DUBAI: The mood around the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday did not give the sense that it is going to play host to 25,000 fans who will brave the sun and heat to cheer either India or Bangladesh in a big Asia Cup final on Friday. The tournament has been sort of an anti-climax. The day the fixtures were drawn, it seemed the market forces and the caretakers of cricket had designed it to make up for the lack of India-Pakistan bilateral series. Two encounters were ensured but the big one did not happen. In a tournament of underdogs - where Afghanistan gave the big boys a scare - Bangladesh have made it to the final.



READ ALSO: Mushfiqur Rahim sets the middle-order tone for Bangladesh

So, you now have a team focused on retaining its pride as the top-ranked bunch in the tournament, and the other eager to give some happiness to its passionate fans back home. The usual drill ahead of such a final sees teams going through the paces in the practice area, polishing their skills. This time, neither team turned up for practice. Blame it on the heat and humidity and the cruel schedule. The organisers will certainly have to plan the tournament better. Yet, there is a final to be played, a final that has now come thrice for Bangladesh in Asia Cup cricket in the last four editions. A final that could be a game-changer in their cricketing history.

India, save the last edition which was played in T20 format, haven't been able to win the tournament post the 2011 World Cup triumph. Their smooth run here and Bangladesh's toil would make Rohit Sharma's men the favourites. But the Indian players are fighting their own little battles trying to stay in shape in the light of a cramped calendar that keeps them on the road for nearly 85 per cent days of the year.


"We won the Asia Cup the moment Tamim (Iqbal) batted with a fractured thumb in the first match against Sri Lanka," claimed Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, still recovering from previous night's grind against Pakistan. Their star allrounder has flown back, their crisis man Mushfiqur Rahim is in pain due to an injured rib cage and the captain himself has a dodgy little finger in his bowling arm.

"When you are in such a situation in a battlefield, you either kill or get killed," Mushfiqur gave a peek into the mindset of the Bangladesh team after knocking Pakistan out on Wednesday night. Both Mushfiqur and Mortaza know that the match is billed as a chance for their team to settle scores with India after what happened in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal, 2016 World T20 and the 2017 Champions Trophy. "They (India) are a far better team. We will fight till the end as we did against Pakistan," Mortaza conceded.


When asked about the growing India-Bangladesh rivalry in white ball cricket, India opener Shikhar Dhawan simply said: "Wasn't there a rivalry before that 2015 match? We are fine off the field." Not playing a final against Pakistan may have taken that extra pressure off the Indians. But Shikhar did have encouraging words for Bangladesh cricket.

"It's been just 18-20 years that they are playing international cricket. The fact they are consistently making the finals is commendable. Hopefully, we will win tomorrow. We could see them crossing that barrier also," he said.

DUBAI: India opener Shikhar Dhawan on Thursday said there was "no shame" in his disastrous run of form in the Tests against England as his plans did not work out despite giving his all.

ALSO READ: Asia Cup Final, IND v BAN - Top players to watch

Dhawan, whose place in the Test team is under threat for the home series against the West Indies, seemed unfazed about a possible axe.

The batsman, who has made a Test comeback in the past on the basis of his stellar showing in white-ball cricket, is back amongst the runs in the ongoing Asia Cup.

"I think it always helps when you perform well (irrespective of the form). Agar fayda hona hoga to ho jayega, nahi hona hoga to nai hoga (will see if my current form helps me in Tests). Whenever I play, red ball or white ball, I utilise whatever knowledge I have of the game," said Dhawan on the eve of the Asia Cup final against Bangladesh here.

"If you talk about the England Test, I did not do well but I gave it all. Others played better than me. I accept it. There is no shame in it. Then I came here to play white-ball cricket, had different plans because of different conditions. Sometimes they (plans) work sometimes they don't," the stylish left-hander said in his defence.

Talking about Friday's final, Dhawan said Bangladesh will pose a stiff challenge even though India beat them comfortably in Super Four.

"Pakistan may be a bigger team on paper but Bangladesh played better cricket than them and are in the final again. They are always tough to beat, especially at home. They are showing by performances they have gotten so much better. They know how to play under pressure.

"They play fearlessly against big teams and you have to appreciate that. Having said that, it takes time (to win major events). For them reaching the final is also a big thing. Hopefully, we will win tomorrow but you will see them crossing the barrier in some other tournament."

Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have provided India solid starts and that is one of the reasons why the side is unbeaten in the tournament.

When asked whether there was extra pressure on the two senior batsmen in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli, the southpaw said: "It was not like that. We felt that we had more responsibility in Virat's absence. It was a tournament where the management could give opportunity to the upcoming players, find out who all are equipped to bat in the middle order.

"That is why we took rest also (against Afghanistan), so that guys who have not spent time in the middle get to do that. Virat around or not, Rohit and I approach every match the same way, with the same effort. There is obviously a lot of difference between England weather and the weather here but we train well to deal with that."

On India-Bangladesh rivalry getting bigger with time, especially after the 2015 series when the latter won at home, Dhawan added: "Well, there was rivalry before that also. There will always be rivalry on the field. Off the field, we are friends but on it we have to do our job."

DUBAI: The Indian cricket team will hope that its untested middle-order gets some game time ahead of the grand finale when it takes on an ever-improving Afghanistan in the final 'Super Four' encounter of the Asia Cup on Tuesday.

India have been on a roll after an unimpressive start against Hong Kong, with couple of one-sided victories over arch-rivals Pakistan and an equally facile one against Bangladesh.

With a spot in Friday's final sealed, skipper Rohit Sharma may want some of his untested middle-order batsmen to get quality time in the middle against someone of Rashid Khan's calibre.

Often in cricket, the 'Law of Averages' catches up with the best performing teams at a critical juncture.

Shikhar Dhawan (327) and skipper Rohit (269) have done the bulk of the scoring in the four matches so far with very little contribution being required from the other batsmen in the line-up.

The next highest scorer is Ambati Rayudu (116 runs) because he comes in at No 3.

The problem has been lack of batting time for the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik so far.

Sample this: Rohit and Shikhar have so far faced 284 and 321 deliveries respectively. The next best Rayudu has played 162 balls.

However, Karthik (78 balls), Dhoni (40 balls) and Kedar (27 balls) can be found wanting if there is a top-order collapse on the big day.

Rohit had given Dhoni an opportunity to come in at No 4 against Bangladesh and the former captain scored 33 runs. But it was a pressure-free situation.

Dhoni's achilles heel of late has been to keep the scoreboard ticking in pressure situations that the middle-overs throw up.

If the likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman can put pressure, it will be a good warm-up for the middle-order trio before the final match.

The Indian captain might fancy batting first in case he wins the toss, which in turn will give his team a chance to bat 50 overs instead of chasing another modest total.

The Indian bowlers have been splendid on the slow Dubai International Stadium track with all the bowlers enjoying an economy rate of less than five runs per over.

The spinners have been on a roll with Yuzvendra Chahal (5 wickets at 4.61 runs per over) and Kuldeep Yadav (5 wickets in 4.01 runs per over) have been tight as usual while Jasprit Bumrah (7 wickets with 3.37 runs per over) has been exceptional at the death with his yorkers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (6 wickets at 4.08 per over), in his comeback tournament, has also been consistent.

