Asia Cup 2023, IND vs PAK Highlights: Match called off for today, India to resume at 147/2 tomorrow

Right then, folks, we are afraid it is bad news for today as rain has played the show spoiler once again for the much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash. Earlier, we saw Babar Azam winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave a fantastic start to the innings as they brought up their respective half-centuries. Shadab Khan dismissed Rohit Sharma after he had smashed the leg spinner all around the ground while Shaheen Afridi dismissed Shubman Gill. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul looked well-settled on the pitch and on the way to build a steady partnership but then came the downpour. We saw the covers being removed and inspections happening for a brief period of time but just as things were looking good, the rain arrived again bringing the end of the game for today. Thanks to a reserve day kept for this clash, we will see play resuming from where it stopped, on 11th September at 3 pm IST (9:30 am GMT), and it will remain a 50-overs contest. Our coverage will start an hour earlier until then goodbye and cheers.

UPDATE 8:42 pm IST (3.12 pm GMT) - More bad news folks. The rain has intensified and though the covers are on the ground, more delay is expected.  We hope that it passes soon and we can get to see at least some action further in the match. So, hang tight folks as we get you more updates.

UPDATE 8.32 pm IST (3.02 pm GMT) - Just as the umpires started walking out for the inspection, the ground staff are getting the covers back on. There seems to be a light passing shower but given the hard work the ground staff have put in, the logical decision is to get the covers back on. All we can now do is hang tight. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE 8.11 pm IST (2.41 pm GMT) - The umpires were out for their inspection a few minutes back and that one particular damp patch is still a concern. The ground staff have brought out a makeshift triple-fan set up mounted on a wheelbarrow sort of thing in order to dry that area as the wait for an official word continues. Stay tuned as we might get some official news soon. There is yet another inspection scheduled for 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT).

UPDATE 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT) - Right then, live visuals from the ground show that the inspection is going on and the umpires are having a discussion with the ground staff as well. There are still some damp patches that are of concern but thankfully, the weather has stayed dry for quite some time now. We shall get some official news soon, stay tuned. A few minutes later, the umpires go off again and have a word with the captains, explaining that there are still areas of concern on the outfield. No official word yet but there might be another inspection later on. And, we do have the time of the next inspection, it's 8 pm IST (2.30 pm GMT) as there seems to be one area of particular concern that the umpires want to revisit.

UPDATE 6.53 pm IST (1.23 pm GMT) - The covers are almost completely off and the ground staff continues to work overtime in order to dry the ground. It surely is tough work out there for them, especially given the multiple wet patches. As mentioned earlier, priority will be given to complete the game today itself and the latest a 20-over-a-side contest can begin is 10.36 pm IST (5.06 pm GMT) with the cut-off time being 12 am IST. Also, Rohit Sharma can be seen in an elaborate discussion with the umpires trying to get an assessment of how things will proceed. Stick around as an official inspection seems imminent. Minutes later, we do get an inspection time - 7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT).

UPDATE 6.15 pm IST (12.45 pm GMT) - There is a lot of activity going on at the ground as the rain seems to have stopped. The ground staff are working hard to remove the covers and get water off them and then put them back on. There is also a spot on the outfield that seems very damp and a lot of sponges are being used to dry it down. In in few minutes' time, at 6.22 pm IST (12.52 pm GMT) to be precise we will start to lose overs but if things remain as they are, we might get some play in before the day ends. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE 5.43 pm IST (12.13 pm GMT) - The latest visuals from the ground show that the covers are still firmly in place and the rain has come down to a light drizzle. There was a bit of delay in covering the whole ground when the rain first came pelting down which means there is water on the ground as well and a few puddles have also formed. Let's hope for the best. Stay tuned as we bring you the latest news from the ground.

UPDATE 5.13 pm IST (11.43 am GM) - The rain is still around and seems to be exceeding its stay but it is not pelting down at the moment which is a positive time. Also, once we start losing overs, the umpires will still try to finish play if possible. Only when a 20-over-a-side contest is not possible, then the game will be moved to the reserve day and will kick on from the point the last ball is bowled. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE 4.53 pm IST (11.23 am GMT) - Oh, dear! Where did that come from? The rain comes pelting down and the players rush off the field. The ground staff is quick to bring the covers on but it looks like more of a passing shower. Just a few moments later, the intensity has increased further and it looks like we are in for a bit of a delay. Stay tuned for further updates.

