Pakistan Pace Trio Set Asia Cup Record as India-Pakistan Match Washed Out: Historic 10-Wicket Haul

Pakistan’s pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah made history on Saturday, September 2, 2023, when they became the first bowlers to take all 10 wickets in an Asia Cup ODI match.

The feat came in the group stage match between Pakistan and India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. India won the toss and elected to bat, but they were soon in trouble as Afridi (4-35) and Rauf (3-58) ripped through their top order.

Naseem (3-36) then cleaned up the tail as India were bowled out for 266 in 48.5 overs. The match was then washed out due to rain, but Pakistan had already secured a place in the Super Four stage of the tournament.

The performance of Pakistan’s pace attack was a major boost ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, which will be held in October and November this year. Afridi, Rauf, and Naseem are all considered to be among the best young fast bowlers in the world, and they will be hoping to replicate their form on the biggest stage.

The match was also notable for the 138-run fifth-wicket partnership between Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya for India. Kishan (82) and Pandya (87) put on a fighting display after India had been reduced to 66-4, and their partnership helped the team to post a respectable total.

Overall, it was a disappointing day for India, who will be hoping to bounce back in their next match against Nepal. However, the performance of Pakistan’s pace attack was a major positive for the hosts, and they will be confident of making a strong challenge in the Super Four stage.