India vs Nepal, Asia Cup, 2023 Sep 4 Full score card

FOUR! THAT'S IT! Jha drifts on the pads, on a full length, Shubman Gill gets inside the line and helps it past short fine leg for a boundary. India win by 10 wickets and they are through to the Super Four!

Almost on a yorker length, near the tramline on off, Rohit Sharma digs it out to short third man. Two runs required for India to proceed to the Super Four.

Flighted again, on off, Rohit Sharma pushes it off the front foot to extra cover.

Serves it slower this time and offers flight as well, on middle, Shubman Gill plants his foot forward and knocks it to long on for one more run.

Bowls a low full toss, at the stumps, driven straight to extra cover.

Tossed up again, outside off, Rohit Sharma presses forward and whips it down to long on for a single.

Loopy delivery, fullish in length, Shubman Gill jams it out to extra cover. A fumble there allows the batters to sneak in a single.

FOUR! Absolutely thrashed! Jha offers width this time, outside off, short as well, Rohit Sharma allows the ball to come to him and latches onto the cut shot. Hits it past the diving fielder and picks up a boundary.

Angling in, on a good length, on the off stump line, Rohit Sharma gets cramped for room but still manages to punch it to backward point. He wants a single but Shubman Gill says no and rightfully so.

Sharp delivery! Into the wicket, in the channel on off, Rohit Sharma gets on his toes to dab it on the off side. The ball rises and beats Rohit on the outside edge.

Another one on a back of a length, Shubman Gill brings out the short-arm punch and hits it to deep cover for one.

At 129 kph, back of a length, outside off, Shubman Gill hops and cuts well, only to find the point fielder.

A full delivery and straying on the pads, Shubman Gill clips it sweetly. Gets it to the right of long on for a couple of runs.

Pushed through quicker, at the stumps, Rohit Sharma stays leg side of the ball and pushes it back to the bowler.

Continues to bowl short, outside off, Shubman Gill knocks it off the back foot to long off and picks up a single.

Fires it in, short, around off, Rohit Sharma makes room and goes for the cut. Gets an inside edge to short fine leg for a quick single.

Flighted, on middle, Rohit Sharma prods forward and keeps it out.

Drops it halfway down, slower, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill hangs back and punches it down to long on for one.

Fullish delivery, outside off, left alone by Shubman Gill.

SIX! Launched down the ground! This is bowled slightly fuller, outside off, Rohit Sharma shuffles across and sits deep in hus crease. Powers it over mid off and clears the straight fence with ease for a maximum.

Lands it on a length again, on off, Shubman Gill waits on the back foot and slaps it to deep point for yet another single.

Length delivery, around off, Rohit Sharma lets his hands flow and dabs it towards deep cover for a single.

A bit slower and shorter as well, Rohit Sharma mistimes the punch towards extra cover.

Fullish delivery, on off, Shubman Gill squeezes it out towards mid off and takes a quick single.

Sees the batter make room and cleverly bowls it outside off, away from the reach of Gill.

WIDE! Drifts down leg, on a length, Shubman Gill lets it go for a wide.

Short and quicker, on off, Rohit Sharma blocks it out to cover.

Short and angling into the pads, Shubman Gill tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Leg bye! Pushed through, fraction short, around leg, Rohit Sharma gets down on one knee to paddle it fine on the leg side. He misses and gets rappes on the pads. A confident appeal by the bowler but the umpire shakes his head. Rohit Paudel has a word with the keeper and goes for the review. The UltraEdge shows no bat but it is missing the leg stump on Ball Tracking. Nepal have now lost both their reviews.

Dropped short again, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill waits on the back foot and punches it down to long on for one.

FIFTY for Shubman Gill! A welcome return to form for the talented Indian opener. Sandeep Lamichhane offers a gift, short and down leg, Shubman Gill is too good to miss out as he pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Good call of no by Rohit Sharma! Short and turning away, on middle, Shubman Gill turns it off the back foot to backward leg and sets off for a single. Rohit Sharma sends him back immediately.

Goes full this time, at the stumps, Shubman Gill preses forward and pushes with a straight bat to long off. Retains the strike with a single.

Good running! Lands it short, on the off stump line, Rohit Sharma punches it sweetly to extra cover. Calls Gill for a single and the latter obliges.

Gives the ball air and serves it full, on middle, Shubman Gill mishits the drive to long on and rotates the strike.

Keeps it short, just outside off, Rohit Sharma waits for the ball to arrive and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Darts this one in, at the batter, Rohit Sharma makes room to pull. Gets an inside edge onto the front pad.

SIX! Short and dispatched! Lalit Rajbanshi errs in length and drops an almost half-tracker, on middle, Rohit Sharma picks the length early and gets underneath easily. Pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. India are motoring along here.

TWO WIDES! Spills it down leg, Shubman Gill lets it go. Aasif Sheikh fails to tidy it up, allowing the batters to cross for one.

This is bowled full, at the stumps, Rohit Sharma gets on the front foot and defends with a straight bat.

Shortens his length and a bit wide outside off, Shubman Gill hangs back and slaps it to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Good use of the feet and Shubman Gill helps himself to another boundary! Malla loops it up, on off, Shubman Gill puts the dancing shoes on and thumps it back over the bowler's head for a boundary. Brings up the 100-run stand between him and Rohit.

Goes wide of the crease and slants it in, on off, slightly short, Shubman Gill chops it straight to point.

Darted in, outside off, Shubman Gill drives it on the up but finds extra cover.

Floated up, on off, Shubman Gill punches it off the front foot to extra cover.

Goes back to bowling full, on off, Rohit Sharma jams it out to mid off. A good over for India, 11 came off it.

FIFTY for Rohit Sharma! The Indian skipper has delivered in a must-win game. Sompal drops it short, on off, the ball sits up nicely for Rohit who pulls it towards wide long on. Reaches his fifty with a boundary.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Shubman Gill prods forward and knocks it down to long on. Gets across for a single.

Pulls his length back and serves it at the stumps, Rohit Sharma hangs back and nudges it in front of square for a quick single.

Drifts down leg again, full as well, Shubman Gill clips it off his pads to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

FOUR! Sompal Kami is welcomed back into the attack with a boundary! Starts with a loosener, full and way down leg, Shubman Gill helps it to the left of short fine leg for a boundary.

On a nagging length outside off, and curving away a bit, Sharma looks to rock back and cut but misses.

SIX! Remarkable shot from Rohit Sharma, using the extra pace of Dipendra Singh Airee to perfection. Flatter one outside off, Sharma sits down and tries to flick it behind square leg but the ball goes in front of square and the timing is so good that it flies over the fence.

Darted into middle, Shubman Gill shows the full face of the bat and firms it down to long on for one more.

Quick again and bowled outside off, Rohit Sharma mistimes the cut off the back foot and gets it toward cover for a single.

A bit quicker and shorter, pulled away down to wide long on for a single.

Flighted, around off, a bit fuller as well, Gill plays it back to the bowler.

SIX! Easy power from the Indian skipper! Tossed up on off stump, Rohit Sharma gets down on one knee and slogs it high and well in front of square on the leg side for a biggie. India cruising along now.

FOUR! Drags it down around middle, Rohit Sharma picks up the length early, rocks back and pulls it well over mid-wicket for a boundary.

On the stumps, worked away through square leg for a run.

Lovely delivery! Nicely flighted outside off and on a nagging length. Shubman Gill is drawn forward but just as he looks to block, the ball turns away sharply past the bat.

Shorter in length, hit away off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

Beaten! Pushed through around off, the ball turns away and bounces a bit as well. Rohit Sharma goes for a wild slog but is beaten all ends up.

Flatter again around off this time, Shubman Gill stays back to cut but finds the man at point.