24.1: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Full an on the off pole. Virat Kohli drives it to deep cover for a single.

23.6: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full again outside off. KL Rahul drives it but with no timing to mid off for a dot ball to end the over.

23.5: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, On the hard length and bounced up high. KL Rahul looks to play it on the on side but strikes him on the pads. There is a loud appeal from Haris Rauf but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam decided not to review it even after Haris Rauf insisted.

23.5: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full and down the leg side. KL Rahul mises on the flick as the umpire signals a wide.

23.4: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, A slower short ball outside off. KL Rahul blocks it on the off side.

23.3: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, FOUR! A much needed boundary! Haris Rauf bowls this short and outside off. KL Rahul stands tall and pulls it with good balance through mid-wicket. The ball races away to the fence for four runs. 

23.2: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Full again on middle. Virat Kohli drives it a little wide of mid on for a quick single.

23.1: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Full and quick on middle and lg. Virat Kohli drives it to mid on.

22.6: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Fullish and on middle. KL Rahul has blocked it from the crease. A maiden over from Shadab Khan.

22.5: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Pitched up on middle again. KL Rahul pushes it towards cover for another dot run.

22.4: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up on middle. KL Rahul comes down the ground and drives it back to the bowler.

22.3: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Fullish and turning away from outside off. KL Rahul tries to slice it but is beaten by the turn. There is a loud appeal but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam decided not the review it.

22.2: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Tossed up again on off. KL Rahul miscues it towards mid on.

22.1: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Full and outside off. KL Rahul slaps it to the fielder at cover.

21.6: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, Shorter and on top of off. Virat Kohli leaves it alone as it sails over his off stump for the keeper to collect.

21.5: Haris Rauf to Virat Kohli, On the hard length and on top of off. Virat Kohli pushes it to the fielder at point.

21.4: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Shorter and on top of off. KL Rahul has punched it to deep cover for another single.

21.3: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Full this time just outside off. Virat Kohli drives it to the fielder at cover.

21.2: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, On length and on the pads. KL Rahul nudges it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

21.1: Haris Rauf to KL Rahul, Short and on middle from over the wicket. KL Rahul has blocked it to point.

20.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Lobbed up on middle and leg. Virat Kohli has defended it. A very good over from Shadab Khan.

20.5: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Pitched up on the off pole. Virat Kohli has driven it to mid on.

20.4: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Floated up on middle. KL Rahul drives it to deep cover for a single to get off strike.

20.3: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Uppish and outside off. KL Rahul has driven it to point.

20.2: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Another fullish delivery outside off. KL Rahul has blocked it from the crease.

20.1: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Full and on the off pole. Virat Kohli nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single to start the over.

19.6: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Pitched up on the off stump at 140 clicks, KL Rahul plays a firm straight drive but straight to mid off.

19.5: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, FOUR! Releases the pressure with that shot. Back to over the wicket and banged in short around off. The ball just sits up and KL Rahul pulls it crisply in front of square for a boundary.

19.4: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Four dots on the trot now! A touch fuller and attacking the pads, KL Rahul watchfully nudges it to short mid-wicket.

19.3: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Back of a length and outside off, KL Rahul stays on the back foot and keeps it out on the off side.

19.2: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Fuller one, angling into the legs, KL Rahul pushes it to the left of short mid-wicket where the fielder makes a sharp stop.

19.1: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Comes from around the wicket and bowls it on a hard length outside off. KL Rahul stays back and looks to cut but chops it back onto the deck.

18.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, A high full toss now, dropping onto middle, Virat Kohli works it away down to wide long on for a couple of runs more.

18.5: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Flatter one outside off, KL Rahul rocks back and cuts it in front of square on the off side for a single.

18.4: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Looped up, full and on the pads, KL Rahul clips it 'round the corner and comes back for the second run with ease.

18.3: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Floated up on off stump, Virat Kohli leans on and just drives it down to long off for an easy single.

18.2: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Nagging length again outside off, KL Rahul goes back and across and pushes it through the cover region for a single.

18.1: Shadab Khan to KL Rahul, Nagging length, on off and turning away, KL Rahul is drawn forward and just about manages to keep it out.