There is a possibility that India might rest both Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah before the summit clash to help them recharge their batteries.

In such a scenario, two among Deepak Chahar, Siddharth Kaul and Khaleel Ahmed will take their spots in the playing XI for the game.

For Afghanistan, a win against the fancied Indian side will be a great end to the tournament where they have been competitive throughout, only losing out due to lack of experience.

Having packed off Sri Lanka in the group league stage and crushed Bangladesh, Afghanistan were done in by inexperience during the fag end of the Super Four matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Against Pakistan, their bowlers couldn't hold nerve in the final over while their batsmen found it difficult to read Mustafizur Rahman's variations in the final over.

Squads

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Siddharth Kaul, Manish Pandey

Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad, Ihsanulluah Jamat, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Stanikzai, Hasmat Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Aftab Alam, Samiullah Shenwari, Munir Ahmed, Sayed Ahmed Sherzad, Ashraf, Momand Wafadar.

Match starts 5pm (IST).

DUBAI: Seldom does the crowd here in Dubai hang back for the entire length of a one-sided match. At least, that has been the trend in the ongoing Asia Cup. But a free-flowing Rohit Sharma and a hard-hitting Shikhar Dhawan can compel even the most disinterested person to drool over their batting.

Scorecard | BLOG: India vs Pakistan

Sunday was one such evening, there was a show on. The crowd had expected a sterner fight from Pakistan in Round Two of the rivalry. There was some fight when Shoaib Malik shepherded Pakistan to 237/7. All of that evaporated when Rohit and Dhawan owned the stage under lights for the third time in a row. The duo, wielding their willow like a dagger, ripped apart the Pakistan attack. The job was clinically done in 39.3 overs with nine wickets in hand.

ALSO READ: Rohit, Shikhar become India's 2nd most successful opening pair in ODIs

As Dhawan and Rohit brought up their 15th and 19th ODI centuries, there was a loud proclamation of being the best opening pair going around in ODI cricket. Dhawan was run out for 114 off 100 balls as Rohit, unbeaten on 111 off 119 balls, had Ambati Rayudu with him when they crossed the line and put a foot in the final.

The nine-wicket victory is the biggest win for India against arch-rivals Pakistan in ODIs.

During the course of the 210-run partnership, another thing was reiterated: Pakistan is a team that could be sublime and sub-standard in the same match. Malik's pacing of his innings 90-ball 78 was a near-perfect one-day innings on a pitch that seemed like throwing off desert sand when the ball landed in the afternoon heat.

Yet, the three dropped catches off Rohit's bat and inconsistent, ill-planned bowling undid all the hard work done by Malik which seemed to have given a strong chance to defend the total on what seemed a sluggish pitch.

Pakistan was all about emotion. They decided again to bat first despite knowing the conditions favour the batsmen batting second. They brought back an off-colour Mohammad Amir, hoping he could disturb the mindset of the Indian batting. Imam-ul-Haq had claimed the momentum was with them after a thrilling finish against Afghanistan. All of that backfired.

Amir's aggression was overhauled by the authority of Dhawan. Like they always do, the Pakistani bowlers came out charging and banging the ball hard on the pitch. But most landed on the shorter side - all that the duo needed on a slow pitch. Dhawan and Rohit unleashed their disdainful cuts, pulls and hooks. And when the bowlers did pitch it up, they were piercing the in-field with utmost authority.

Imam had feared the consequences of a strong Indian opening partnership. That came true. The bowlers erred in their desperation to hit the Indian openers hard.

Dhawan and Rohit were not going to let their bowling down, as they have done right through the tournament. The Indian bowlers look like following a script - the two opening pacers stifling the top-order with their unwavering line and length and then the spinners coming in to chip away at the middle-order.

Rohit and Dhawan may run away with all the glamour on the night, but their free-flowing batting has much to do with how the bowlers have performed in the first of the match. Jasprit Bumrah's 2/29, Yuzvendra Chahal's 2/46 and Kuldeep Yadav's 2/41 is testimony to a well-coordinated attack. The openers and the bowlers have so far shielded the middle-order from any pressure. India wouldn't mind it for now.

Scorecrad | Live Blog: India vs Pakistan

Overs 4: Cautious start from Pakistan -- 12/0

Overs 2: Jasprit Bumrah bowls a maiden over to keep Pakistan 7/0.

Over 1: Pakistan collect seven runs from the first over with the help of four leg byes. Zaman survives a direct hit by Chahal on the first delivery.

Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are out in the middle to open Pakistan batting. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will open the proceedings for India.

TOSS: Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed wins toss, elects to bat against India in Super Four match at Dubai

India retain the same playing eleven while Pakistan make two changes bringing in Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan in place of Haris Sohail and Usman Khan.

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni(w), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi

PREVIEW

Favourites India have no grounds for complacency as they wait to see 'which' Pakistan turns up in the Asia Cup here Sunday, well aware of the unpredictable arch-rivals' penchant for surprising not just opponents but themselves, too.

India are eyeing a place in the final after three wins in as many matches, while Pakistan will look to step up their game in the Super Four match, after a scare against Afghanistan.

India walloped Pakistan by eight wickets in the group game three days ago but if history is any indication, the Men in Blue will take their traditional rivals lightly at their own peril.

After being made to work hard by minnows Hong Kong in their tournament opener, India got their act together in the much-awaited group game against Pakistan and produced a clinical display to make short work of Sarfraz Ahmed's team.

Chasing a small target, India were hardly tested as a half-century from skipper Rohit Sharma ensured that the team was home with as many as 21 overs to spare.

DUBAI: Favourites India have no grounds for complacency as they wait to see 'which' Pakistan turns up in the Asia Cup here on Sunday, well aware of the unpredictable arch-rivals' penchant for surprising not just opponents but themselves, too.

India are eyeing a place in the final after three wins in as many matches, while Pakistan will look to step up their game in the Super Four match, after a scare against Afghanistan.

READ ALSO: Hope to repeat our performance against Pakistan: Rohit Sharma

India walloped Pakistan by eight wickets in the group game three days ago but if history is any indication, the Men in Blue will take their traditional rivals lightly at their own peril.

After being made to work hard by minnows Hong Kong in their tournament opener, India got their act together in the much-awaited group game against Pakistan and produced a clinical display to make short work of Sarfraz Ahmed's team.

Chasing a small target, India were hardly tested as a half-century from skipper Rohit Sharma ensured that the team was home with as many as 21 overs to spare.

Even without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli, the Indian batting looked formidable and lived up to the billing by scoring freely on surfaces that are not really perfect for stroke-play.

Opening the innings, Rohit was at his fluent best against Pakistan and followed that up with another fine knock of 83 in the seven-wicket win over Bangladesh, more than making up for the failure against Hong Kong.

Rohit's opening partner, Shikhar Dhawan found himself amongst the runs after a torrid time in England's seaming conditions, scoring in all three matches, including a century against Hong Kong.

The middle-order duo of Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik will again look to grab the opportunity with both hands by making useful contributions in the big game.

Rayudu missed out against Bangladesh after making an unbeaten 31 in the group game against Pakistan.

Veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni managed to spend some time in the middle on Friday, remaining unbeaten on 33 off 37 balls. Then there is Kedar Jadhav, who has often proved his worth with the bat besides his bowling.

Coming back to the ODI side after more than a year, Ravindra Jadeja marked the occasion with a fine four-wicket haul against Bangladesh, and he seemed hungry for more. Pakistan will be wary of the threat posed by the left-arm spinner, who is also a handy bat lower down the order.

India will look to the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah to make the initial breakthroughs and put Pakistan on the backfoot before the spinners are introduced.

Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the two mainline spinners, but it was Kedar, who picked up the most number of wickets among the slow bowlers in the last game against Pakistan.

Pakistan will look up to their seasoned campaigner Shoaib Malik for inspiration. All-rounder Malik made 43 against India and saved his team the blushes with a crucial knock against a spirited Afghanistan Friday night.

Opener Fakhar Zaman, who made a name for himself with a match-winning hundred against India in the final of Champions Trophy last year, flopped in their first game here.

Fakhar will look to make amends and so will be the likes of batsmen Babar Azam, Sarfraz and Iman-ul-Haq.

Pakistan's another cause of concern is the form of their strike bowler Mohammad Aamir, who has not been among the wickets in recent time.

While the left-arm pacer failed to deliver against India in the group game, he was not played against Afghanistan. The likes of Hasan Ali and Usman Khan will have to step up their game if their team is to do well.

Teams (From):

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddharth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Sarfraz Ahmed(captain), Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Amir.

DUBAI: Hailing his team's "clinical performance" against Bangladesh, India skipper Rohit Sharma says they would look to replicate the show in Sunday's Super Four Asia Cup match against arch-rivals Pakistan.

READ ALSO: Rohit, Jadeja fashion India's seven-wicket win over Bangladesh

Rohit played another classy knock after comeback man Ravindra Jadeja picked up a four-wicket haul to set up a seven-wicket win in their opening Super Four match on Friday.

"It was a clinical performance from the start. We bowled very well and we always knew it was going to be better batting under the lights. Very good from everyone. It was important on a pitch like that to rotate the bowlers and now allow the batsmen to settle," Rohit said at the presentation ceremony.

India bowled out Bangladesh, who batted first, for a paltry 173, and then chased down the target with plenty to spare.

READ ALSO: Malik thwarts giantkillers Afghanistan in last over finish

India's bowling show was led by left-arm spinner Jadeja, who was making a comeback to the one-day team after more than a year.

"We wanted to rotate the bowlers in shorter spells. It was a challenge for us, but I think they responded well. We always knew if we stuck to tight lines, the wickets would come."

"Jadeja, playing an ODI after a long time, to come out and bowl like that was a great effort from him. Great effort from everyone, I don't want to single out anyone," said Rohit, who scored an unbeaten 83.

India next play against traditional rivals Pakistan, having already beaten them in the group stage.

Rohit said, "When everything goes to plan, it looks easy. We will go back and recover and come back fresh against Pakistan and try to replicate this performance."

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza urged his batsmen to shoulder more responsibility.

"From the start we kept losing wickets. Today we were just all over the place," Mortaza said.

"If you score 170, it's a difficult ask of the bowlers. The batsmen need to take responsibility, especially after failing to score in back-to-back matches.

"The next match is against a tough team with good bowlers. We need to bat well."

Bangladesh batsmen faltered again, having come a cropper in the run chase against Afghanistan on Thursday night.

However, India were hardly troubled in the chase after Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan (40 off 47) provided a solid start with a 61-run stand.

Dhawan, like in the game against Pakistan, looked in good touch but was not able play a long innings.

Rohit changed gears after Dhawan's departure, bringing up his 36th ODI fifty with a towering hit off Shakib Al Hasan over deep mid-wicket.

Scorecard | Live Blog: India vs Bangladesh

Over 32: 13 runs from the over as India 159/2 inching closer towards victory

OVER 31.2: MS Dhoni hits a four to bring up 150 for India in chase of 174

Over 30: Rohit is in real hurry to finish off the chase as he hits a boundary off Rubel. India 142/2

Over 29: Team India is on the course of victory. Mustafizur gives away five runs. India 135/2

Over 28: Dhoni slashes one hard to get the boundary. India 130/2 in chase of 174

Over 27: Three runs from the over as India need 51 runs off 23 overs

Over 25: Rohit slams a Shakib half-tracker over the ropes for his third six of the match. India 117/2

Over 23.6: OUT! Rubel Hossain strikes to dismiss Ambati Rayudu for 13. India 106/2

Over 23: Eight runs from the over. India 105/1 in chase of 174

Over 22.4: Rohit brings up his 36th fifty with a six as India cross 100-run mark

Over 20: Rohit hits two classy boundaries off Mehidy. India 89/1 in chase of 174

Over 19: One run from the over as Shakib exhibits some great art of spin. India 79/1

Over 17: Rohit goes over mid-wicket for a huge six off Shakib. India 75/1

Over 15: Two runs and a wicket from Shakib. India 63/1

Over 14.2: OUT! Shakib Al Hasan strikes to trap Dhawan (40). India 61/1 in chase of 174

Over 13: Fours runs off Shakib over. India 58/0 in chase of 174

50 up for India in 9.3 overs in chase of 174. Dhawan 34* and Rohit 16*

Over 9: Dhawan hits two boundaries off Mustafizur to keep the scoring rate. India 49/0

Over 8: Tight bowling by Mehidy who gives away only three runs. India 37/0 in chase of 174

Over 5: Dhawan hits Mustafizur for a six. India 27/0

Over 3: Dhawan frees his arms as he whacks back-to-back fours off Mortaza. India 15/0

Over 2: Good over as just three runs come from it. India 7/0 in chase of 174

Spin comes into the attack in the form of Mehidy Hasan

Over 1: Rohit opens his account with a striking four. India 4/0 in chase of 174

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have come out to chase 174 for India while Mashrafe Mortaza opens bowling for Bangladesh

Ravindra Jadeja picks up 4/29 as India bundle out Bangladesh for 173

Jadeja made a roaring return to limited overs cricket with a four-wicket haul, helping India dismiss Bangladesh for 173 in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup. The all-rounder, playing his first ODI since July 2017, broke the backbone of Bangladesh batting with his left-arm spin and ended with impressive figures of four for 29 in 10 overs.