Flatter and on the legs, nudged away well in front of mid-wicket for one.

Fired in at the pads at 110 clicks, Shubman Gill flicks it away to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

On a length around middle, tucked away past square leg for a single.

Slower and the length is also pulled back, Rohit Sharma attempts the reverse paddle but can't get it past backward point.

Starts on a nagging length and bowls it quick as well at 97 clicks. Rohit Sharma is hurried but manages to keep it out.

Floated full and wide, Rohit Sharma just eases it past point and picks up a single.

Fuller and a bit flatter outside off, Shubman Gill steps out and looks for the big hit again but drags it to wide long on for a run.

Misses out this time! A real drag down, quick and down leg, Gill pulls it straight to the man at short fine leg.

SIX! BANG! Slightly tossed up, Shubman Gill dances down the track and gets to the pitch of the ball before lifting it straight back over the bowler's head for a huge maximum.

Spears this one into middle, Shubman Gill manages to block it out.

Nicely tossed up on off stump, Rohit Sharma plays a flowing straight drive down to long off an turns the strike over.

Around the pads, nudged away neatly past square leg for a single.

Wide! Rohit Sharma pre-meditates and shuffles across leg stump. Lalit Rajbanshi sees this and tries to go full and wide but pushes it beyond the tramline.

Good fielding in the deep! Short and wide, Rohit Sharma backs away and cuts it hard behind point. The fielder at deep point runs to his left and puts in the dive to save a couple of runs for his side. The 50 is now up for India.

Full and quick at the stumps, Rohit Sharma looks to make room and go inside-out but mistimes it badly.

Slower through the air around off and turning away from a shorter length. Shubman Gill stays put and just punches it in front of mid-wicket for another run.

Round-arm delivery drifted into the pads, Sharma stays back and tucks it 'round the corner for a single.

Slower and shorter angling in, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot past silly mid on and rotates the strike.

Quicker one at the stumps, pushed away to mid on.

SIX! Just over! Sandeep Lamichhane tosses it up yet again around middle, enticing the batter to go big. Rohit Sharma slog-sweeps it up in the air and the fielder at deep square leg isn't quite on the edge of the ropes and has to leap up. The ball just goes over the fingertips for a maximum.

FOUR! Floated up around middle, Rohit Sharma gets down on one knee and slog-sweeps it well in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Drags this one down on middle, Shubman Gill with a pull along the ground behind square leg for one more.

Floated up around off, Rohit Sharma sits down and plays the reverse paddle wide of the diving first slip fielder and picks up a single.

Starts off with a tossed-up delivery, full and around off, Rohit Sharma leans on and pushes it to mid off.

Drifts this one nicely onto middle and leg, Shubman Gill defends it out.

A bit more round arm and fuller around off, pushed away to extra cover.

Slower and shorter, angled into the stumps, Rohit Sharma goes back and forces it down to long on for a run.

A bit quicker on the pads, flicked away to the man at mid-wicket.

Short and wide, cut away off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Flatter delivery on off stump, Shubman Gill punches it off the back foot but straight to the bowler.

FOUR! Unexpected but highly effective from Rohit Sharma. Banged in a bit around off, Sharma moves right across his stumps and almost scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Good length on the hips, nudged away in front of square of square leg for a single.

Length this time, angled into middle, Shubman Gill stays put and blocks it to the right of the bowler.

Much fuller and right on the money as well, Gill solidly defends it to cover.

FOUR! Slapped away! Fraction short and wide, Shubman Gill walks toward the ball, gives himself a bit of room and hammers it well in front of square on the off side for a boundary.

Back of a length, close to the off stump, Shubman Gill stands tall and cuts it straight to point.

Slower one on a shorter length around off. This one grips and turns square, Shubman Gill stays back and tucks it leg side for one more.

Angling into middle and leg, Rohit Sharma uses his feet and works it away through mid on for a run.

Misfield and that takes the pressure off the batter. Flighted delivery around off, Gill leans on and pushes it through the man at extra cover for a single.

Floats this one up full and on the stumps, Gill pushes it back to the bowler. Tidy start from Lalit Rajbanshi here.

This one comes in with the arm and is bowled around middle, Shubman Gill defends it out with soft hands.

Floated up outside off, Shubman Gill pushes it out to cover.

It will be the spin of Lalit Rajbanshi from the other end.

Nicely bowled! Perfect length around off and seaming away really late. Rohit Sharma's feet go nowhere as he pokes at it and the ball zips past the outside edge.

On a good length and in the channel, Rohit Sharma stands tall and eases it toward point.

Full and straight, Rohit Sharma looks for the flick again but has to adjust and defend it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and outside off, tapped away in front of cover-point for a quick run by Shubman Gill.

Fullish length around off and angling in, Rohit Sharma with a slight shimmie across and he flicks it past square leg for a single.

After a long wait, we are all set to resume. The two umpires and the Nepal players make their way out to the middle. They are followed by two Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Karan KC has the ball in hand and will complete his over. Here we go...

UPDATE - 10.05 pm (4.35 pm GMT) - Great news! Play will restart at 10.15 pm IST (4.45 pm GMT). It will be a 23-over game with 5 overs of the first Powerplay. The revised target for India is 145. Folks, don't go anywhere as we have a match on our hands here.

UPDATE - 9.37 pm (4.07 pm GMT) - Another big update coming from the ground now as the two umpires are in conversation with one of the broadcaster's commentators. The umpires say that the mop-up work might begin by 10 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT) and the play must start by 10.20 pm IST for a 20-over game to constitute. They also say that the closing time is somewhere around 11.36 pm IST (5.06 pm GMT). Stick around as we should have a final verdict on the future of this game in some time.

UPDATE - 9.23 pm IST (3.53 pm GMT) - Some positive news! It has stopped raining and the ground staff are already out there to remove the water from the covers before taking them off. The cut-off time for a 20-over chase is 10.20 pm IST (4.50 pm GMT). There is still hope but it all depends on how much time it takes for the ground staff to dry up the outfield. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE - 8.49 pm IST (3.19 pm GMT) - The intensity of rain has reduced but it is still a steady drizzle in Pallekele. The rain needs to completely stop for the ground staff to begin removing the covers. Considering that it was bucketing down, it would take some time for them to get the field ready to play. Having had a long delay during the Nepal Innings as well, we will start losing overs soon. Stick around for more news.

UPDATE - 8.19 pm IST (2.49 pm GMT) - Uh oh, not again! The umpires have had enough of the persistent drizzle and they have asked the ground staff to bring the covers on. The rain gods have not been kind on what has been a frustrating day so far. As we say, the rain has gotten heavier, meaning the entire ground will have to be covered now. To add to everyone's misery, there is not much wind blowing across to blow the rain away. All we can do right now is hope that the rain subsides for us to resume soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

FOUR! That'll release the pressure nicely and Rohit Sharma is off the mark. Pitched up on the stumps, Sharma makes up his mid early and lofts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

A lovely delivery to end the over. Hard length on off and this one seams away off the deck, Shubman Gill looks to come forward and play at it but is beaten past the outside edge.

FOUR! Timed to perfection yet again by Shubman Gill. Another short one from Sompal Kami outside off, Gill gets on top of the bounce and forehand-slaps it in front of square on the off side for four more runs.

Good length around off, Shubman Gill blocks it off the front foot.

Much better from Sompal Kami! Bowls it a lot fuller and outside off, getting it to swing away a long way and late as well. Gill looks to play at it but is beaten.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Short and wide, there to be put away. Shubman Gill slaps it past point to make it back-to-back boundaries.

FOUR! Oh, what timing! Good length, slightly shorter and outside off, moving away as well. Shubman Gill stands tall and punches it gently on the up as the ball rockets through the cover region for a boundary. Gill is up and running!

