India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match called off due to rain after Kishan-Pandya's heroics propel Men in Blue to 266

The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan ODI in the Asia Cup 2023 was called off on Saturday after the first innings due to incessant rain. India batted first against the arch-rivals Pakistan in their campaign opener and were restricted to 266 all-out in 48.5 overs.

However, the Pakistan chase never got underway as heavy rain lashed the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, during the mid-innings break.

After a long wait, the match was called off at 9.52 IST by match referee Javagal Srinath without a ball being bowled in the second innings.

Asia Cup:

Earlier, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya were the star batters for India as the Men in Blue posted 266 all-out despite making a horrendous start after winning the toss.

Shaheen Afridi removed Rohit Sharma (11) and Virat Kohli (4), while Shubamn Gill (10) fell to Harid Rauf who also got the better of Shreyas Iyer (12) to reduce India to 66/4 in 14.1 overs.

Watch: Shaheen bamboozles Rohit, Kohli

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya however steadied the Indian innings with a solid 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

This is the highest fifth wicket partnership for India against Pakistan in the 50-over format.

The previous record belonged to India head coach Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif who scored 135 together in 2005.

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Kishan, who was playing his first match against Pakistan, slammed 82 off 81 balls. Kishan had been picked as a replacement for injured KL Rahul and the wicketkeeper-batter proved himself to be a perfect choice as he helped India to a respectable total with the support of Pandya.

All-rounder Pandya scored 87 off 90 before giving away a catch to extra cover fielder off a slower ball from Shaheen.

Kishan had got caught out off Rauf after he miscued a pull shot in the 38th over.

Both Kishan and Pandya earned a lot of praise on X (formerly Twitter) after their brave partnership.

Ishan Kishan vs Pak bowlers today, well played @ishankishan51 👏🏽 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/44ugQHWewp

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 2, 2023

India will remember this, Ishan Kishan. 👏 pic.twitter.com/gF9NhItqDB

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 2, 2023

TAKE A BOW, ISHAN KISHAN....!!!

A fighting knock of 82 in just 81 balls with 9 fours and 2 sixes. Completely dominated the Pakistani bowling unit. A career defining innings by Kishan, well done! pic.twitter.com/0fC46WpQil

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 2, 2023

"Some FIFTIES are GREATER than HUNDREDS"

Well played, Ishan Kishan!#PAKvIND | #AsiaCup23 pic.twitter.com/96scE9jmHN

— Prathmesh. (@45Fan_Prathmesh) September 2, 2023

Hardik Pandya is one of the most gutsy players to come out of India. The man comes in difficult situations and takes opponents by the scruff of the neck. A true MVP.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 2, 2023

Pandya stitched a partnership of 35 runs with Ravindra Jadeja before getting out in the 44th over.

Jadeja and Thakur’s partnership after Pandya’s dismissal only lasted for three runs as Pakistan pacers ran through the Indian lower order.

Jadeja (14) was dismissed by Shaheen, while Naseem Shah removed Thakur (3) and Kuldeep Yadav (4).

Making a return to ODI cricket, Jasprit Bumrah cracked 16 off 14 from the No 10 spot and smashed three fours before getting out to Naseem.

Mohammed Siraj stayed unbeaten on one.

Meanwhile, Pakistan qualified for Super Fours after points were split between India and them. Pakistan progressed with three points from two group matches.

India next play Nepal in their final group game on Monday.