Over 49.1: OUT! That's it Bumrah dismisses Mustafizur as India bowl out Bangladesh for 173

Over 47.2: OUT! Jasprit Bumrah strikes to get rid of Mehidy Hasan (42). Bangladesh 169/9

Over 46.3: OUT! Mortaza gone for 26 after hitting successive sixes off Bhuvneshwar. Bangladesh 167/8

Over 44.5: Much needed 50-run partnership for the 8th wicket between Mehidy Hasan 39* and Mashrafe Mortaza 11*. Bangladesh 151/7

Over 43: Mehidy goes over covers for a boundary off Chahal. Bangladesh 144/7

Over 42: Just one run and its another tight over from Bhuvneshwar. Bangladesh 133/7

Over 40: Mehidy goes for a biggie, hits Chahal for a six. Bangladesh 128/7

Over 39: Tidy over from Kuldeep who gives away just one run. Bangladesh 121/7

Over 36: New batsman Mehidy Hasan hits two fours off Bumrah. Bangladesh 115/7

Over 33.2: OUT! Fourth wicket for Jadeja. Mosaddek gone for 12. Bangladesh 101/7

Over 32.5: OUT! Bhuvneshwar traps Mahmudullah (25) to pick his second. Bangladesh 101/6

Over 32: 100 up for Bangladesh for the loss of five wickets. Mahmudullah

Over 31: Finally back-to-back boundaries from Mahmudullah off Kuldeep eases some pressure. Bangladesh 99/5

Over 30: Three runs from it as India keep the stranglehold. Bangladesh 90/5

Over 29: Skipper Rohit walks off the field after the end of the over and now Shikhar will lead the side

Over 27: Another good over by Kuldeep Yadav. Just three runs from it. Bangladesh 83/5




Overs 25: At the half-way mark, Bangladesh 78/5. Mahmudullah 11* & Mosaddek Hossain 3*

Overs 22: Another good over from Ravindra Jadeja, gives away just two singles. Bangladesh 74/5

Overs 20: Bangladesh 67/5


Overs 18: OUT! Big wicket. Third for Ravindra Jadeja, Mushfiqur Rahim gone for 21. Bangladesh 65/5

Overs 16.2: NOT OUT! Mushfiqur Rahim survives a stumping appeal. Bangladesh 60/4

Overs 15.4: OUT! Second wicket for Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Mithun gone for 9. Bangladesh 60/4

Overs 15: Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun take Bangladesh to 59/3

Overs 12.2: 50 comes up for Bangladesh

Overs 10: After first Powerplay, struggling Bangladesh reach 44/3

Overs: 9.4: OUT! Ravindra Jadeja strikes in his first over to dismiss Shakib Al Hasan (17). Bangladesh 42/3

Shakib Al Hasan hit it straight to Shikhar Dhawan at square leg, after scoring back-to-back boundaries in the previous two balls off Ravindra Jadeja. Reckless shot from the senior pro.

Overs 9: Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim score five singles off Yuzvendra Chahal's first over. Bangladesh 31/2



Overs 7: MAIDEN OVER! Bhuvneshwar Kumar tightens the screw as Bangladesh batsmen struggle to score. Score: 21/2

Overs 5.1: OUT! Jasprit Bumrah joins the party, dismisses Nazmul Hossain for 7. Bangladesh 16/2

Overs 4.3: OUT! Bhuvneshwar Kumar strikes early, scalps Liton Das for 7. Bangladesh 15/1

Overs 3.4: FOUR! First boundary for Bangladesh from the bat of Liton Das off Jasprit Bumrah. Score: 14/0

Overs 2: Cautious start for Bangladesh, 5/0
After four runs over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah gave away just one leg-bye in the second over. Discipline start by India pacers.

Liton Das and Nazmul Hossain Shanto start the Bangladesh innings. Bhuvneshwar Kumar with the ball for India

*Time for National Anthems

TOSS | India captain Rohit Sharma wins toss and opts to bowl against Bangladesh in Super Four match

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Bangladesh: Liton Das (w), Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Pitch Report

"It is a fresh pitch. There is hardly any grass. It looks an even wicket. There are cracks but usually they don't come into play. It is not a pitch where you can blast. You have to accumulate runs on this pitch. 250 will be a good score." - Russel Arnold

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli obtained 'zero' points while reigning world champion weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu earned 44 points on way to being named for this year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna by the 11-member selection panel.

READ ALSO: Virat Kohli, Mirabai Chanu to receive Khel Ratna

While Kohli's performance sheet had no points because no criteria has been set for cricket, according to documents with TOI, there were at least six other Khel Ratna aspirants who totalled more points than Chanu. Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, who totalled 80 points each, scored the highest points based on their achievements, yet it was a show of hands that ultimately decided that the Indian Test captain and Mirabai (who edged out shuttler Kidambi Srikanth) would receive India's highest sports award this year.





After a meeting with the sports minister on Thursday, Punia told TOI he would move court on Friday against his name being overlooked for the award despite having the highest performance points.

The document, which breaks down the total points awarded based on achievements for 17 sportspersons shortlisted for the 2018 award, had para-athlete Deepa Malik behind Punia and Phogat with 78.4 points, followed by table tennis player Manika Batra (65), boxer Vikas Krishan (52) and archer Abhishek Verma (55.3).

There's no points system for cricket, which is not an Olympic sport. Often, cricketers are selected through consensus, leaving scope for controversy. A committee member confessed to TOI that there was a debate over how the performance of Kohli (whose name had been rejected in 2016 and 2017) should be judged since the points system has been framed keeping in mind performances in Olympic and international tournaments.


'What's the use of points?'

"When Kohli's name came up for discussion, it was decided to pick him through a show of hands in the absence of a points system for cricket," a member said. "Eight out of the 11 members supported Kohli's candidature and that's how his name was recommended," he added.

"In the case of Mirabai and Srikanth, the same process was followed. Seven members raised their hands for Mirabai and six in favour of Srikanth. So, Mirabai became the second recommendation. There was a further debate on Srikanth's inclusion and an internal voting also took place. But, opinion remained divided on his name, and only Kohli and Mirabai's names were recommended. Bajrang and Vinesh's names too came up for discussion, but they weren't considered for the award," the member added.

Interestingly, the committee can award discretionary points (up to 20) to a sportsperson over and above the points given for achievements in Olympics, world championships, Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Out of the 17 applicants, the committee shortlisted 11 and awarded them points - Chanu (19), Kohli (18.5), Srikanth (18), Vinesh (13), Rohan Bopanna (12), Bajrang Punia (12), Neeraj Chopra (15), Deepa Malik (12), Vikas Krishan (14), Manika Batra (13) and para-wrestler Virender Singh (12). It still left Mirabai with 63 (44+19) points, Punia with 92 (80+12), Phogat at 93 (80+13), Malik at 90.4 (78.4+12), Batra at 78 (65+13) and Vikas at 66 (52+14) points.

On Thursday, Punia, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Jakarta Asian Games gold medallist, told TOI that he would move court on Friday after being snubbed for the award. Punia's contention was simple: The committee awarded him the highest score, but he was still ignored for the country's highest sporting award. "I want to ask them (committee members) a simple question: 'What's the use of having a points system in place when you don't adhere to it?'" he asked.

"If the members want to ignore my credentials despite it being amply visible that Vinesh and I have accumulated the maximum points, then what option do I have other than moving court?" Bajrang said. "I have immense respect for Kohli and Mirabai. They are two champion sportspersons, but if I look at my credentials and that of Mirabai, there is no comparison. You gave her the award, give it to me as well, it's simple," he added.

Bajrang later met sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to plead his case. "I only got assurances from the minister but I won't wait until next year," he told TOI.

This year's Khel Ratna and Arjuna committee was headed by a retired Delhi high court judge, Justice Indermeet Kaul Kochhar, and had former sportspersons Ashwini Nachappa, Kamlesh Mehta, Samresh Jung and Vimal Kumar as members, among others. Marking for Punia's achievements was done based on his silver medal at 2014 Glasgow CWG (20 points), silver in 2014 Incheon Asiad (25 points), gold in Gold Coast CWG (25 points) and gold in Jakarta Asiad (30 points), taking his total 'score obtained' to 100 points. The 'converted score' (final points) awarded by the committee came up to 80 points.