Sompal Kami will steam in from the other end.

Excellent first over barring the wide first up from Karan KC. Slightly shorter over middle, Rohit Sharma tries to come out of his crease and nudges it toward mid-wicket

An absolute jaffa! Perfect length on a tight line around off and this one straightens off the deck. Rohit Sharma looks to block but the ball zips past the outside edge into the clutches of the keeper. The bowler thinks there's an edge but the umpire turns it down. The replays do confirm that there was no edge on it.

And again! Seems to be going down again and Rohit Sharma is really struggling out there. Length ball around middle, angling in, Sharma looks to get forward and flick but falls over a bit and misses again, getting hit on the pads.

A big, big appeal for LBW but the umpire says no. It sure did look close and Nepal have taken the review. Karan KC pitches this one right up on off stump and gets the ball to nip back in. There is clear daylight between the bat and the ball and Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing leg stump. Review lost as well.

Fuller and angling into off, Rohit Sharma plays it out to mid on.

Lovely delivery! Nagging length around off, looking to swing it back in. Rohit Sharma with a tentative block and he gets an inside edge onto the pads.

WIDE! Starts off with a loosener. Karan KC bowls this one on a fullish length and around the pads, angling down leg. Wide signalled by the umpire.

OUT! TIMBER! Mohammed Siraj finishes things off and picks up his third wicket as well. Full and quick at 142 clicks, sliding into the off pole. Lalit Rajbanshi stays put and looks to drive it away but is beaten all ends up. The ball goes on to castle into the off stump and Rajbanshi departs for a duck and Nepal are bundled out for 230 runs in 48.2 overs.

Good length angling onto middle, Karan KC makes room and dabs it down to third man for a single.

Full and quick outside off, Lalit Rajbanshi leaves it alone.

Fuller one on off stump, Lalit Rajbanshi toe-ends it toward backward point and looks for a single but is sent back and rightly so.

Lalit Rajbanshi is the last man in.

OUT! RUN OUT! A complete lack of communication and Nepal are nine down now. Mohammad Shami takes pace off and bowls it on a shorter length outside off. Sandeep Lamichhane taps it straight to extra cover and looks to scamper through for the single. Karan KC sends him back but its too late. The substitute fielder Axar Patel picks up the ball and throws it to the keeper. Ishan Kishan dislodges the bails and Lamichhane isn't even in the frame.

Length ball on the stumps, Karan KC tries to back away but is hurried and gets an inside edge past leg stump for a single.

Karan KC walks in next.

OUT! TAKEN! Well held by Ishan Kishan and Sompal Kami's fiery knock comes to an end. Mohammad Shami serves this one on a hard length in the channel and gets it to bounce a bit extra. Kami looks to stay back and ride the bounce by guiding it fine but gets an outside edge. Kishan springs to his right and pouches it nicely. Kami is a bit distraught with that dismissal but has done a fine job for his side.

Full and straight, in the blockhole. Sandeep Lamichhane backs away and hits it down to long on for a single.

SIX! Sompal Kami is having a ball out there as he ends yet another over with a maximum. Mohammed Siraj persists with the short ball and bowls this one over middle. Kami stays back and drags the pull over the backward square leg fence for a biggie. Moves on to 48 now.

Good length around off, jagging back in, Sompal Kami covers the line and blocks it out.

Another top edge that falls safe. A bumper right over middle, Sompal Kami is hurried and gets a top edge right over the keeper's head. Kuldeep Yadav from third man moves around to his left and the batters get a coup;le of runs more.

Back of a length and around off, Sompal Kami looks to push off the back foot but is beaten on the outside edge.

Just short! A good short ball at the body, Sompal Kami instinctively takes it on and pulls it aerially toward fine leg. Shreyas Iyer charges in from the deep but the ball lands short and Iyer does well to get his body behind the line. They get a couple of runs.

Good length around off, Sandeep Lamichhane backs away and slashes it away to deep point for a single.

SIX! Oh, swatted away, amazing shot! Short but not short enough, around the top of middle, Sompal Kami stays back and picks it up before pulling it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Well short! Banged in very short, Sandeep Lamichhane charges down the track and tries to pull but gets a top edge over short fine leg for a single.

Fullish length on the pads, Sompal Kami gets an inside edge onto the pads as he tries to flick and the ball rolls toward square leg. They pick up a single.

Does well in the end! Shorter and slower outside off, Sompal Kami goes for the upper cut but gets a thickish edge wide of third man. Shardul Thakur there nearly overruns it but manages to get his left hand out and make the stop. Two runs are taken.

Another slower one, this is floated up full and outside off, Sompal Kami drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.

Banged in short and outside off, Sompal Kami looks to back away and cut but mistimes it to point.

Wide! Takes pace off a bit and angles it down the leg side, wide called.

Follows the batter with a length delivery, Sandeep Lamichhane can only push it back to the bowler.

Sums up India's day so far! On a length, on off, Sandeep Lamichhane drives it crisply to Hardik Pandya at mid off. He hits at the batting end but Lamichhane is well in. The throw deflects towards short third man and the batters sneak in a single. Ravindra Jadeja misses the shy at the non-striker's end which is not backed up well, allowing an extra run.

Goes full and outside off, Sandeep Lamichhane looks to go inside out this time but connects with thin air.

Angling in at the hips, Sompal Kami nudges it in front of square for a single.

Just outside off, on a length, Sompal Kami stabs it without any foot movement to point.

Back of a length, outside off, Sompal Kami hops and dabs it to point.

Lands it on a length, on middle, Sandeep Lamichhane keeps it out on the off side.

Banged in short, at the batter, Sompal Kami fends it awkwardly. Gets it off his gloves to third man for a single.

At the stumps again, Sandeep Lamichhane moves leg side and swings across the line. Gets an inside edge that rolls to fine leg for a single.

200 comes up for Nepal! Slightly full, on off, Sandeep Lamichhane backs away and bunts it back past the bowler for a couple of runs.

In the slot, around middle and leg. Sandeep Lamichhane swings through the line but misses. Ishan Kishan moves well to his left and makes a good stop.

Leg bye! Angling in at the pads, Sompal Kami gets cramped for room and is unable to get it away. The ball lobs off his pads towards backward square leg for a leg bye.

Flighted again, full and on off, Sompal Kami works it down to long off and keeps the strike with a single.

Beaten! Bowls a googly, outside off, Sompal Kami plays for the one that keeps straight and gets beaten on the outside edge.

A stifled appeal for LBW but turned down! Pushed through, around off, Sompal Kami gets down to sweep it fine. He misses and gets struck on the back leg. The keeper and the bowler go up in appeal but the finger stays down.

Flatter this time, short and on off, Sompal Kami tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on off, knocked down to long off for one more run.

Loopy delivery, full and on middle, Sompal Kami sweeps it along the ground to deep backward square leg for a single.

Targets the stumps with a full delivery, Sandeep Lamichhane gets his bat down and pushes it tamely to cover. A wicket maiden from Pandya.

Pulls his length back and serves it on middle, Sandeep Lamichhane looks to run it down but fails to connect.

Good-length delivery, around off, Sandeep Lamichhane opens the bat face and guides it to point. The batters think of a single but they decide against it.

Swing and a miss! Fuller in length, outside off, Sandeep Lamichhane goes for a wild heave across the line but connects with thin air.

Pacy delivery, angling in, at the pads, Sandeep Lamichhane stays leg side of the ball and keeps it out on the off side.

Sandeep Lamichhane is the new man in.

