In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship and camaraderie, the dynamic trio of Virat Kohli, India’s prolific batter, the team’s head coach Rahul Dravid, and the vice-captain Hardik Pandya were spotted presenting medals to the Nepal players after India’s triumphant performance at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka on Monday, September 4. In a match that saw India secure a crucial two points with a resounding 10-wicket victory over Nepal during their second Asia Cup fixture, these gestures of goodwill added a special touch to the occasion.
After the match concluded, Kohli, Hardik, and other Indian team members engaged in light-hearted conversations with the Nepali players as they made their way back to the dressing room. The Indian head coach, Dravid, Kohli, and vice-captain Hardik extended their appreciation to the Nepal players by presenting them with medals, marking their debut in the ACC event.
भारतीय खेलाडीहरुले नेपाली खेलाडीहरुलाई दिएको सम्मान 🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/aiCm8zxTJo
— Bipin Sapkota (@bipinsapkota213) September 5, 2023
Virat Kohli’s sportsmanship extended beyond the cricket field as he spent time with the Nepal players and even took pictures with them in their dressing room. His act of giving an autograph to Nepal’s pacer, Sompal Kami, on his shoes left Kami deeply moved.
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Notably, Sompal Kami, who batted at number 8, showcased his batting prowess with two sixes and a boundary in his impressive 56-ball 48. Similarly, Sheikh, with his resilient innings of 58 off 97 balls, contributed significantly to Nepal’s modest total of 230 runs in the first innings.
However, persistent rain at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium led to a revision of the target to 145 runs in 23 overs, with the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method coming into play. In the chase, the Indian opening pair of Shubman Gill and captain Rohit Sharma exhibited exemplary skills, guiding their team to a sensational 10-wicket victory.
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Rohit Sharma’s aggressive knock of 74 runs off 59 balls included five sixes and six fours, while Gill contributed 67 runs off 62 balls, adorned with eight fours and a towering six. With this remarkable win, India secured a spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals Pakistan in the knockout rounds on Sunday, September 10, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