In Mirabai's case, three of her performances were considered for the recommendation - silver in Glasgow CWG (20 points), gold at 2017 Las Vegas Worlds which is held every year (10 points) and Gold Coast CWG gold (25 points), totalling 55 points. The committee's converted score was 44 points. Vinesh also had 100 points and her 'converted score' came to 80 points. Her Glasgow gold (25), Incheon bronze (20), Gold Coast CWG gold (25) and Jakarta Asiad gold (30) were taken into consideration.

DUBAI: India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the ongoing Asia Cup with an acute back injury and Deepak Chahar will be his replacement.

READ ALSO: Hardik Pandya, third Indian breakdown in three months

Chahar will be landing in Dubai on Thursday, a BCCI source said.

Left-arm spinner Axar Patel injured his left index finger while fielding in the game against Pakistan. He was sent for scans and the results showed that he had a tendon tear. He will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. Ravindra Jadeja will replace Axar Patel in the squad.

Right-arm pacer Shardul Thakur experienced right hip and groin soreness after the game against Hong Kong. He will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament. Siddharth Kaul will replace Shardul Thakur in the squad.

Pandya not taking further part in the tournament was expected after he was stretchered off the field during the group league encounter against Pakistan on Wednesday.

The incident took place in the 18th over of the Pakistan innings when the all-rounder was bowling his fifth over.

It was the fifth delivery and Pandya, after completing the follow through, immediately felt his lower back and lay on the ground in considerable pain.

He was unable to get up and was stretchered off. He was then taken for medical examination.

Later, the BCCI tweeted that Pandya was suffering from an acute lower back injury.


Pandya ended with figures of 4.5-0-24-0 after Babar Azam's catch was dropped by Mahendra Singh Dhoni when the batsman was on 32.

Deepak Chahar , Ravindra Jadeja & Siddharth Kaul will join the team on Thursday.
Read this story in Marathi

DUBAI: India ticked all boxes as they clinically decimated Pakistan by eight wickets in a lopsided Asia Cup group league encounter on Wednesday.

Scorecard | As it happened

It was a superlative effort from the bowling unit that saw them shoot out Pakistan for a paltry 162 in 43.1 overs before Rohit Sharma (52 off 39 balls) and Shikhar Dhawan (46 off 54 balls) added 86 for the opening wicket to ensure a smooth chase for the 'Men In Blue' in only 29 overs.

This was India's most comprehensive victory in terms of balls remaining (126).

After a wake-up call against Hong Kong, the Pakistan match was a near perfect performance for India as Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/15 in 7 overs) and Kedar Jadhav (3/23 in 9 overs) were perfectly complemented by Jasprit Bumrah (2/23 in 7.1 overs) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/37 in 8 overs).

If Kuldeep's googly to snuff out Babar Azam was the turning point, Kedar Jadhav's unconventional side-arm off-breaks broke the lower middle-order as Pakistan never recovered from the batting collapse.

With the pressure of scoreboard virtually non-existent, Rohit and Dhawan showed why they are one of the most formidable opening pair in white-ball cricket.

The eighth over from Usman Khan enabled India to cut loose as Rohit first hooked him for a six using the pace of the delivery and followed it up with a pull shot for boundary and then short arm pull in front of square for another six. With 19 runs coming off that over, there was no looking back for India.

Rohit's third six was another hook shot off Hasan Ali followed by a drive through mid-off to complete his 35th half century in ODIs. He was fooled by a googly from Shadab Khan but by then India were on course for a comprehensive victory. Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik both contributed 31 to take India past finish line with consummate ease.

The two teams will now meet in Super Four on September 23.

Earlier, Jadhav produced a laudable performance as he did the job of a frontline spinner after Hardik Pandya (0/24 in 4.5 overs) was stretchered off the field due to an acute lower back injury.

This was after young Babar Azam (47) and veteran Shoaib Malik (43) added 82 runs for the third wicket and looked like taking control of the proceedings.

However, Pakistan suffered a batting collapse losing five wickets for 36 runs before Faheem Ashraf (21) and Mohammed Amir (16) added an invaluable 37 runs for the eighth wicket to take the total past 150-run mark.

Put into bat, Pakistan were in trouble straight away as Bhuvneshwar dealt a twin blow removing the in-form duo of Imam-ul-Haq (2) and Fakhar Zaman (0) to reduce them to 2 for 3.

Imam charged to a short of length delivery that climbed on him and the thickish outside edge was taken by Dhoni. Zaman, India's tormentor in the Champions Trophy, mistimed a pull-shot and Yuzvendra Chahal took a well-judged catch.

Babar and Malik then resurrected the innings with a fine partnership. The half-volleys on both sides of the wicket were driven with ferocity.

Malik, who is a good player of spin bowling, gave Kuldeep Yadav the charge to hit him for a six and rotated the strike well.

In fact, Malik was dropped off Pandya's bowling, whose agonies increased when he had to leave the field.

Babar failed to read Kuldeep's googly as it clipped his off-bail. From 85 for 2, it soon became 100 for five as Pakistan lost wickets in a heap.

Sarfraz Ahmed (6) was dismissed by Jadhav as substitute fielder Manish Pandey took a blinder at long-on.

The Pakistani batsmen found it extremely difficult to read Jadhav's round-arm action as he bowled straight and wide. Asif Ali was caught behind and then Malik was run-out by a direct throw from Ambati Rayudu.

Shadab Khan (8) was stumped by Dhoni as he became Yadav's third victim of the match.

Faheem and Amir did try their bit as Pakistan crossed the 150-run mark before Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah wrapped up the tail in the 44th over.

DUBAI: It's ironical that at a time when India and Pakistan are looking for ways to bring about a thaw in their diplomatic relations, their cricket teams will lock horns in the sweltering heat of the UAE in a fixture that has grabbed the attention of the cricketing world.

READ ALSO: Six moments when the rivalry boiled over

This country has tossed up some of the most memorable clashes between the two teams in Sharjah, and Dubai is not a bad replacement venue.


Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed set the tempo for the match on Wednesday by saying: " Jo bhi achcha karta hain inn matchon mein, woh apni kaum ke liye bada ban jata hain (Whoever performs well in these India-Pakistan matches becomes a big name in his nation)."

It's been 15 months since these two teams last played each other. Both countries have stood firm on their respective diplomatic stands, with the Indian government's reluctance to allow cricket with Pakistan on home turf forcing the Asia Cup to move out to UAE.

READ ALSO: Roller coaster matches between India and Pakistan

Imran Khan becoming Pakistan's prime minister has re-ignited hopes of reviving India-Pakistan matches, and the buzz in Pakistan media suggested that Imran might show up during the match as he is expected to be in the Gulf on a diplomatic tour.


Imran's likely presence at the match notwithstanding, ' junoon' (passion) was the operative word for Pakistan as Sarfraz pointed out on the eve of the match.

" Junoon is there, you know you've to perform against India," the feisty wicketkeeper said, revealing the emotions running through his camp.