OUT! LBW! As plumb as it can get and Hardik Pandya has his first wicket now! Comes from over the wicket and rolls his fingers over the ball for an off-cutter, on a length, at the stumps, Dipendra Singh Airee gets forward to work it across the line. He plays down the wrong line and gets trapped right in front of the stumps. The umpire has no hesitation in raising his finger. Dipendra Singh Airee goes for a review, more in hope though. The UltraEdge shows no bat and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. Nepal lose Airee and the review.

Almost a half-tracker, at the batter, Sompal Kami plays a controlled pull shot to the left of deep square leg for two more runs. 50-run stand comes up between these two.

Looped up, outside off, Sompal Kami gets on the front foot and creams the drive. Hits it towards wide long off for a couple of runs.

Drops it short, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee dabs it wide of point and takes a single.

Is that another dropped catch? Yes, a tough one though. Googly this time, full and outside off, Sompal Kami gets down and goes for the slog sweep. Gets an outside edge that flies past the keeper. Ishan does get some glove on it and the batters run three as the ball rolls wide of short third man. The third umpire is called into action to check for a short run but the bat was grounded neatly inside the crease.

Flatter delivery, short and around off, Sompal Kami rocks back and cuts it late. Gets it past backward point for a couple of runs.

Starts off with a googly, at the stumps, Sompal Kami waits on the back foot and blocks it out.

Time for Powerplay 3! India can now have a maximum of 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the innings.

Nagging length outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee looks to play it away with an angled bat but finds Ravindra Jadeja at backward point.

Length again, angling into middle, this is tucked away past square leg for a single.

Length ball, wide of the off stump and inviting the drive. Sompal Kami looks to drive but does so away from his body and is well beaten.

A touch fuller this time and outside off, holding up just a bit. Sompal Kami looks to drive but mistimes it.

Good length again, angled onto middle, Sompal Kami stays back to defend.

Good length around the top of off, Sompal Kami goes back and across to defend it on the off side.

Slower one around the pads, worked away off the back foot to mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter delivery on the stumps, Dipendra Singh Airee pushes it off the back foot in front of mid-wicket and collects another run.

Drifted down leg, paddled away to short fine leg for a quick run.

Flighted on a nagging length around off, blocked out on the off side.

On the stumps again, Sompal Kami gets inside the line and sweeps it nicely well behind square leg for a couple of runs.

Slightly fuller and angled onto middle, Sompal Kami strides out to defend.

Pitches it up outside off and gets the ball to move away a bit. Dipendra Singh Airee looks to drive at it but is beaten on the outside edge.

We are all set to resume. The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by the Indian players. They are joined by the two Nepal batters, Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee. Hardik Pandya is at the top of his mark and is ready to complete his over. Let's play...

UPDATE - 6.34 pm IST (1.04 pm GMT) - Folks, we have a resumption time! Play will resume at 6.45 pm IST (1.15 pm GMT) with no reduction in the overs. With around 12 overs remaining and only 4 wickets in hand, Nepal will be hoping to bat the full quota of overs and by doing so, get to a respectable total. Can they succeed in doing so? We will find out soon.

UPDATE - 6.15 pm IST (12.45 pm GMT) - Good news! The rain has finally relented and the ground staff are currently in the process of removing the covers. Let's hope and keep our fingers crossed that it does not start to rain again. Live visuals show the match officials in a chat with India's Head Coach, Rahul Dravid. More promising signs as the umpires will be out for an inspection at 6.30 pm IST (1.00 pm GMT). If there is no more rain and if the umpires are happy with the conditions, the play might possibly resume at 6.45 pm IST (1.15 pm GMT) with no reduction in overs. We will update you regarding the result of the inspection.

UPDATE - 6.08 pm IST (12.38 pm GMT) - Sigh! Just when the ground staff were starting to peel the covers off, the rain returned and the covers are now back on. Seems like we will have to wait a little longer for the action to resume. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE - 5.44 pm IST (12.14 pm GMT) - The drizzle has gotten heavier and the umpires have decided to take the players off. The groundstaff come charging in with the covers and they take no time in covering the strip. More covers are being brought on and now the entire square is covered. Let's hope this is just a passing shower and we can get underway soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

Banged in very short this time outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee drags the ball and pulls it tennis-style in front of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Bends the back and bangs it in over off, not much bounce off the deck though. Dipendra Singh Airee looks to pull it hard but mistimes it completely to square leg.

Good length in the channel, played away in front of point for a single.

Back of a length and outside off, tapped off the back foot toward point.

FOUR! India have been very sloppy in the field. Banged in short over off stump, Sompal Kami lets the ball come on and just ramps it down to third man. Shardul Thakur runs around to his left and completely misses the ball, allowing it to go into the ropes.

A tad short and around off, played off the back foot in front of covers for a quick single.

Flatter one around off, skidding through, chopped down toward backward point.

1Uses his feet now and plays the full ball around off toward long on for a run.

Speared in at the stumps, Dipendra Singh Airee eases it to extra cover.

Quicker one on middle, tentatively pushed away to extra cover.

This is full and on the stumps, Sompal Kami knocks it down to long off for a single.

FOUR! Top shot! Fraction short but there's width on offer and Dipendra Singh Airee latches onto it. Airee rocks back and cuts it hard behind point for a boundary. 10 runs off the over, a good one for Nepal.

Sloppy fielding! Back of a length outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee hops and taps it away in front of the man at cover-point who gets across but is lazy not to bend down and lets it through. They pick up two more runs.

Well bowled! Perfect length in the channel and seaming away, Dipendra Singh Airee looks to play at it but is beaten past the outside edge.

Pitches this one right up on off stump, Dipendra Singh Airee uses his wrists well and flicks it away to the right of deep mid-wicket for another brace.

Good length, angling in from around off, this is tucked away behind square leg for a couple of runs. Good running!

Hard length over off, this one comes in at a shorter height but Dipendra Singh Airee does well to keep it down in front of point.

Flights it up a bit on off, Dipendra Singh Airee looks to go big but gets it off the inner half of the bat down to long on for one more.

Quicker and flatter on off, Sompal Kami goes back and taps it in front of point for a quick run.

Drifted into the legs, nudged away to the left of short mid-wicket.

Full and straight, this is driven down to long on for a single.

Quicker one, pushed through on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee is late on the block but does get a slight inside edge onto the pads.

FOUR! Hammered away! Floated up outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee gets to the pitch of the ball and thumps it away between mid off and extra cover for a boundary.

Back of a length around off, Sompal Kami hops back and keeps it down to covers.

Uh oh! The rain has returned and so do the ground staff with the covers. Like the first stoppage, the rain subsides quickly and we are all set to resume. Also, Ravindra Jadeja (7-0-25-3) is brought back into the attack.

Wide! A bumper now outside off and this one zips through. Called a wide though for being too high.

Full and attacking the off stump, Sompal Kami punches it straight back to the bowler.

Fullish length outside off, Sompal Kami gets his arms out and drives it nicely to sweeper cover for a couple of runs. The 150 is now up for Nepal!

Good length on off, hitting the length hard as well, Sompal Kami solidly keeps it out.

Fuller in length again but pushed well outside off, Sompal Kami makes a leave as the ball zips through to the keeper.

Starts the new spell with a fullish delivery on off stump. Sompal Kami hits it on the up to cover.

Back to over the wicket now and floated up around leg stump, Dipendra Singh Airee tucks it away neatly through the gap at mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

Comes around the wicket and bowls it full on middle and leg, Sompal Kami gets right across and plays a flat sweep down to deep backward square leg for a single.

Flatter one on off and middle, defended off the back foot again by Kami.

Slower through the air again, bowled on a nagging length and around middle, Sompal Kami stays back and watchfully keeps it out.

Tossed up around off, turning in, Sompal Kami lunges forward to make the block.

Nicely looped up, really full and close to off stump, Sompal Kami plays it off the outside edge to point.