17.6: Shaheen Afridi to KL Rahul, Around the hips, nudged away through backward square leg for a single by KL Rahul 

KL Rahul walks in to bat now.

17.5: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! A straightforward catch and a wicket right away in his return spell for Shaheen Afridi. Afridi steams in and pitches this one right up around off but takes pace off. Shubman Gill leans on for the drive but is through his shot early. The ball holds up a bit and Gill ends up just chipping it to Agha Salman at short extra cover for a simple chance and the fielder makes no mistake. Gill departs after a solid knock and India have lost both their openers in quick succession.

17.4: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, A touch fuller and angling across, Virat Kohli leans on and drives it square toward deep cover for a single.

17.3: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Hard length over middle and leg, Virat Kohli nudges it down toward square leg.

17.2: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Pitched up around off, Virat Kohli plays a high-elbow drive and firms it to mid off.

17.1: Shaheen Afridi to Virat Kohli, Perfect length around middle and leg, Virat Kohli plays it late and nudges it to square leg.

16.6: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, Flatter delivery around off, Virat Kohli stands tall and punches it down to long on for a single.

16.5: Shadab Khan to Virat Kohli, On the shorter side, turning away from off, Virat Kohli works it off the back foot to mid on.

A loud cheer from the crowd as Virat Kohli walks out to bat at number 3. 

16.4: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! A brilliant catch in the deep from Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan does get his man. Tosses this one up on a fuller length around off, turning it away. Rohit Sharma looks to just reach out and loft it inside-out over extra cover but ends up chipping over wide mid off. Ashraf at long off runs to his left and takes a good tumbling catch with both hands. A huge relief for Shadab and Pakistan as the destructive Indian skipper departs.

16.3: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Very full on middle, Shubman Gill jams it down to long on and turns the strike over.

16.2: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Short again, cut away hard off the back foot and behind point for a couple of runs.

16.1: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Slightly shorter outside off, turning away, Shubman Gill waits on the back foot and taps it to backward point.

Time for some refreshments as drinks are on the field now. The Indian batters have dominated so far and are dealing in boundaries here. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have brought up their fifties and are looking in good touch out there in the middle. India are looking at a very high total from here. The bowlers ave failed to bowl to their strengths. Naseem Shah bowled a good spell but with no such support from the other end. Pakistan should look for wickets out here as there are many other batters to come. Some quick wickets might help to restrict India from posting a high total on the board. Either way, it will be an interesting match to watch.

15.6: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Pulls the length back a touch and bowls it around off, angling it back in. Rohit Sharma is late on the shot but manages to defend it to cover-point.

15.5: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, On a length around off and this is the off-cutter that nips back in. Shubman Gill tucks it away behind square leg for a single.

15.4: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, A steep bouncer this over middle and at 144 clicks, Shubman Gill stays under it and Mohammad Rizwan does well to leap up and collect it.

15.3: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Good running! Slower one, pitched up on the stumps, Rohit Sharma works it away gently in front of mid-wicket and scampers through for the run.

15.2: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Slightly shorter and outside off, a bit of an uneven bounce there. Shubman Gill waits and just taps it away past point for a single.

15.1: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Length ball, hitting the top of off, Shubman Gill stands tall and solidly blocks it out on the off side.

14.6: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Fuller delivery around off, Rohit Sharma defends it out with soft hands.

14.5: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Tossed up full and outside off, driven down to long off for a run.

14.4: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Flighted delivery, on middle and leg, Rohit Sharma leans on and pushes it down to long on for a single.

14.3: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Floated up around off, Sharma eases it to covers.

14.2: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! A half-volley now outside off, Rohit Sharma frees his arms and drives it away square past point for another boundary. Shadab Khan under immense pressure here!

14.1: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! Rohit Sharma has taken a real liking to Shadab Khan here. A juicy full toss on off stump, Sharma gets under it and smokes it well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. FIFTY up for the Indian skipper and he now looks in a punishing mood as well. This is his 50th ODI fifty as well, remarkable!

13.6: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Slower one, spilled down leg, Shubman Gill nudges it to the left of the keeper who springs to that side and makes the stop.

13.5: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Full and around off at 144 clicks, Shubman Gill times the cover drive to perfection but finds the man at extra cover.

13.4: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Perfect length, right in the channel and takes pace off as well. Shubman Gill strides out and defends it to cover.

