Indian veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane lauded Tilak Varma after the Men in Blue claimed a five-wicket win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup final at Dubai on Sunday. Chasing 147 runs for the win, India found themselves under pressure at 20-3 after four overs, losing in-form Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav.
However, India was able to get back into the contest as Varma was cool as a cucumber when the team was put under the pump in a high-octane clash. The left-hander scored a match-winning knock of 69 runs off just 53 balls, laden with three fours and four sixes.
Varma was able to complete his fifty off 41 balls and played accordingly to the match situation to take India over the line in a tense run-chase.
Ajinkya Rahane said on the YouTube Channel, “What an amazing knock. Finishing the game and winning it in the final was amazing. We have seen Tilak Varma scoring match-winning runs and big runs consistently for the Mumbai Indians on many occasions. More than the 69 he scored, his composure and calmness under pressure was amazing. His presence of mind and the way he assessed the conditions and the situation, rotating the strike, was so good to see from Tilak Varma. He knew which ball and bowler to attack.”
On the other hand, Rahane revealed that Shivam Dube always likes to bowl in the nets and works hard on his bowling. Dube conceded 23 runs in the three overs he bowled in the final and delivered in Hardik Pandya’s absence.
“We all know Shivam can bowl. But personally, I’ve been watching him work really hard on his fitness and bowling since the last two or three years. He always likes to bowl in the nets, bowling those 6-7 overs with good intensity. With Hardik not playing, he had the responsibility of bowling with the new ball in the power play with Jasprit Bumrah,” said Rahane.
“The way he was running in and the intent to bowl those hard lengths was impressive. And his contribution to whatever the team has asked him to do, he has done it. Also with the bat, his useful contribution and partnership with Tilak Varma was amazing. The intent and composure, while choosing the right deliveries was amazing. We know Dube can hit those big sixes against the spinners. But bowling in the powerplay was slightly out of his comfort zone and he did that really well.”
India will now shift their focus to the two-match Test series against the West Indies.
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