Leg bye! On a good length at 139 clicks and angling into the pads. Sompal Kami is caught in the crease as the ball thuds off his pads onto the leg side. The batters scamper through for a leg bye.

Drinks break! India have clawed their way back into the game nicely here. After a poor start with the ball and in the field, they have pulled it back well with Ravindra Jadeja being the chief wrecker with 3 wickets. India will be hoping to run through the Nepal tail quickly. On the other hand, the duo of Aasif Sheikh and Gulsan Jha were doing a good rebuilding job for Nepal but they have now lost both set batters. Sompal Kami is the new batter.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pitches this one right up around the off stump, inviting the drive and it is the cross-seamer as well. Gulsan Jha does go for the cover drive but gets a slight outside edge on it through to the keeper. Ishan Kishan pouches it safely a bit low to his left and Mohammed Siraj picks up his second wicket. Also, Rohit Sharma is seen telling Siraj that he should be bowling more in that area.

Short and a bit wide again, cut away nicely to the right of point but it is very well stopped as well.

A touch fuller on middle and leg, angling in, Gulsan Jha blocks it out.

FOUR! Short and wide, there to be hit, Gulsan Jha stays back and cuts it away a bit uppishly but well behind point for a boundary.

Perfect length around off, angling across the left-hander a bit. Gulsan Jha looks to hit it away square on the off side but is beaten on the outside edge.

Floated up around off, driven on the up through cover for a single.

Quicker and flatter, turning into the pads, Gulsan Jha rocks back and tries to pull it away but the ball skids on and hits the back leg.

Flatter one, drifted onto middle and leg, Gulsan Jha plays it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Nicely tossed up, full and on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee drives it firmly down the ground to long on for one.

Goes back to bowling over the wicket and pushes this one through quicker on off. Dipendra Singh Airee gets on the back foot to defend.

FOUR! Nicely driven! This is tossed up full and well outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee crouches down and strokes it away square on the off side through covers and picks up a boundary.

Oh, no! The rain has started to get heavier now and the umpires have called for the covers to come on but the wind is also blowing. And, almost immediately the rain goes back to a slight drizzle and the covers are taken off. Play will resume right away which is excellent news.

Lands it full this time, at the stumps, Dipendra Singh Airee works it to the right of mid on and pinches a single.

WIDE! Errs in line and spills it down leg, Dipendra Singh Airee lets it go for a wide.

Dipendra Singh Airee is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! The move to bring back Mohammed Siraj pays off for Rohit Sharma and India! Bowls it on a back of a length, angling in at the hips, Aasif Sheikh waits on the back foot and tries to get on top of the bounce. Looks to whip it across the line but closes the bat face early. Gets a leading edge and the ball lobs to short cover where Virat Kohli does run in a bit too much but stretches out his right hand to complete a one-handed catch. Aasif Sheikh departs but not before playing a remarkable knock.

Beaten! In the channel on off, on a good length, Aasif Sheikh shapes to defend from the crease. The ball nips away slightly and zips past the outside edge.

Full delivery, on off and middle, Gulsan Jha gets forward and drives it to deep cover for a single.

Hurls it wide outside off, on a length, Gulsan Jha pokes away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Streaky boundary! This one is angled across, outside off, on a good length, Gulsan Jha opens the bat face and steers it towards first slip which is a bit wide. The ball bounces in front of Shubman Gill who fails to get body behind the ball and it races away to the fence.

Darted in on the pads, Aasif Sheikh lunges forward to flick. He misses and wears it on the front pad.

Shortens his length and serves it on middle, Gulsan Jha stays on the back foot and punches it down to long on for a single.

Switches to 'round the wicket and tosses it up, on off, Aasif Sheikh stretches forward to defend. The ball rolls off the outer half to third man for one.

Fraction short, on off, Aasif Sheikh pushes it off the back foot to cover.

Pushed through, short and on off, Aasif Sheikh goes on the back foot and plays for the turn. The ball keeps straight and beats him on the outside edge.

Looped up, googly, outside off, Aasif Sheikh presses forward to drive. Gets an outside edge that rolls behind square on the off side for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Smart batting! Siraj serves it short, on off, Gulsan Jha gets into a good position and allows the ball to come to him. Ramps it over the keeper and first slip for a boundary.

Angling in at the hips, Aasif Sheikh gets on his toes and nudges it behind square for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Siraj drifts on the pads, on a full length, Aasif Sheikh picks it up nicely and gets it well wide of fine leg for a boundary.

Angled across, on a good length, around off, Gulsan Jha steers it down to third man and rotates the strike.

FIFTY for Aasif Sheikh! This has been a fine knock by the Nepal opener. He will remember this innings for a very long time. On a good length, sliding on the pads, Aasif Sheikh clips it to neatly to deep square leg to bring up his fifty.

Back of a length, on off, Aasif Sheikh dabs it straight to point.

Floated up again, on off, Gulsan Jha works it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

A bit quicker, short, on off, Gulsan Jha reads the googly well and punches it to cover.

Another googly, full and turning in, on middle, Gulsan Jha lunges forward to clip. He misses and the ball lobs off the pads to first slip.

Flatter delivery, at the pads, Gulsan Jha gets cramped for room and catches the ball high on the thigh pad.

Googly this time, short and on off, Gulsan Jha goes back and pushes it to cover.

Fullish delivery, at the stumps, Aasif Sheikh drives it off the front foot to long on for a single.

Targets the stumps again, on a full length, driven straight to mid off.

Not close enough! Angling away, full and outside off, Gulsan Jha goes for the drive but misses. Ishan Kishan takes the bails off in a flash. However, the replays show that Jha had his back leg grounded inside the crease.

Good stop! Short and sliding on, on off, Aasif Sheikh chops it towards backward point where Shardul Thakur makes a good tumbling stop to his right to keep it to one.

Honing in at the pads, Gulsan Jha works it off the front foot to deep square leg for a single.

Goes full and on middle, Gulsan Jha drives it crisply but straight back to Jadeja.

Flatter and on the pads, at 96 kph, Gulsan Jha gets forward and pushes it to mid-wicket.

Looped up, on middle and leg, Aasif Sheikh keeps it out off the front foot.

Shorter delivery, turning in, on middle and leg, Aasif Sheikh plays with the turn towards the bowler.

Flatter delivery, drifting on the pads, Aasif Sheikh works it square for a dot.

Floated up, on middle, Aasif Sheikh clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Full delivery, on middle, driven back to the bowler.

Googly, short and on off, Gulsan Jha knocks it down to long on for a single.

Fires it in, short, on middle, Gulsan Jha just about gets bat to ball. The ball rolls off the inside edge towards deep square leg for one.

Fraction short again, outside off, Aasif Sheikh hangs back and cuts it well. Gets it past the diving point fielder for one.

Pushed through, on off, blocked out by Aasif Sheikh.

Bowls it full, around off, Gulsan Jha lunges forward and drives it to the left of extra cover and picks up three runs.

Angling into the pads, short in length, Gulsan Jha gets beaten for pace and wears it high on the thigh pad. A optimistic shout for LBW by Jadeja but the ball was sliding down leg.

Dropped short, outside off, Aasif Sheikh rocks back and cuts it through point for a single.

A maiden by Kuldeep Yadav! Tossed up, around leg, Gulsan Jha drives it down the wicket but is unable to get it past the bowler.

On middle, short as well, pushed to cover.

Flatter delivery, short and just outside off, Gulsan Jha goes for the cut again but the ball keeps low and scoots past the bat.

A googly this time, short and turning in sharply, on middle, Gulsan Jha does read the variation eventually and pushes it to cover.

Nicely bowled! Drops it fraction short, on off, a hint of extra bounce. Gulsan Jha tries to cut but does not manage to adjust to the bounce.

