10 September 2023, Mumbai: During the Asia Cup Super Four match between India and Pakistan, KL Rahul made a remarkable comeback after a four-month hiatus by achieving a significant milestone in ODI cricket. He completed 2000 runs in just 53 innings, equalling Virat Kohli’s record. Both Rahul and Kohli reached this milestone in the same number of innings, demonstrating their batting prowess.
The Top Three Fastest to 2000 Runs
While Rahul and Kohli share the record for reaching 2000 ODI runs in 53 innings, three other Indian cricketers achieved this feat even faster. Leading the pack is veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, who accomplished this milestone in just 48 innings. Former skipper Sourav Ganguly and batter Navjot Sidhu also reached the 2000-run mark in 52 innings, highlighting their exceptional batting performances.
Match Halted Due to Rain
The India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup Super Four faced an interruption due to heavy rain and a damp pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Play was halted as ground staff rushed to cover the pitch and protect it from the adverse weather conditions.
India’s Strong Start
Despite the rain interruption, India’s opening pair, led by skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, provided a flying start to the team. They were comfortably positioned at 147 for the loss of 2 wickets when the rain forced the players off the field.
Explosive Partnership
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s partnership was nothing short of explosive, as they took on the Pakistani bowlers with aggressive strokes. Their whirlwind partnership of 121 runs set the tone for India’s innings, with boundaries flowing freely.
Pakistan Strikes Back
Pakistan’s Shaheen Shaf Afridi and Shadab Khan managed to break India’s momentum by claiming a wicket each. Rohit Sharma (56) was dismissed in a soft manner off Shadab’s bowling, while Gill (58) fell in the next over, deceived by a slower delivery from Shaheen, leading to a catch at extra cover by Agha Salman.
Kohli and Rahul’s Stabilizing Efforts
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul aimed to stabilize India’s innings after the loss of the openers. They looked composed at the crease, and it seemed like they were steering India towards a competitive total. However, rain intervened and brought the match to a halt with Kohli (8)* and KL Rahul (17)* still at the crease.Despite the rain-related interruptions, KL Rahul’s remarkable achievement and the explosive opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill made the India-Pakistan clash a captivating encounter in the Asia Cup Super Four.