Could Kuldeep Yadav’s Four Wickets Propel India to Victory Over Pakistan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kuldeep Yadav showcased exceptional bowling skills with a four-wicket haul.
- Pakistan collapsed from a strong position of 113/1 to 146 all out.
- India's spinners collectively took eight wickets, demonstrating their control.
- Farhan's aggressive batting initially gave Pakistan momentum.
- India's bowling depth proved crucial in securing the win.
Dubai, Sep 28 (NationPress) Kuldeep Yadav once again spearheaded India’s bowling attack, claiming a remarkable four-wicket haul, including three wickets in the 17th over. This stellar performance helped India achieve a stunning comeback by bowling out Pakistan for a mere 146 runs in just 19.1 overs during the Asia Cup held at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd, Pakistan initially surged to 113/1 in 12.4 overs, seemingly on track for a total exceeding 180. However, the crafty spinners from India, collectively taking eight wickets, dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup in striking fashion.
As batters attempted to play aerial shots, they fell victim to a dramatic collapse, losing their last nine wickets for just 33 runs and squandering their earlier advantage. Kuldeep, who started with 23 runs in his first two overs, came back strongly to take four wickets for just seven runs in his subsequent two overs. He received excellent support from Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy, each contributing two wickets to the tally.
Batting first despite some swing for Bumrah and Shivam Dube, Pakistan began aggressively, with Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman intent on quick runs, resulting in three boundaries within the opening overs.
Farhan targeted Bumrah, hitting a four and a six, but Chakaravarthy and Patel provided control, allowing Pakistan to finish the power-play at 45/0. Farhan maintained the momentum, pulling Kuldeep for six and slogging Axar for four, reaching his fifty in just 35 balls.
After lofting Chakaravarthy over long-on for six, Farhan was dismissed by the spinner for 57, breaking the 84-run opening partnership. Saim Ayub managed two easy boundaries off Dube before falling to Kuldeep for 14.
Pakistan’s innings derailed: Mohammad Haris was caught at mid-off against Axar, while Zaman was caught at backward point off Chakaravarthy. Sanju Samson held on to catches from Hussain Talat and Salman Agha off Axar and Kuldeep, respectively. Kuldeep then trapped Shaheen Shah Afridi lbw and had Faheem Ashraf caught at long-off. Bumrah wrapped up the innings by uprooting Haris Rauf's off-stump and having Mohammad Nawaz caught at deep mid-wicket, ensuring Pakistan’s innings concluded below 150.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 146 in 19.1 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 57, Fakhar Zaman 46; Kuldeep Yadav 4-30, Jasprit Bumrah 2-25) against India