It's different in the Indian camp. At least that's the impression stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma gave. He pulled out the 'we treat all oppositions equally' cliché ahead of the match against Hong Kong, which preceded the 'big one' by a day.

"Obviously, it's a big match but we will think about the game only after the match against Hong Kong," Rohit said on Monday.

That leaves the Indian think-tank around 16 hours to train their minds on the game, one that the fans back home hope will make amends for the defeat in the Champions Trophy final in June last year. Even if Sarfraz claimed that this match is different from that Oval final, a loss is bound to hurt the Men in Blue.

Rohit side-stepped the significance of the game, but the Indians have quietly gone about preparing for Pakistan's most lethal weapon - Mohammed Amir and the battery of left-arm pacers. They have brought in a left-arm throw-down specialist to prepare batsmen for the quick left-arm bowling they are expected to play.

HONG KONG INNINGS (259/8)

End of Over 50: India (285/7) beat Hong Kong (259/8) by 26 runs in Group A match at Dubai. (Nizakat Khan 92, Anshuman Rath 73; Kuldeep Chahal 3/46, Khaleel Ahmed 3/48)

49.1 overs: Slower one from Khaleel and chipped straight up by Ehsan Khan (22). Easy return catch for the youngster, who now has three wickets.

End of Over 48: The writing is on the wall! HKG 249/7, requiring 37 off 12 balls now.

46.3 overs: Stumped! McKechnie (7) misses the line jumping out to Kuldeep. Easy job for Dhoni, who removes the stumps. HKG 240/7.



End of Over 45: Chahal strikes twice in one over. Kinchit (17) first to go caught by Dhawan and then Aizaz LBW for a first-ball duck. HKG 230/6, requiring 56 runs in 30 balls. Chahal finishes with figures of 3/46.

End of Over 43: HKG are hanging in there, with Kinchit Shah using the long handle well. 13 runs in that over from Chahal, including a six by Shah. HKG 220/4.

40.2 overs: Fourth HKG batsman falls as Yuzvendra Chahal gets among the wickets by dismissing Babar Hayat (18) caught behind. HKG 199/4 in 40.2 overs.

39.1 overs: Khaleel strikes again as he gets an edge off Christopher Carter's (3) bat. Dhoni does the rest with a simple catch. HKG 191/3.

End of Over 38: The asking rate has gone past 8.50. Babar Hayat and Christopher Cart has a huge task at hand. HKG 183/2.

35.4 overs: First international wicket for Khaleel Ahmed! Nizakat trapped LBW for 92. Decision reviewed by the batsman but that's out! Hong Kong lose two quick wickets. 175/2.

34.1 overs: First wicket for India! Kuldeep strikes as Anshuman (73) drives it straight to Rohit at short cover. HKG 174/1 .



Drinks Break: HKG 167/0 in 33 overs, need 119 runs more in 102 balls. Nizakat Khan batting on 87, Anshuman on 71.

End of Over 31: Shardul Thakur returns to the crease and it results in two boundaries for Hong Kong. In total 13 runs from the over. His figures 0/41 in 4 overs. HKG 157/0.

29th over: Fifty for HKG captain Anshuman Rath - his seventh in ODIs. Can he kick on to play a big one to stun India?

End of Over 28: Chahal and Yadav have completed 12 overs between them (6 each) giving away 44 runs in total without a wicket. That speaks volumes about the way Nizakat (79*) and Anshuman (48*) have read and played the spin twins. HKG 135/0.

End of Over 25: Hong Kong will take this any day against India. They are 130/0 chasing 286 to win. Nizakat on 74* and Anshuman 46*.

End of Over 21: HKG 115/0 as Nizakat Khan seems to be cramping up in hot Dubai conditions.

End of Over 18: Hong Kong raise their first ever 100-run opening partnership with Nizakat (60*) and Anshuman (32*) taking their team to 101/0 in 18 overs in reply to India's 285/7.



End of Over 15: DROPPED! Yuzvendra Chahal puts down a low but catchable return chance to let off Anshuman Rath (29*), who, along with Nizakat Khan (54*), is playing India's spin twins Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav watchfully. HKG 89/0.

11.3 Overs: Fifty for Nizakat Khan in just 45 balls, and he brings it up with a SIX off Shardul Thakur. Hong Kong 76/0 in 11.3 overs. India surely didn't expect this.

9.2 Overs: Exactly the start Hong Kong wanted chasing 286 to upset India. Openers Nizakat and Anshuman raise fifty in 9.2 overs.

End of Over 8: Good start by Shardul Thakur, gives away just two runs in his first six balls having replaced Khaleel Ahmed as first change. But India still searching for their first wicket. HKG 47/0.

End of Over 6: Anshuman thumps Khaleel through the covers for a crisp boundary, his first. HKG looking good at 26/0.

End of Over 3: Nizakat Khan and Anshuman Rath not looking in any trouble against the new-ball bowling of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and debutant Khaleel Ahmed.

INDIA INNINGS (285/7)

End of Over 50 : Hong Kong come back to limit India to 285/7 in 50 overs after Shikhar Dhawan's 127. Ambati Rayudu made 60. Kinchit Shah (3/39) the most successful bowler for HKG.



49.2 overs: Shardul Thakur dismissed by Aizaz Khan for a duck.

48.4 overs: Bhuvneshwar goes for 9 caught at short mid-wicket as Kinchit Shah gets his third wicket. India 277/6

End of Over 47: Three overs left as Jadhav's chipped SIX showed what he can do with the bat. India 271/5 in 47 overs. Can they get to 300?

End of Over 45: India 256/5, now it's touch and go for 300. Jadhav batting on 6 and Bhuvneshwar on 4.

42.3 overs: Double blow turns into triple for India. Dinesh Karthik (33) perishes in the deep to a brilliant catch by Babar Hayat off Kinchit Shah. India slip to 249/5. India's tail begins with Bhuvneshwar Kumar walking into the middle.

41.4 overs: Faint edge and well caught by the wicketkeeper as MS Dhoni is sent back by spinner Ehsan Khan for a duck. Disappointment all around in the stadium. India 242/4. Kedar Jadhav joins Dinesh Karthik (29*).

40.4 overs: Shikhar Dhawan walks back after a brilliant knock of 127 off 120 balls. India 240/3 in 40.4 overs. Karthik batting on 27. Kinchit Shah the wicket-taker for HKG.

End of Over 38: An LBW shout against Dhawan reviewed by Hong Kong spinner Ehsan Khan as the left-hander went for a reverse sweep. But it struck his pad outside off-stump. India 215/2.


End of Over 36: Shikhar Dhawan completes his 14th ODI century to kick off India's Asia Cup in style. Reaches the landmark in 105 balls. India 198/2..


End of Over 32: Dinesh Karthik is the new man in to join Shikhar Dhawan, who is on 89*. India 176/2.

29.2 Overs- Ehsan Nawaz strikes to remove Ambati Rayudu (60). A fine, high catch by the wicketkeeper standing up. India 161/2 at the end of a 116-run partnership.


End of Over 28: Ambati Rayudu, too, brings up his half-century -- the 7th of his ODI career -- in 63 balls. India 152/1 in 28 overs.

