Asia Cup 2023: India beats Nepal to secure Super 4 spot
The HinduThanks to a heavy downpour in the lead-up to the game, the outfield at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium was sluggish. India’s out-fielding and catching were even sloppier than the conditions as Nepal tallied a respectable 230 before being bowled out in the penultimate over of a must-win Asia Cup clash. Captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill made a mockery of Nepal’s bowling attack, overhauling a target of 145 in 23 overs with 17 balls to spare. If Aasif Sheikh was fortunate in the opening over, it was his partner Kushal Bhurtel’s turn the very next ball with Virat Kohli at covers dropping a dolly to rob Mohammed Siraj of a wicket. India’s sloppy fielding - with Shardul, Shami and Kuldeep Yadav being the biggest culprits - helped Nepal as India conceded at least a dozen extra runs through misfields and wayward throws.