Asia Cup 2018: Virender Sehwag Lauds India's 'Wonderful Team Effort' After Thumping Win Over Pakistan

Former India batsman Virender Sehwag congratulated India after their thumping win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

The much-awaited game between the two arch-rivals turned out to be an one-sided affair with India thoroughly dominating the contest. This was the first meeting between the two sides since last year’s Champions Trophy final and India showed that the defeat last year was just an one-off.

Barring the toss, nothing went Pakistan’s way. The reigning Champions Trophy-holders just could not deliver in any department. While their in-form batsmen fell like a pack of cards, their strong bowling lineup could not cause much of a trouble for the Men in Blue.

Pakistan never recovered after losing both their in-form openers – Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman – for just 3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar accounted for both the openers.  Jasprit Bumrah kept piling on the pressure by drying out the runs while Bhuvneshwar kept drawing out the edge as Pakistan’s innings never got the impetus.

Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik steadied the ship with a 82-run stand. But India once again went on top by dismissing both of them and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed in quick succession to reduce Pakistan to 100 for 5. They were soon 7 down for 121 and 150 was looking like a distant dream. However, a 37-run stand between Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf helped Pakistan cross the 150-run mark before they were eventually all out for 162.

The modest total was never going to challenge India’s batting. Early wickets were the only way for Pakistan to assert some pressure on India. However, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan all but ended the game by adding 86 runs for the first wicket off just 13 overs. Shadab Khan ended the stand by dismissing Rohit. Prior to that, Rohit slammed 52 off just 39 with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes. Dhawan soon departed after scoring 46.

Dinesh Karthik and Ambati Rayudu then took India home with utmost ease to inflict a heavy  loss on the arch-rivals.

And as soon as the game ended, Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to congratulate India, writing:

“Congratulations India on a very comprehensive victory. Wonderful team effort and great contributions from everyone “

Congratulations India on a very comprehensive victory. Wonderful team effort and great contributions from everyone #INDvPAK

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 19, 2018