India and Pakistan were penalised for maintaining a slow over-rate during Sunday’s Asia Cup match in Dubai. As a result, both teams were forced to place an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle. According to the new ICC playing condition, which came into effect in January, any over that begins outside the stipulated time limit of 85 minutes for an innings has to be bowled with at least five fielders inside the ring. India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that such changes could impact the result of the match.
“It is one of the points where you can win or lose the match in the last few overs. It was evenly poised but yes, we always talk about the run-rate because even in the final of the Asia Cup or in the World Cup, if this happens, we can lose the match, and that’s not a nice way to lose a match,” Bhuvneshwar said.
“We always address these things and definitely, this thing will be discussed at the next meeting,” Bhuvneshwar said. India bowled less than 18 overs in the allotted time after opting to bowl. The Rohit Sharma-led side was then forced to have five fielders inside the circle for the final two overs.
Pakistan were also penalised in the same manner. The pacer lauded Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 33 off just 17 balls and Ravindra Jadeja’s 35 for the five-wicket victory.
“After the 10 overs of our innings, it was a tight match. In those situations, the game could have gone either way. But the way Hardik and Jadeja batted, they played very well. But honestly, the match was 50-50. Till the time Hardik scored runs, the match was 50-50.
“We were praying that Hardik scores runs. I can just pray that Hardik continues with his performances and he stays in this form in the World Cup as well,” said Bhuvneshwar.
Despite Hardik’s contribution, it was Bhuvneshwar’s figures of 4/26 which helped India restrict Pakistan to 147. The experienced seamer also got the key breakthrough of Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the third over of the innings. “I am very happy with the performance, not just with the wickets. Yes, when you get wickets, you feel happy to contribute but sometimes bowling economically is also a contribution to the team’s cause. The way the others bowled as well, I think it was a complete team performance,” said Bhuvneshwar.
“Once Babar was dismissed, we did not think that half of the Pakistan team has been dismissed. He is a good player but technically there were nine other batters still left. As a team, we do not think that if the best batter is out, then half of the team is dismissed. But yes, once he was out, we knew their plans will be disturbed as the batter who plays the role of the anchor was gone,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar said it was a wise decision to field first. “Bowling first was a good option. The wicket had some grass and it was patchy so it was not suitable for the batters... that is why we decided to bowl first.”