13.3: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Hard length, on off stump, pushed out on the off side by Shubman Gill.

13.3: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, FIVE WIDES! Oh, dear, it's going from bad to worse hear for Pakistan. Haris Rauf steams in and bangs it in way too short and outside off as the bail sails over the keeper's head and into the fence. The 100 comes up for India as well.

13.2: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Banged in short at the body, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and plays a stylish half-pull through backward square leg for a couple of runs.

13.1: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Pitched up right in the slot around off at 149 clicks, Shubman Gill mistimes the drive back to the bowler.

12.6: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Class batting from Rohit Sharma and 19 runs come off Shadab's first over! Short again and offers width as well, Sharma goes on the back foot and cuts it late behind point for a boundary.

12.5: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! And again, even bigger this time around! Poor from Shadab Khan though as he bowls a half-tracker around off. Sharma pulls it off the back foot and does so in front of square, sending the ball sailing over the ropes for a biggie.

12.4: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, SIX! Easy pickings! Dragged down around middle, Rohit Sharma picks the length early, rocks back and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

12.3: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, FIFTY up for Shubman Gill, a thundering knock thus far from the young man. Floated up on a length and around off, Gill pushes it down to long off and picks up a run. Gill will now look to press on.

12.2: Shadab Khan to Rohit Sharma, Slightly shorter on off and turning away, Rohit Sharma stands tall and eases it through the cover region for one more.

12.1: Shadab Khan to Shubman Gill, Starts with a nicely flighted delivery around off, Shubman Gill leans on and strokes it away to deep cover for a single. Gill moves on to 49 now.

11.6: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Top edge! Pacy delivery, banged in a bit around off and Rohit Sharma looks to take it on. Sharma is hurried and the ball flies off the top edge down to third man for four runs.

11.5: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Mistimed! Length ball around off, Rohit Sharma clears the front leg and swings hard at it. The ball goes off the toe end to the left of Haris Rauf who gets a hand on it but the batters get two runs as the ball rolls toward long off.

11.4: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Hard length around off, punched off the back foot toward cover.

11.3: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Pitches this one right up around off, swinging it in and at 145 clicks. Rohit Sharma punches it right back to the bowler.

11.2: Haris Rauf to Shubman Gill, Right around the top of off at 141 clicks, Shubman Gill tucks it to mid-wicket. The fielder there scores a direct hit at the bowler's end but Gill manages to cross over with ease.

11.1: Haris Rauf to Rohit Sharma, Starts with a shortish ball around off. Rohit Sharma hangs back and plays it late, dabbing it down to third man for a single.

10.6: Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, Takes place off and floats it outside off, Rohit Sharma hangs back and just nudges it down to third man for a run.

10.5: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Hard length outside off, Gill pats it away sweetly to sweeper cover and picks up a single.

10.4: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nicely done! Shorter one around the hips, Shubman Gill plays it late and just tickles it fine down to fine leg and beats the fielder for a boundary.

10.3: Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, A bit slower and outside off, Rohit Sharma stays back and just taps it down to third man for one more.

10.2: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Bowls this one back of a length and close to the off pole, Shubman Gill hops and plays it with an angled bat down to third man for a single.

10.1: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On a good length, angling into middle and leg, Shubman Gill nudges it down toward square leg.

The umpire signals the start of Powerplay 2! It will last till the 40th over and the fielding side can have up to 4 fielders outside the inner ring.

9.6: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On length and nipping in towards off. Rohit Sharma shoulder arms as the keeper collects the ball. 

9.5: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Full and on off. Rohit Sharma has defended it safely.

9.4: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR AGAIN! The pull shot comes out! Naseem Shah bowls this short and outside off. Rohit Sharma stands tall and plays his favorite pull shot to send the ball over mid-wicket. The ball races away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

9.3: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! What a shot! Naseem Shah bowls this full and on the pads. Rohit Sharma flicks it off beautifully and over the fielder at mid-wicket. The ball sails over the infield and runs away to the fence for four runs.

9.2: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On the hard length nipping away from outside off. Rohit Sharma tries to defend it but it beaten by the swing.

9.1: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and swinging away, wide outside off. Rohit Sharma plays it onto the ground toward backward point.

8.6: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and on top of off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point.