End of Over 26: Rayudu is within five runs from his seventh ODI fifty. Exactly the start he was looking for after being recalled to the squad. India 142/1.

End of Over 23: India 128/1. Rayudu has moved up to 37* and Dhawan is on 67*. Nothing much in the wicket and the bowling is not menacing at all, so a big total looks like an understatement at the moment.

End of Over 20: Rayudu (29*) opens his shoulders with first SIX for India. A pull shot for a maximum after Dhawan celebrated his fifty off a boundary in the same over -- bowled by Nizakat Khan.

19.1 overs: 26th ODI half-century for Shikhar Dhawan. The left-hander brings it up off 57 balls. He hit 8 fours en route. India 96/1.


End of 15 Overs: India 77/1. Hong Kong have managed to put some plug on the boundaries but it's only regular wickets that can keep them in the contest.

End of Over 12: Rayudu (7* off 10) is settling in nicely as Dhawan (37*) approaches another ODI half-century. India 68/1.

End of Over 10:Dhawan (30*) isn't holding back despite the fall of Rohit's wicket, cuts Ehsan backward of point for two consecutive boundaries. India 56/1.

7.4 Overs: Hong Kong draw first blood and it's the big wicket of Rohit Sharma (23), dismissed by Ehsan Khan. India 45/1 in 7.4 overs. Ambati Rayudu is the new batsman in.

End of Over 7: Just two runs from that over off Aizaz Khan, which is what HKG will be looking to have from the other end as well. India 44/0.

End of Over 5: No trouble whatsoever for Dhawan (11*) and Rohit (22*), especially the captain who ends the fifth over with back-to-back fours. India 34/0.

End of Over 4: After four dot balls, Rohit pulls the next one in front of square leg for the second boundary off his bat. India 21/0.

End of Over 3: Dhawan gets first boundary under his belt, It was delivered short and wide of the off-stump by Tanwir, and Dhawan drove it through covers. India 17/0

0.4 Over: Rohit Sharma drives through the covers to hit the first boundary of the Indian innings.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan out in the middle to open Indian innings while Tanwir Afzal will bowl the first over.


TEAM UPDATE: Khaleel Ahmed makes his debut for India.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed

Hong Kong: Nizakat Khan, Anshuman Rath (c), Babar Hayat, Christopher Carter, Kinchit Shah, Ehsan Khan, Aizaz Khan, Scott McKechnie(w), Tanwir Afzal, Ehsan Nawaz, Nadeem Ahmed

TOSS UPDATE: Hong Kong win the toss and decide to bowl first. India, led by Rohit Sharma in Virat Kohli's absence, will look to put a big total on the board to start their Asia Cup campaign.

PREVIEW

Favourites India will look to sweep aside minnows Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener on Tuesday and prepare for the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan the next day.

Hong Kong lost to Pakistan by eight wickets in their first game. India, who even without talismanic skipper Virat Kohli, should give them the same treatment.

Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy and with experienced MS Dhoni in their ranks, India will look to get their combination right in the first game before the tougher test of Pakistan on which all eyes will rest.

Besides Rohit, the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Kedar Jadhav add teeth to their batting while in the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal throw up a lot of variety.

DUBAI: KL Rahul walked into the nets for the second time moments after Team India bowling coach Bharat Arun yelled out to his bowlers, "Take rest and then come back." Rahul paused, looked around and took fresh guard.

READ ALSO: Searing heat, slow pitches will test India

The noon heat wave here has compelled the Indian players to conserve energy. Yet, Rahul, back from a tiring tour of England, was pushing himself. It's not even a week since he got a Test hundred at the Oval, and exerting before a game against Hong Kong did not seem rational. More so as India will take on Pakistan just the day after meeting Hong Kong.

But there is a lot at stake for Rahul: he wants to cement a place in the Indian ODI middle order, which looks unsettled.

"Yeah it is not settled," Rohit Sharma, the stand-in captain for the tournament, was in no mood to skirt the issues plaguing his team ahead of the Asia Cup-opener. "There's been a lot of guys who have played in those positions. Going forward we want everything to be settled. It ( Asia Cup) gives opportunity to the guys to come and play the cricket they like to play and seal the spot."

For a change, here's a man from the leadership group who doesn't like to live in denial.

Continuity in the middle order has been low priority in the Indian scheme of things.MS Dhoni, whose prowess is on the wane, has been the only constant. Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Kedar Jadhav, Suresh Raina and Manish Pandey have all got their opportunities, but a decent run has eluded each one of them.

Regular skipper Virat Kohli - keeping in mind the World Cup in England next year - had asserted during the ODI leg in South Africa that Rahane ticks most boxes. Strangely, the selectors thought otherwise after that series in South Africa. Jadhav's frequent breakdowns and Ambati Rayudu's inability to pass the mandatory fitness test paved the way back for Suresh Raina in England three months ago. Trying to accommodate the talent of Rahul has also contributed to the team management's impatience.

Rohit on Monday preferred to lay out the template, a similar one which has helped him win two IPL titles with Mumbai Indians: "Nobody likes to be dropped and brought back into the squad. We want everyone to be feeling safe and settled, so that they can play freely.

"If you look at the future, as a captain or player you want your team to be settled and even the guys who are eyeing that spot want to be settled. Right now all the guys who are eyeing that spot look fresh mentally. I guess they're just a performance away from making their claim."

Rohit, in essence, held the mirror up for the team management and the selectors. He may slip back into the vice-captain's role once Kohli is back, but he has put his vision out on the table.

This is Rohit's first marquee series as a captain. The label of 'not a good Test-player' is a bitter pill to swallow for him. He has his focus locked on enhancing his reputation as a man with a sound awareness of the game.

The process should start with the match against Hong Kong on Tuesday. "I can't tell you who is going to bat where. Obviously, we want to give as many chances as possible to the guys to make sure the No.4 and 6 spots are sealed. I cannot definitely tell who can bat at 3 or 4. I still have to go and have a word with the coach," Rohit's statement suggested that No. 5 has been identified for Dhoni.

For now, Rohit has made his stand on Jadhav clear. Jadhav fits in as an important member and inclusion of Rayudu has only added to the strength of the middle-order.

KOLKATA: Former skipper Sourav Ganguly said India are a better team and absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli won't be a factor when the defending champions take on arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-voltage Asia Cup clash on Wednesday.

The two bitter foes will reignite their rivalry in the Asia Cup on Wednesday with India having a 6-5 win-loss record from 12 encounters in the continental event.

"It will be a 50-50 contest in Dubai," Ganguly said on the sidelines of a promotional event here.

India are the most successful side in the Asia Cup, having won the title a total of six times, while Pakistan bagged the crown twice.

Rohit Sharma will lead India in the absence of Kohli who has been given rest after a draining England tour.

"Virat Kohli's absence won't be a factor, they are a better side," Ganguly said, adding Pakistan too have improved on their performance.

The last time the two sides met was the Champions Trophy summit clash in England last year, with Pakistan winning the match by 180 runs.

India begin their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on Tuesday, while Pakistan have made their intentions clear with an eight wicket win over Hong Kong on Sunday.

