Asia Cup 2023: Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan break 18-year-old long 'legendary' record

In the Asia Cup 2023 clash against Pakistan in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a remarkable rescue mission for India after they found themselves in early trouble. Ishan, who typically opens the innings, was tasked with stabilizing the middle order, and he executed this role brilliantly. The 25-year-old smashed 82 off 81 balls before being dismissed by Haris Rauf. 

3 things you need to know

• India posted 266 runs after winning the toss and batting first
• Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in India's batting
• Pakistan couldn't get the chance to chase as the match was called off due to rain

Also Read: India Beat Arch-rivals Pakistan 2-0 In A Shootout, Win Inaugural Hockey5s Asia Cup

Ishan-Hardik register new ODI record

During his time at the crease, Ishan combined forces with opener Shubman Gill, who contributed 10 runs off 32 balls before being dismissed by Rauf. However, what followed was a partnership that turned the tide in India's favor. He and Hardik Pandya added 138 runs together, putting the pressure back on Pakistan. With this, Ishan-Hardik dup registered a new record for the highest fifth-wicket partnership against Pakistan in ODIs.

The previous record of 135 was held by current India head coach Rahul Dravid and his former teammate Mohammad Kaif, a feat achieved back in 2005 when bilateral series between India and Pakistan were more common. Furthermore, their 138-run stand also became the highest fifth-wicket partnership by an Indian pair in the history of the Asia Cup, surpassing the previous record of 133 runs set by Dravid and Yuvraj Singh in Dambulla in 2004.

While Ishan was the first to depart, Hardik continued to entertain the fans before falling to Shaheen Afridi after scoring 87 runs off 90 deliveries. Together, Ishan and Hardik hit 16 fours and launched three maximums. Their efforts, along with a late cameo by Jasprit Bumrah, who contributed a quick 16 off 14 balls, enabled India to reach a respectable total of 266 in 48.5 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Rain Plays Spoilsport As India-Pakistan Game Called Off

Shaheen Afridi creates trouble for team India

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf provided their team with a stellar start. Shaheen made history by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the same innings. Rohit was dismissed for 11 off 22 balls, while Kohli could only muster 4 runs off 7 deliveries. Shreyas Iyer, making a comeback after a lengthy injury layoff, displayed promise as he struck two stylish fours off Rauf. However, he was dismissed for 14 off 9 balls.

Shubman Gill was also dismissed for 10 off 32 balls. Among the Pakistan bowlers, Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah both secured three wickets each. The second innings of the match got washed out due to rain and the play was eventually called off. Both teams have been awarded one point each.  

Image: AP