought back into the attack. Kohli slashed at Faheem on the third delivery of the 34th over. Seven from Faheem’s fifth brought the Indian total to 211 for the loss of two wickets.

35th over

Rahul continued the charge against the spinners, getting 10 runs off the first two balls. Four single from the last four bowls from Shadab ended the 35th over with the Indian score at 225 for the loss of two wickets.

34th over

Rahul’s half-century came up with a single against Faheem who was brought back into the attack. Kohli slashed at Faheem on the third delivery of the 34th over. Seven from Faheem’s fifth brought the Indian total to 211 for the loss of two wickets.

33rd over

Rahul stepped out on the fourth ball of the 33rd over and lifted it over the mid-off fielder for a boundary. Kohli mirrored his batting partner as he guided the bowl down to third man for a boundary. Valiant effort from Shaheen but he couldn’t keep the ball from touching the ropes. India now 204 for the loss of two wickets after the end of 33rd.

32nd over

Shaheen leaked seven runs in the 32nd over as Kohli manipulated Fakhar over the boundary. Three doubles and a single brings the Indian score to 193 for the loss of two wickets.

31st over

Iftikhar was dispatched over the ropes by Rahul on the first bowl of his second over. In the 31st over, the Indian batters started to up the anti against as Iftikhar went for 10 of his first two deliveries. A single from the last ball accumulated 11 runs for India, bringing their score to 186 for the loss of two wickets.

30th over

50 partnership of 70 balls came up for the third wicket partnership of Rahul and Kohli in Shaheen’s sixth over. The pacer was slashed to the ropes by Rahul on the second delivery, India targetting Afridi. 8 runs of the 30th bring the Indian total to 175 for the loss of two wickets.

29th over

Iftikhar replaced Faheem in the 29th over. A tight over by the spinner and gave only 3 runs. Pakistan starting to pile pressure up on the Indian side. India now 167 for the loss of two wickets at the end of 29th over.

28th over

Naseem found the edge of Kohli’s bat on the third ball of the 28th over as the ball raced away to the boundary. Six runs from the over and a review wasted by Pakistan as Kohli tried to go down to fine leg on last ball of the over. Clear daylight between bat and bowl, India now 163 for the loss of two wickets.

27th over

Faheem replaced Shadab in the 27th over. Three dots and three singles ended a cheap over from Faheem. India now 155 for the loss of 2 wickets after the end of 27th over.

26th over

Naseem was brought back into play by the skippper after the 25th over. The pacer had given 23 runs in his five overs untill then as he bowled beautifully in his first spell yesterday. Two singles from the 26th over brought the Indian score to 152 for the loss of two wickets. Kohli and Rahul biding their time against accurate bowling from Pakistan first up.

25th over

In his three overs since Sharma’s wicket, the leggie has kept it really tight giving away only 9 runs. He started the 25th over as rain started to pour down after the first delivery. The players had to be sent in with the ground covered completely under covers. The play for suspended for the day. The game saw a delayed start on the next day with Shadab continuing his over from the dot ball with Virat facing. Three singles to complete another good over from Shadab brought the Indian score to 150 for the loss of two wickets at the half way mark.

India were 147/2 at the first ball of the 24th over when the play was paused. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will resume their innings when the match starts.

But the rain threat still loomed on Monday. ESPNcricinfo shared a video of rainfall in the Sri Lankan capital shortly before the match was scheduled to begin, saying, “The Colombo skies have spoken.”

According to The Weather Channel’s forecast, there was an 87 per cent chance of thunderstorms at 2:30pm, with the match scheduled to start at 3pm local time (2:30pm PST).

The report also said that while storms would end by 4pm, more were “possible later”. It said that there was an 80pc chance of thunderstorms at 7:30pm.

A minimum of 20 overs is required to be bowled in the two innings to get a result. If today’s match is also washed out, then both the teams will take one point each, which will propel Pakistan to the top of the Super Four rankings after having won against Bangladesh. India are scheduled to play against Sri Lanka tomorrow (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, former cricketer Wasim Akram posted a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) talking about the weather in Colombo ahead of the match.

“Good morning. Rain has been taking place on and off throughout the night. But now it’s clear — not clear clear — but you can see the clouds and it’s breezy,” he said.

“The weather looks fine for now but let’s see what happens by the time the game starts,” he said.

“But you see, I know it’s frustrating for every one of us, even us guys sitting here but you can’t control the weather,” he said. “I suppose we can only pray and hope the weather gets better and I hope you enjoy good cricket”.

Separately, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted a message on X, reminding fans that they could use their yesterday’s tickets for today.

Sunday’s match

Virat Kohli, on eight, and KL Rahul, on 17, were batting on Sunday when rain forced the players off and groundstaff worked tirelessly to try and restart the game after showers stopped.

After three inspections and fans helped to dry wet patches, the umpires looked like restarting play after over four hours of stoppage, but rain came to have the final say.

Skipper Rohit Sharma (56) and fellow opener Shubman Gill (58) gave India a blazing start in a stand of 121 off 100 balls to put Pakistan on the backfoot.

The batsmen took on the new-ball pair of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah with aerial shots in the powerplay when only two fielders are allowed outside the inner circle.

Both Shaheen and Naseem looked menacing in their first spell as the ball kept flying past the bat, and one edge from Gill went between two slips.

Rohit smashed leg-spinner Shadab Khan for two sixes and a four off successive balls in a 19-run over to raise the noise of the Indian fans at a largely empty stadium.

Shadab redeemed himself after the first drinks interval to send back Rohit caught out, and Shaheen returned to get Gill in the next over.

Scoring dipped as Kohli and Rahul looked to rebuild before rain intervened.