While talking to Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag pointed out a couple of mistakes committed by India that eventually led to their loss against Pakistan.
India came all out against Pakistan in their first super four group match of the Asia Cup, 2022. Pakistan, on the other hand, having lost to India earlier in the tournament, sought revenge. Chasing a total of 182, Pakistan lost their skipper early in the game. But Mohammad Nawaz took Pakistan home with his all-round performance. Mohammad Rizwan played an excellent role as an anchor, scoring 71 off 51 deliveries.
The game went down to the wire and Babar’s men won the game in the penultimate delivery of the match. Virat’s knock of 60 went in vain as the Men in Blues failed to defend the target. Both the teams gave their hearts out in the high-pressure game. Pakistan emerged as the better team that day and enjoyed their sweet revenge.
Virender Sehwag points out mistakes that changed the course of the game.
Decorated Former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag gave two reasons for India’s loss versus Pakistan. While chatting with Cricbuzz, Sehwag pointed out Arshdeep Singh’s dropped catch as the turning point of the match. In the 18th over of the chase, Ravi Bishnoi deceived Asif Ali completely. Asif’s top-edged ball went straight to Arshdeep, who was stationed at third-man. It was simply catching practice for the pacer. But the pressure of the situation got him and he dropped down an absolute dolly. Sehwag said,
“I think the reason for India’s loss to Pakistan was the catch dropped by Arshdeep Singh”
The former opener also pointed out the excess extra runs given as freebies by Indian bowlers as the second mistake. India gave away 8 extras (2 leg byes and 6 wides). He further added,
“India bowled too many wides. As a captain, I would want my bowlers to get hit for runs but not concede extra runs or extra balls”
After Asif survived the dropped catch, he went on to hit 3 crucial boundaries for his team. The duo of Asif Ali and Khusdil Shah came down heavily on India’s death over specialist, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and scored 19 runs in the penultimate over of the game. With just 7 needed off the final over, Arshdeep was handed the ball by the captain. He had a chance to redeem himself after the blunder. He bowled beautifully and managed to take the game to the second last ball. Eventually, Pakistan held its nerve and crossed the finish line.
Sehwag also praised Pakistan’s performance and said,
“Credit goes to Pakistan. They batted well throughout the match.”
The rivalry lives on and it turned out to be a great game of cricket at the end of the day. We might see one more game between the arch-rivals before the T20 World Cup if both teams manage to qualify for the finals of the Aisa Cup, 2022.
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