Floated up, on off, Gulsan Jha drives with a straight bat, back towards the bowler.

Darts it in, full and on off and middle, Gulsan Jha pushes with hard hands. Gets an inside edge that rolls to deep square leg for a single.

Gulsan Jha is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Ravindra Jadeja is on a roll here and he has his third wicket now! Gives the ball air again and serves it on off, tempting the batter to go down the ground. Kushal Malla accepts the bait and plants his foot forward to loft it down the ground. The timing is way off and he ends up spooning the simplest of catches to mid off where Mohammed Siraj makes absolutely no mistake. Nepal losing their way here as they are now four down.

Slows it up, full and turning away, on off, Aasif Sheikh chips it a bit aerially but wide of extra cover for a single.

100 comes up for Nepal! Fired in, on middle, Kushal Malla clips it off his pads in front of square for a single.

Pushes it through, short, around off, Kushal Malla hangs back and blocks it out.

At 95 kph, at the stumps, nudged off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Serves a googly, short and on the pads, Aasif Sheikh reads it well and pushes it back to the bowler.

This is bowled at the pads, quicker in pace as well, Aasif Sheikh works it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Nicely driven! Tossed up, full and wide outside off, Aasif Sheikh reaches out and creams the drive through covers for a boundary.

Fraction short, turning in, on off, Kushal Malla goes back in his crease and tucks it through mid-wicket for a single to open his account.

Flatter delivery, quick as well, on off, Aasif Sheikh dabs it past backward point and takes a single.

Bowls a googly, full and on off, Aasif Sheikh looks to turn it on the leg side. Closes the bat face early, gets a soft leading edge to cover.

Kushal Malla is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! A sharp reflex catch at first slip by the skipper and Ravindra Jadeja gets another wicket. This is smartly bowled by Jadeja who just pulls the length back and keeps the line tight around off. Rohit Paudel goes on the back foot instead of coming forward and the ball turns away ever so slightly. Paudel pushes at it and gets an outside edge that Rohit Sharma pouches with both hands low to his left. Excellent move to get the slip in.

Close but not close enough! Quicker delivery around off, Aasif Sheikh plays it with soft hands to the left of point and sets off for the single. Kuldeep Yadav moves to his left, picks up the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. the replays show that Sheikh is comfortably in.

Tossed up full and on off, Aasif Sheikh pushes it out to cover.

Floated up on the stumps, kept out by Sheikh.

A bit quicker and around off, Aasif Sheikh stays back and plays it late through short third man for a couple of runs.

Fuller one, darted into middle, Rohit Paudel pushes it down to long off for a single.

Another excellent review! This one is nicely tossed up on a length around off and middle by Kuldeep Yadav. Aasif Sheikh gets down low looking for the sweep but misses and gets struck on the pads. There is a loud appeal and the finger is raised. Sheikh reviews and there's nothing on UltraEdge. The Ball Tracking shows that the ball is sliding on and missing off stump.

Tosses this one up fuller and around off, looking to turn it back in, Aasif Sheikh keeps it out.

On the shorter side and at the stumps, played off the back foot toward cover.

Nicely flighted on a nagging length and around leg stump, Aasif Sheikh looks to play it off the back foot but gets a leading edge onto the off side.

Pulls back the length and slows it up a touch, Aasif Sheikh goes on the back foot and pushes it back at the bowler.

Starts with a fuller delivery around off stump, Aasif Sheikh plays it toward cover-point.

Quicker and straight at the stumps, Rohit Paudel blocks this one out.

Flatter delivery around off, Rohit Paudel goes on the back foot and opens the bat face to dab it to backward point.

Gives it a lot more air and floats it around off, Rohit Paudel drives it away through the cover region and does well to race back for the second run.

Stump-to-stump this time around off, Rohit Paudel blocks it out.

Drifted into the pads, Rohit Paudel pushes it out to short mid-wicket.

Floats it up on a shorter length outside off, Rohit Paudel waits and then just taps it away behind point. gets off the mark with a brace.

Right around the top of off, angling in a touch, Aasif Sheikh plays it late and defends it to cover.

A touch fuller and around off, played with an angled bat to the left of point where the fielder makes a sharp stop. That one was timed sweetly as well.

FOUR! In control this time! Banged in short again over middle, Aasif Sheikh gets right on top of the bounce and pulls it along the ground through backward square leg for another boundary.

Length ball on off, moving away, Aasif Sheikh defends this one right off the middle of the bat.

FOUR! Streaky but will do! Shardul Thakur surprises Aasif Sheikh with a good bumper. Sheikh is late on the pull and gets a top edge that flies over the keeper's head and into the fence.

Pitched up around off, Aasif Sheikh gets on the front foot and drives it firmly to mid off.

Drinks break! It has been an eventful start to the game, and Nepal will be pleased with how things have panned out so far. India have been sloppy, to say the least, dropping three catches in the first five overs. That said, they are starting to pull things back a bit here. Inserted into bat, the two Nepal openers came out with intent and did not shy away from playing their shots. They were helped by the dropped catches from India but Kushal Bhurtel, in particular, looked a class apart. With Aasif Sheikh still out in the middle, he will look to take the innings forward from hereon. Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel walks in now.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Ravindra Jadeja bowls this one on a nagging length and floats it a bit outside off. Bhim Sharki doesn't move his feet but tries to play away from the body. The ball takes the inside edge and goes on to crash into the stumps. Sharki departs after a slow start and India now have their second wicket.

Slides one onto the pads at 101 clicks, Aasif Sheikh nudges it to the right of mid-wicket and scampers through for the single.

Quicker one, angled into middle and leg, pushed away down to long on for an easy single.

Round-arm delivery, drops it around off and Bhim Sharki watchfully defends it out.

Very full on middle, punched away through mid off for one more by Aasif Sheikh.

Flighted delivery, full and around off, Bhim Sharki drives it along the ground to long off for a single.

Length again around off stump and Aasif Sheikh defends it out.

Sloppy again from Ishan Kishan and he apologizes immediately. Back of a length around off, chopped away by Bhim Sharki toward leg gully. Kishan picks up the ball and tries to perform and under-arm lob to Kohli but throws it over his head and the batters are able to pick up an overthrow.

Good length around off, tapped away on the bounce to the man at point.

Nice comeback! Floats this one up on a length and on off, the ball shapes away beautifully and moves past the outside edge.

Short and wide, Bhim Sharki reaches out and slaps it away wide of third man. The batters push hard for two and Sharki puts in the dive to make his ground.

Length ball around the top of off, Aasif Sheikh stands tall and pushes it away to wide mid on for a quick single.

A bit more round arm and floated onto middle, Bhim Sharki stays solid in defense.

Pushed through outside off, Bhim Sharki strides out and pushes it to cover-point.

Sliding onto the pads, Aasif Sheikh with a nudge 'round the corner for one run.

Quicker and drifted onto the legs, Aasif Sheikh wrists it toward mid-wicket.

Full again, angled onto middle, pushed out toward cover.

Starts off with a looped-up delivery, full and on off stump, Bhim Sharki eases it down to long off for a single.

Another maiden for Pandya! Bowls it on a hard length and angles it into middle, Aasif Sheikh hops and keeps it out on the off side.

Another bouncer, over the stumps and Aasif Sheikh ducks under it.

A bumper now, well-directed over middle and leg. Aasif Sheikh misses the pull and Ishan Kishan fumbles a bit before pouching it eventually.

Beaten! Goes wide of the crease again and bowls it full in a lovely channel around off. Aasif Sheikh looks to drive at it but is beaten on the outside edge.

Uppish but safe! Back of a length around off and angling it in. Aasif Sheikh gets rushed due to the extra pace and bounce and the ball pops up off the shoulder of the bat landing safely in front of cover-point.