DUBAI: Former champions Pakistan thrashed an inexperienced Hong Kong by eight wickets in a one-sided match to open their Asia Cup campaign in style on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Pakistan vs Hong Kong - as it happened

Pakistan's bowling attack was too hot to handle for Hong Kong in Dubai as Usman Shinwari finished with 3/19 and Hasan Ali took 2/19, while leg-spinner Shadab Khan managed 2/31 to bowl Hong Kong out for 116 in 37.1 overs.

Pakistan then completed the chase comfortably for the loss of opener Fakhar Zaman (24) and Babar Azam (33), while Imam-ul-Haq finished on 50 not out after just 23.4 overs.

It proved another cakewalk for Pakistan, like their two previous victories against Hong Kong, by 173 runs in the 2004 Asia Cup in Colombo and by 155 in Karachi four years later.

This was a perfect warm-up for Pakistan ahead of their high-profile showdown with arch rivals India, also in Dubai on Wednesday.

Hong Kong struggled after captain Anshuman Rath won the toss and chose to bat in the Group A opener.

Top-scorer Aizaz Khan (27) and Kinchit Shah (26) fought valiantly during their sixth-wicket stand of 53 runs to offer some respite after Hong Kong were left reeling at 44/5.

Skipper Rath (19) and Nizakat Khan (13) were the only other two men to reach double figures.

Bangladesh thumped Sri Lanka by 137 runs in the first Group B match in Dubai on Saturday. Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the top two from that table contesting the September 28 final in Dubai.

A 1-4 thrashing at the hands of England has left the world's No.1 Test team licking its wounds. Barring skipper Virat Kohli, the rest of the Indian batting line-up was found wanting. In a chat with TOI, chief selector MSK Prasad discusses the way forward...

Your view of the series defeat in England...

It was so close, yet so far. The results don't reveal how intensely this series was fought but we all know the same results could have been in our favour too. We had our moments in the series which we should have encashed on. There are positives. I feel our fast bowling unit has done a fantastic job. Picking 60-plus wickets in five Tests was testimony to their skill-set and a result of the fitness regimens and workload management we are following. I am extremely happy the way we fielded and took catches. But batting as a unit has to come to the fore.

India also showed an inability to pick wickets towards the end…

Yes. We also need to find solutions for picking those last few wickets. It essentially cost us the series.

BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad. (PTI Photo)

The openers have disappointed. The No. 3 and No. 5 batsmen have struggled...

When we pick players for particular slots, they should be given enough opportunities before we move on and look at youngsters. Yes, our openers could have done better. Having said that, the England openers also failed miserably. The conditions were tough and the openers of both the teams failed. Over the last few years, Pujara and Rahane have done well in those No. 3 & No. 5 slots. They have enough experience behind them to be the mainstay of our middle order. They did well here too but they could have been a bit more consistent.

READ ALSO: At times, Kohli's lack of experience shows, says Gavaskar

All eyes are on the selectors now...

After giving enough opportunities, if the players don't deliver then in all fairness we need to look at youngsters who are doing well on the domestic cricket circuit and for India 'A'.

Shikhar Dhawan was dropped for the second and third Test against South Africa. Did the selectors take the call to pick him for England based on the one-off Afghanistan Test?

When we pick the team for an important tour like England, we need to take many factors into consideration, be it experience, combinations, consistency etc. That is how we pick the team.

How well were the selectors updated on Wriddhiman Saha's injury status?

We keep getting the fitness reports of all contracted players undergoing rehabilitation in NCA on a regular basis. There is absolutely no confusion whatsoever. Patrick (Farhart, the physio) keeps me and my colleagues updated on the fitness status of every contracted player. It was pure speculation that the selectors were not informed about Saha's fitness issues. Let me clarify that we are well informed about Saha's fitness status. In fact, apart from the information we get from Patrick, the performance statistics and fitness reports of all contracted and India 'A' players are tabled by our operations team in the selection committee meetings.

Are the national selectors kept in the loop about all fitness concerns when the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on?

Yes, we are very well informed with regards to the fitness status of all contracted and India 'A' cricketers right through the year, including IPL.

Injury prevention and workload management were big talking points during the IPL. But has anything tangible been worked out? There seems to be a lack of communication, overlooking of injuries, mismanagement of workloads...

I totally disagree. We have a clear plan with regard to injury prevention and workload management. The outstanding performance of our fast bowlers in South Africa and England is testimony to our workload management program. The basic fitness parameters fixed by us has raised our fitness standards. If our boys can fight till the last session of the 83rd day of the England tour with the same intensity that they fought on the first day of the tour, it speaks volumes about our fitness standards and the ability to fight.

In the last Indian bowling session in the fifth Test, our bowlers were bowling at speeds of 90 miles per hour. As part of this injury prevention process and workload management process, we have rested Virat Kohli for the Asia Cup and also intend to rest a few more players in the upcoming home series before the Australia tour.

Almost every domestic cricketer who needs to be given an opportunity has been given one. Then why is it that someone like Mayank Agarwal - despite his domestic exploits - is continuously ignored?

I totally agree that our committee has been consistent on this point and given utmost priority to the performances in domestic cricket. Mayank Agarwal has been doing outstandingly well in the past 10 months or so. You should also know that we have identified potential in Mayank and requested the head coach and assistant coach of Karnataka at the beginning of the season to give him ample opportunities this season. We have been keeping track of him for some time. He has done well and will get his due soon.


What are your thoughts on R Ashwin's performance in England. He has sometimes struggled on overseas assignments outside the subcontinent...

I still say Ashwin is one of the best spinners in the world today. He bowled brilliantly in South Africa and also started off very well in England. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury in the third Test. Though he had enough rest and was fit for the fourth Test, he couldn't deliver as expected. Over the past 4-5 years Ashwin and Jadeja have held our spin-bowling department together with pride and precision. I still feel they are the best that we have right now, with Kuldeep being third best.

Most international-level players forego the domestic circuit. They only play IPL and international cricket. Shouldn't those who fail to perform be made to play domestic cricket?

I totally agree that going back to domestic cricket and getting runs or wickets is the only the way to get back into the Indian team in the longer formats. In the past, even our legendary cricketers preferred to go back to domestic cricket to regain their form.

Six losses in eight Tests, is that a clear indication that changes need to be made?

A cricketer strives hard on and off the field to perform well. No one plays to fail. Once we identify that a particular player has the potential, we give him sufficient number of opportunities. We don't look for an opportunity to drop a player. It is up to the player to utilise the opportunities given to him.

What steps should to be taken now keeping the tour of Australia in mind?

We are a settled bowling unit. We need to consolidate our batting department. We should ensure our batsman get enough preparation time before heading into an important series. We are trying to find ways where our Test specialists will be going early and get enough match practise to get acclimatised to conditions.

The 50-over ICC World Cup is barely eight months away. Are the selectors focusing on that right now?

As we have only 24 ODIs before we play our first game in the World Cup, we have our blueprint ready. We only have a few spots left to be cemented.

The selection committee has functioned for close to 18 months with just three members on the panel. Now it's back to five…

We are happy that Gagan and Jatin have joined us. Even during their period of exile, they always used to discuss with us about various talented players. I am sure they were keeping track of domestic and international cricket even though they were not part of our committee.