Notably, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most fiercely contested and followed battles in the world of sports. The two cricketing giants were facing off for the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, and the stakes are high as both teams are aiming to secure a crucial victory in this Super 4 clash.
Winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain opted to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on favourable conditions early on. However, things did not go according to plan for the Pakistani side. India’s opening duo, skipper Rohit Sharma and young sensation Shubman Gill, came out with guns blazing.
Rohit and Gill, displaying exquisite timing and aggressive intent, launched an all-out assault on Pakistan’s pace attack right from the start. Their partnership flourished, amassing an impressive 60 runs within the first 10 overs, setting the tone for India’s innings.
Missed opportunities plague Pakistan
While Pakistan’s bowlers managed to create opportunities to break the partnership, it was their fielding that let them down. The first instance of Pakistan’s fielding woes occurred on the very first ball of the second over, bowled by Naseem Shah. Gill, attempting an aggressive shot, got a thick edge, but Shaheen Afridi at third-man reacted slowly, failing to reach the ball in time, and Gill was given a lifeline.
Naseem found himself unlucky again in the eighth over when Gill attempted another forceful shot. This time, the edge flew rapidly towards the slip cordon, placing the onus on the slip fielders. Unfortunately, confusion reigned supreme as Iftikhar Ahmed at first slip made no attempt to react, while Mohammad Rizwan hesitated before moving to his right. The hesitation and miscommunication between the slip fielders allowed the ball to sneak through, leaving Naseem utterly disheartened.As the fielding lapses continued to pile up, cricket enthusiasts and netizens took to social media platforms to voice their opinions.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023 – Here’s why India batter Shreyas Iyer not playing today’s match against Pakistan
Here is how netizens reacted to Pakistan player’s sloppy fielding:
This is just Vintage Pakistan fielding
They didn't even try for the catch#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/Caj71oCbFV
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) September 10, 2023
Both were waiting for Rizwan to catch this one toopic.twitter.com/PfhnQmZbg2
— Mirza Wasiq (@wasiqhasandps) September 10, 2023
Kuch cheeje kabhi nahi badalati.
This is just Vintage Pakistan fielding They didn't even try for the catch
#IndvsPak#IndiavsPak#IndiavsPak #AsiaCup #PAKvIND pic.twitter.com/3kSr7Qh1vR
— Tripti / तृप्ति (@xTripti) September 10, 2023
Chacha please catch the ball not
#AsiaCup2023
#INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/SAcLDIfPLT
— Bilal Khan (@yousafzi_001) September 10, 2023
Everything is temporary but Naseem Shah being unlucky is permanent
A simple catch missed#PAKvIND #IndiavsPak #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/eJ53259SJx
— SAAD(@SaadIrfan258) September 10, 2023
This is just Vintage Pakistan fielding
They didn't even try for the catch
Nothing Change
— 𝘈 (@ItsAayan_69) September 10, 2023
PAK fielding
It was a regulation Slip catch
Why did Rishwan even go for the catch and then duck?pic.twitter.com/fxJ0GiS83T
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) September 10, 2023
Kuch cheeje kabhi nahi badalati.
This is just Vintage Pakistan fielding They didn't even try for the catch
#IndvsPak
— Tripti / तृप्ति (@xTripti) September 10, 2023
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