Goes wide of the crease and angles a fuller one onto off stump. Aasif Sheikh gets on the front foot and pushes it to cover.

Fuller in length and attacking the stumps, Bhim Sharki punches it on the up to mid off.

Pitched up outside off and swinging away, caressed away to sweeper cover for one more.

Bowled fuller and wider, inviting the drive. Bhim Sharki does drive it through covers and picks up a single.

Good length around off and moving away, Bhim Sharki plays it with the swing to point.

Almost another edge! Just kisses the good length and the ball seams away beautifully. Bhim Sharki looks to jab at it but the ball moves past the outside edge.

Fullish length around off, moving away a touch, Bhim Sharki defends it to covers.

Maiden! Ends the over with a beauty does Hardik Pandya! This is bowled on a good length around off and the ball just straightens a bit off the deck. Aasif Sheikh pushes at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Play and a miss! Slightly shorter and pushed outside off, Aasif Sheikh stays put and throws his hands at it but the ball goes past the under edge.

Goes fuller now, angling into middle and leg, Aasif Sheikh looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads as the ball pops up a bit as well.

Good length again around middle, this one angles in a long way and Aasif Sheikh gets struck on the pads as he tries to flick.

Good length on off, Aasif Sheikh goes back in his crease and pushes it out toward cover.

Length ball right on the money as this one just angles in from of stump. Aasif Sheikh solidly defends it out.

Powerplay 2! The fielding side is now allowed as many as 4 fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over.

Fuller in length, on off, Bhim Sharki is half-forward and taps it to cover.

Bhim Sharki is in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Who else but Shardul Thakur, he has the last laugh and brings an end to a brilliant knock by Kushal Bhurtel! Bowls it on a good length, shaping away, outside off, Kushal Bhurtel waits on the back foot and tries to run it down to third man. The ball moves away enough to catch the outside edge and Ishan Kishan makes no mistake this time. A much-needed breakthrough for India.

SIX! A gift amd Kushal Bhurtel accepts it gleefully! Thakur bowls short but down leg, Kushal Bhurtel is too good to miss out as he pulls it flat and over the fine leg fence for a maximum.

Sheer timing! Goes full and on middle, Aasif Sheikh presents a full face of the bat and times the drive. Gets it past the diving mid on fielder. The ball plugs in the outfield and the batters run three.

Continues to bowl full, outside off, Kushal Bhurtel shuffles across and whips it in front of square on the leg side for one.

In the air...but safe! Thakur begins on a length, on the pads, Kushal Bhurtel steps out and lofts it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs more.

Fuller now, outside off, Aasif Sheikh pushes it off the front foot to cover.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Short and wide outside off, Aasif Sheikh does not miss out as he stands tall and slaps it over the infield on the off side for a boundary.

Into the wicket this time, on off and middle, Kushal Bhurtel takes on the short ball again. Pulls it in the air but well over mid-wicket and collects a couple of runs.

Targets the stumps, Kushal Bhurtel drives this full delivery crisply and finds mid off.

FOUR! Clipped away with ease! Drifting on the pads, full as well, Kushal Bhurtel with a still head, lifts it up and over square leg for a boundary.

A brilliant review by Kushal Bhurtel! Technology comes to his aid this time. Hardik Pandya bowls it on middle and leg, full in length, Kushal Bhurtel misses the clip and gets trapped right in front of the stumps. India go up in unison and the umpire raises the finger. Kushal Bhurtel has a word with this partner and goes for the review. The UltraEdge shows no bat but the ball is missing the wickets on Ball Tracking. The on-field decision will be overturned and Kushal Bhurtel survives.

Honing in at the stumps, fuller in length, Aasif Sheikh works it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

FOUR! Deft touch! Siraj serves it a bit too straight, on the pads, on a length, Aasif Sheikh allows the ball to come to him and tickles it fine to the fine leg fence for four more runs.

FOUR! Not in control but Aasif Sheikh and Nepal will take it! Siraj directs a bumper at the batter, Aasif Sheikh is late into his pull shot. Does not manage to keep the ball along the ground but hits it away from Mohammad Shami at fine leg for a boundary.

Seaming in, on off, Aasif Sheikh knocks it off the front foot to mid off.

In the corridor of uncertainty, on off, on a good length, Aasif Sheikh has a feel for the delivery and gets beaten again.

Angling in, on off, on a length, Aasif Sheikh plants his foot forward and works it to cover.

Good running! Back of a length, on off, Aasif Sheikh gets on his toes and punches it wide of Hardik Pandya at mid off. Picks up a quick single.

Top delivery! Goes wide of the crease and angles it in, on a good length, just outside off. Aasif Sheikh is drawn forward in defence. The ball jags away and zips past the outside edge.

Goes full does Mohammad Shami, around off, Aasif Sheikh drives it crisply and finds extra cover.

Length delivery, on off, Aasif Sheikh looks to drive but does not time it well. Gets it straight to mid off.

This is bowled on off, on a length, Aasif Sheikh pushes with a straight bat to mid off.

Beauty! In the channel on off, on a full length, moving away, Aasif Sheikh looks to work it across the line and plays down the wrong line. The ball nips away and beats him on the outside edge.

This is bowled around off, on a length, Kushal Bhurtel pushes it off the back foot to cover. Good comeback by Siraj after being hit for two boundaries earlier in the over.

Fullish delivery, at the stumps, Kushal Bhurtel toe-ends the drive to mid on.

Aggression from Siraj! Bends his back and bangs it in short, at 147 kph, at the batter, Kushal Bhurtel takes his eyes off the ball and goes for the hook. There was a noise as the ball went over the bat but no edge there. Siraj walks up to Bhurtel and stares at him.

SIX! Wow, what a shot! Mohammed Siraj tries to bowl it short but serves it just around the hips. Kushal Bhurtel swivels around and pulls it handsomely into the grass banks over the fine leg fence for a biggie. India not just sloppy in the field but with the ball as well.

FOUR! Lovely timing! Pitched up right on the stumps, angling in, Kushal Bhurtel offers the full face of the blade and just pushes it to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Nicely bowled! Nagging length in the channel around off and shaping away nicely. Kushal Bhurtel pokes at it a bit but the ball zips past the outside edge. Half an appeal from the bowler but the umpire shakes his head.

This is bowled short, outside off, Aasif Sheikh hangs back and pushes it to point.

Beauty! On a length, outside off, shaping in sharply, Aasif Sheikh is beaten for pace and the ball zips past his inside edge.

Lands it on a back of a length, on middle, Aasif Sheikh gets behind the line and defends it down the wicket.

Digs it in short again, Kushal Bhurtel stands tall and pulls it down to fine leg for a single.

DROPPED! Ishan Kishan is the culprit this time and India have now dropped 3 catches inside five overs! Back of a length, around leg, Kushal Bhurtel swivels and goes for the pull. Gets a glove on it and the ball goes at a good height to the left of Ishan Kishan. He gets his hands into a difficult position and lets the ball go through his gloves for a boundary.

Right on the money! Bowls it on a hard length on off and gets the ball to jag back in sharply. Kushal Bhurtel is caught on the crease and gets hit on the forearm.

Loose shot! Length delivery, seaming away, outside off, Aasif Sheikh has a tentative push away from the body and gets beaten again.

At 139 kph, on a good length, around off, Aasif Sheikh presents the full face of the bat and keeps it out on the off side.

More like it by Siraj! Bowls with a wobble seam, on a good length, outside off, Aasif Sheikh has a feel for the delivery and is lucky to not edge it behind.

In the air...but safe! Siraj bangs it in, at the batter, Kushal Bhurtel gets hurried on the pull. Gets it off the splice of the bat, in the air but behind square for a single.

