Ishan Kishan breaks elite record in Asia Cup 2023 IND vs PAK; beats MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh

On Saturday, September 2, India's first Asia Cup 2023 encounter against Pakistan, star wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan was unstoppable.

The 25-year-old batsman, who batted at No. 5 for the first time in his career at the Kele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, blasted 82 runs in 81 balls to save India and help them achieve a respectable total against Pakistan.

Kishan's 81-run innings against Pakistan in the Asia Cup was the highest total by a hitter, breaking the previous record set by former captain MS Dhoni (76 in 2008).

Highest score by an Indian wicket-keeper against Pakistan in Asia Cup

82 - Ishan Kishan (2023)*
76 - MS Dhoni (2008)
56 - Surinder Khanna (1984)
56 - MS Dhoni (2010)

During his time at the crease, Hardik Pandya, who ended up becoming the team's highest scorer under Rohit Sharma, scored 138 runs for the fifth wicket.

Hardik hit 87 runs off 90 balls as India totaled 266 runs in 48.5 overs against Babar Azam & Co. in Group A's second match. However, the game ended in a tie since no play was possible in the second inning owing to persistent rain.

Throughout the encounter against Pakistan, Ishan was the centre of attention. Ishan is a Patna-born cricketer who plays for Jharkhand in domestic competition.

However, because Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were at the top of the order, he didn't get a chance there, and team management didn't mess with the lineup by moving him to No. 3 or 4. The top left-handed batter capitalised on the opportunity, scoring a superb fifty to save India.

Kishan has broken or tied many records, including those held by MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, and has tied Virat Kohli's record.

Ishan's fifty against Pakistan at Pallekele was his fourth in a row in one-day international cricket. He also broke the record for the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman against Pakistan in Asia Cup history, which was previously held by the famous MS Dhoni.