8.5: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On length and on top of off. Shubman Gill punches it in the gap through covers for a couple of runs. Good running from the batters.

8.4: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Full again swinging in onto middle. Shubman Gill defends it solidly off his front foot.

8.3: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on middle. Shubman Gill has driven it down the ground and on the stumps on the other hand. 

8.2: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is on a roll here. Faheem Ashraf bowls this on the hard length and away from off. Shubman Gill stands tall and punches it with power wide of the fielder at cover and in the gap. The fielder fails to stop it and the ball runs away to meet the fence for a boundary.

8.1: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and outside off. Shubman Gill has driven it to the fielder at cover.

7.6: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Full again and outside off. Shubman Gill has edged it wide of second slip towards third man for a single to end the over.

7.5: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on the off pole. Shubman Gill has driven it to the fielders at cover.

7.4: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Short and on top of off. Shubman Gill has blocked it from his crease.

7.3: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN! Naseem Shah with another short ball with a hint of outswing outside off. Shubman Gill tries to cut it but gets it off the toe end towards the fielders at slip. The fielders at first and second don't react for a catch and the ball races away to the thrid man fence for four runs. Shubman Gill is lucky here.

7.2: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, Shorter and swinging away from off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

7.1: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a way to start the over. Naseem Shah bowls this on length and outside off. Shubman Gill stands back and guides it beautifully though the gap at point. The ball races away to the fence for a boundary. Shubman Gill is in form here.

6.6: Faheem Ashraf to Rohit Sharma, On length and on top of off. Rohit Sharma has blocked it to the right of the bowler for a dot to end the over.

6.5: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and on top of off. Shubman Gill has punched it to the fielder at point for a quick single.

6.4: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Full again and outside off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point again. A good over so far from Faheem Ashraf.

6.3: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Fuller this time and away from off. Shubman Gill guides it to the fielder at point.

6.2: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Short again on the pads. Shubman Gill nudges it towards the mid-wicket fielder.

6.1: Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill, Short and on top of middle. Shubman Gill has blocked it down the ground back to the bowler.

Faheem Ashraf comes into the attack now.

5.6: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, A maiden over from Naseem Shah. He bowls this on the hard length and swinging away from outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't offer a shot as the ball stayed low.

5.5: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Another outswinger, short and wide of off. Rohit Sharma leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

5.4: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Shorter on top of off. Rohit Sharma tried to block it but the ball swung away from him. Naseem Shah is bowling brilliantly here.

5.3: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! Short and again swinging away from outside off. Rohit Sharma tries to pull it but is again beaten by the swing. 

5.2: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller now and with some outswing. Rohit Sharma tries to drive it but is beaten by the swing.

5.1: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma leaves it alone.

4.6: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN WOW! Shaheen Afridi with another full ball away from off. Shubman Gill slices it in the gap through point. The ball runs away to the deep point fence and ends the over with another boundary. Some good batting on display here.

4.5: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is on fire here. Shaheen Afridi bowls this full from around the wicket and on off. Shubman Gill drives it perfectly in the gap through cover with beautiful timing. The ball races away to deep cover fence for four more runs.

4.4: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Full and on off. Shubman Gill drives it to the fielder at cover.

4.3: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, On the hard length and nipping in towards off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

4.2: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a shot! Shaheen Afridi bowls this full and on the off pole. Shubman Gill dances down the ground and lofts it over the infield down the ground. The ball races away to the long on fence for four more runs. Shubman Gill looks confident here.

4.1: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Short again and on top of off. Shubman Gill has miscued it on the off side.

4.1: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Short and wide outside leg. Shubman Gill leaves it alone and the umpire signals a wide.

3.6: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, A good way to end the over. Naseem Shah bowls this short and just outside off. Rohit Sharma is taken by surprise by the excess bounce and he leaves it alone.

3.5: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! Naseem Shah bowls this short and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma comes down the track and swings hard. He is beaten by the swing and the keeper collects the ball. There is an appeal but the umpire has turned it down. Babar Azam has taken the review and the UltraEdge shows that there was no spike. Pakistan lose a review.

3.5: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller and swinging away wide outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't reach it and the umpire signals a wide.

3.4: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On the hard length and outside off. Rohit Sharma doesn't offer a shot and lets it go to the keeper.

3.3: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Shorter and on top of middle. Rohit Sharma has blocked it from the crease.