Targets the stumps, on a full length, on middle, Aasif Sheikh pushes with hard hands. Gets an inside edge to fine leg for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Siraj errs in line and length, overpitches it on the pads, Aasif Sheikh brings his wrists into play and clips it through square leg for a boundary.

Back of a length this time, on off, Aasif Sheikh waits on the back foot and dabs it past point. Retains the strike with a single.

Tailing in sharply, on a good length, on middle and leg, Aasif Sheikh falls over a bit but manages to clip it towards mid-wicket.

Beaten! This is bowled in the corridor of uncertainty on off, on a good length, seaming in, Aasif Sheikh has a poke away from the body and gets beaten on the inside edge.

Angling in, in the channel on off, on a length, Aasif Sheikh mishits the drive to mid on.

Good intent! Good-length delivery, around off, Kushal Bhurtel shuffles cross and whips it past mid-wicket and picks up three runs.

Shortish delivery, on middle, Kushal Bhurtel pushes it off the back foot to mid on.

Shaping in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Aasif Sheikh misses the flick and wears it on the thigh pad.

Back of a length, outside off, Aasif Sheikh frees his arms and slaps it on the bounce to Virat Kohli at cover.

Fuller in length, honing in at the stumps, pushed back to the bowler by Aasif Sheikh.

Four Leg Byes! Drifts on the pads, on a length, Aasif Sheikh gets inside the line to tickle it fine. He misses and the ball rolls off his pads to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Much straighter this time, on a length, blocked out down the wicket.

DROPPED AGAIN! What is happening? First Shreyas Iyer and now Virat Kohli of all people! Siraj starts off on a full length, outside off, Aasif Sheikh chips it straight to Virat Kohli at short cover who drops a sitter by not his but any standards. A lucky escape for Aasif Sheikh now.

Mohammed Siraj to take the other new ball.

DROPPED! Shreyas Iyer at first slip has dropped a regulation catch! This is bowled short and outside off, a hint of away movement, Kushal Bhurtel throws his hands at the ball. Gets an outside edge that flies at a good height to Shreyas Iyer who fails to hang on. An early reprieve for Kushal Bhurtel and he picks up a couple of runs.

Brings his length back and hurls it on off, Kushal Bhurtel steps out again and taps it back to the bowler.

Seaming in this time, on a length, outside off, Kushal Bhurtel goes for the drive without much foot movement. The sneaks past the inside edge and just about carries to Ishan Kishan.

At 135, fuller in length, moving away, outside off, Aasif Sheikh hangs back and runs it down to third man. Gets off the mark with a single.

Kushal Bhurtel and Nepal are underway! On a good length, outside off, Kushal Bhurtel uses his feet and moves to the off side. Clips it wide of mid-wicket and opens his account with a single.

Swing straight away for Mohammad Shami! Begins in the channel on off, on a good length, shaping away, Kushal Bhurtel lets it go. The ball dies down on it's way to Ishan Kishan.

All done with the pre-match proceedings and we are now ready for the play to begin. The umpires are out in the middle as the Indian players can be seen in a huddle. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh are the openers for Nepal. Mohammad Shami has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Just a few minutes left now for the game to begin. But first, the two teams and the officials line up for the national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Nepal first followed by the Indian national anthem.

Nepal's skipper Rohit Paudel says that looking at the overhead conditions, they would have bowled first as well. Mentions that today is the biggest day in Nepal cricket. Adds that they want to showcase their skills to the world and that they are looking forward to this game. Informs that they have made one change to the side - Bhim Sharki comes in for Aarif Sheikh.

Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper says that they will bowl first. Adds that there's no particular reason for it just that they batted first last time around and given the weather, there might not be a full game so wanted to test their bowling. Mentions that the way Hardik and Kishan batted in the last game after losing early wickets was good to see and it's a positive sign for them and will look to come out on top here. Informs that they just have one change as Jasprit Bumrah has returned home for the birth of his child and Mohammad Shami comes into the team.

Nepal (Playing XI) - Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Bhim Sharki (In for Aarif Sheikh), Rohit Paudel (C), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi.

India (Playing XI) - Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammad Shami (In for Jasprit Bumrah).

TOSS - The coin toss lands in the favour of India and Rohit Sharma has opted to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Matthew Hayden and Sanjay Manjrekar are pitchside. Hayden says that the pitch is the same one used in the previous game. Adds that the pitch is nice and dry and the spinners will get some turn and bounce from it as well. Manjrekar adds that if India win the toss they might bowl first in order to test their bowling strength.

On the flip side, Nepal are coming off a crushing defeat against Pakistan in what was their debut game in the Asia Cup. With the ball, they began well, but shoddy fielding and below-par bowling allowed Babar Azam and Co. to get away. In front of Pakistan's quality bowling attack, their batters stood no chance and will have their work cut out again, more so with the overcast conditions expected in this game. Skipper Rohit Paudel will have to lead from the front if they are to challenge this strong Indian unit. Can Nepal spring a surprise? Or will India cruise their way to the Super Four? Stick around to find out, as the toss and team news is not far away. 

In India's campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan, rain had the final say, and both sides settled for a point each. Having struggled against the moving ball in the last outing, the Indian batters will be hoping to gain confidence with some runs under their belt. India will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah, who has flown back home for the birth of his first child, and he is likely to be replaced by Mohammad Shami for this game. Having not gotten an opportunity to test themselves out in the first game, India's bowlers will be itching to get on the field here. 

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! It is time for Group A action in the 2023 Asia Cup, where India take on Nepal at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy. This is a must-win game for both sides if they are to progress to the Super Four. As far as the weather is concerned, it is expected to get better over the course of the day, but if the game gets called off due to rain, India will go through to the next stage.

... MATCH DAY ...

The games continue to come thick and fast in the 2023 Asia Cup, and we have now arrived at the final game in Group A, which sees India take on Nepal at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy. As things stand in Group A, Pakistan have qualified for the Super Four, and we will know the second team to go through at the end of the fixture between India and Nepal. India is currently second in Group A with one point obtained from the abandoned game against Pakistan, whereas Nepal are yet to get off the mark in the competition. Keeping in mind the inclement weather in Pallekele, if the game gets called off, India will seal their place in the next stage and Nepal will bow out. As far as Nepal are concerned, their debut game in the Men's Asia Cup against Pakistan in Multan was far from ideal. Bowling first, Nepal did manage to put Babar Azam's men in a spot of bother, but they let them off the hook courtesy of some ordinary bowling and fielding. In reply, Nepal could never get going and simply surrendered themselves against the Pakistan bowling unit. As Nepal face India in what is a must-win game for them, their batting will have to turn up, with their top three comprising Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, and Kushal Bhurtel holding the key for them. With the ball, their ace leggie, Sandeep Lamichhane, and left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi did a decent job against Pakistan but will have to be on top of their game against India's batters. The pace duo of Sompal Kami and Karan KC were effective with the new ball, bowling tight lines and lengths. Looking at India's struggles facing the new ball against Pakistan and the potential overcast conditions, these two seamers will have a crucial role to play. On the flip side, India's campaign opener against arch-rivals Pakistan was cut short due to rain. After Rohit Sharma opted to bat first, India were off to a shaky start before Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya came to their rescue and took them to a fighting total. However, persistent rain meant India could not get to bowl in the conditions they would have liked. As a result, India are expected to retain the majority of the bowling unit. Jasprit Bumrah has flown back home for personal reasons and Mohammad Shami is almost certain to replace him for this fixture. Having struggled against Pakistan, runs in this game for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill will do their confidence a world of good. History beckons all of us at the Pallekele Stadium as India and Nepal face each other in international cricket for the very first time. Who will reign supreme in this battle of David and Goliath? We will find out together.