Asia Cup 2018: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Dismisses Imam-ul Haq Early to Put India Ahead

Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India on top in the marquee clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A match at the Dubai International Stadium.

Meanwhile, both teams went into this game with a win against the minnows Hong Kong. While Pakistan had an easy win, India had to fight hard to open their campaign with a win. The India-Pakistan rivalry is old, and the sub-plots are always fascinating. The two teams are coming up against each other in the UAE – the neutral venue where they have played the most against each other – after 12 long years.

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed opted to bat first considering the records at this venue. However, their opening batters failed to provide a good start as Bhuvneshwar Kumar get the better of Imam-ul Haq.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar provides the first breakthrough

India were in desperate need of an early wicket after Hong Kong openers hurt them badly in the opening clash. Their strike bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who went wicketless in the first game stormed back to form. Imam-ul Haq, who played an unbeaten knock of a half-century to steer Pakistan home against Hong Kong failed in the marquee clash.

After two cheap opening overs, Imam-ul-Haq loses his nerve to play an appalling shot. He charges down at Bhuvneshwar, who realises it early to bowl a short-pitched delivery. Still, rather than backing down, he goes for a big heave-ho at it, only to find the ball rise and take the top-edge to Dhoni.

It was a no-brainer from Imam-ul Haq as Pakistan loses their opener in the third over to put India on top.

Here is the video:

https://twitter.com/VinayTr85616518/status/1042385143673962497