3.2: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Beaten! This was an outswinger now pitched on length from Naseem Shah. Rohit Sharma is beaten by the swing. Some good bowling from Naseem Shah.

3.1: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, What a ball! Naseem Shah bowls this on length and swinging in on top of off. Rohit Sharma shoulder arms and the ball goes just over the stumps to the keeper. Brave leave, eh?

2.6: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, On length and outside off. Shubman Gill leaves it alone for the keeper to collect.

2.5: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Shubman Gill is batting brilliantly here. Shaheen Afridi with another full ball swinging in onto middle. Shubman Gill stands tall and drives it straight down the ground with perfect timing. The ball races away wide off the fielder to the fence for the third boundary of the over.

2.4: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Yorker length and on middle. Shubman Gill plays it late but digs it out safely.

2.3: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, Full, this time on off. Shubman Gill drives it to mid off.

2.2: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR AGAIN! Shaheen Afridi bowls a length ball on the leg stump. Shubman Gill comes forward and lofts it over mid-wicket. The ball races away to the boundary for consecutive boundaries. This one will surely give him some confidence.

2.1: Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill, FOUR! What a way to start the over! Shaheen Afridi with another full ball and on the pads. Shubman Gill nudges it lightly very fine and wide of fine leg. The fielder fails to stop it and the ball runs away for a four.

1.6: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short and on top of off. Rohit Sharma stands tall and blocks it.

1.5: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, FOUR! Rohit Sharma is dealing in boundaries here. Naseem Shah bowls this fuller and outside the off pole. Rohit Sharma stands tall and drives it aerially over the fielder at cover. The ball races away to the fence for four runs. That is the second boundary for Rohit Sharma.

1.4: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Fuller and another outswinger. He doesn't play this one either and the keeper collects it.

1.3: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, On length and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma doesn't want to reach it as he lets it go to the keeper.

1.2: Naseem Shah to Rohit Sharma, Short again and on top of off. Rohit Sharma blocks it safely.

1.1: Naseem Shah to Shubman Gill, In the air...safe. Naseem Shah bowls this one short and outside off. Shubman Gill miscues it aerially to the fielder at third man. The ball just lands short of Shaheen Afridi who puts in the dive and the batters cross for a single.

Naseem Shah to take the other new ball.

0.6: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, SIX! What a way to end the over! Rohit Sharma is off the mark and in style! Shaheen Afridi with another full length delivery on the pads with a hint of inswing. Rohit Sharma stands tall and flicks it with impeccable timing over deep square leg and beyond the fence for the first maximum of the match.

0.5: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Fullish and swinging into middle. Rohit Sharma drives it to the fielder at cover. 

0.4: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Fuller again and on the pads. The ball goes to the keeper after deflecting from Rohit Sharma's pads.

0.3: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, On length and swinging away from off. Rohit Sharma lets it go to the keeper.

0.2: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Very full from Shaheen Afridi on the off pole. Rohit Sharma digs it out and back to the bowler safely.

0.1: Shaheen Afridi to Rohit Sharma, Right on the money! Shaheen Afridi bowls this full and swinging in onto the pads. Rohit Sharma flicks it to the fielder at square leg.

Done with the pre-game formalities and it is now time for the play to begin! The two umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Pakistan, who can be seen in a huddle before taking their places on the field. Skipper Rohit Sharma will open the innings for India alongside Shubman Gill. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Just the one slip in place and there's a catching short mid-wicket as well. Let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of this highly-anticipated contest but first, the two sets of players will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of India first followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

India's skipper, Rohit Sharma says that they were looking to bat first as it looks like a good pitch and yes, there will be challenges but runs on the board can be crucial. Adds that every game from hereon is very important for them and they have an opportunity to come out and play well. Mentions that you can't control the weather and they are well-rested for this clash. Informs that they a couple of changes with Shreyas Iyer out due to a back-spasm and Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the side.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says that they will bowl first. He adds that he feels chasing will be easier and says that it is a high-intensity match. He feels happy with the form of his players. He ends by saying that his team has no changes.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (In for KL Rahul), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah (In for Mohammad Shami).

Pakistan (Unchanged XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

TOSS - Babar Azam flips the coin and Rohit Sharma calls 'Heads'. It lands in favour of Pakistan and they will BOWL first.