Sloppy Pakistan crash out of Asia Cup
Pakistan failed to match their last two results against arch-rivals India in a must-win match.
KARACHI:
Pakistan failed to match their last two results against arch-rivals India in a must-win match as they crashed out of the Asia Cup courtesy a penultimate-ball three-wicket loss.
Needing seven off the last over, Pakistan sensed an upset win as Suresh Raina, who had until then carried India’s late hopes, was run out stealing a bye. However, Harbajhan Singh pulled a Mohammad Aamer short ball over midwicket for a maximum to spark celebrations and seal their place in the final of the Asia Cup to take on hosts Sri Lanka.
Raina (34) and Harbajhan (15 not out) came together with India needing 49 in five overs after quick wickets of Rohit Sharma (22) and M S Dhoni (56) ensured Pakistan stayed in the game.
Despite Raina’s late dismissal, Pakistan did not have enough strike-force to halt the Indian fightback and were left ruing dropped catches and misfields as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in their final match of the tournament before departing for England.
Earlier, vice-captain Salman Butt broke his hat-trick of ducks in ODIs and top-scored as Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat. With Butt and Imran Farhat providing a composed start, a third-successive 300-plus total against India looked well on the cards.
Butt showed glimpses of his talent with drives and pulls that allowed him to score 74 off 85 balls. He was given a good hand by Farhat who scored 25 and was followed by the promoted Shoaib Malik (39) who added 73 for the second wicket with Butt.
Afridi and Kamran Akmal provided late onslaught but Pakistan’s decision to delay the batting powerplay until the end cost them dearly.
India, facing the 268-run target, were off to a slow start with Virender Sehwag affected by injury. He scored an uncharacteristic 10 off 32 balls and with Virat Kohli following him back to the dressing room shortly, Pakistan came crawling back into the game.
Dhoni, however, rallied around his partners and made use of sloppy fielding to rotate the strike. The Indian captain hit only two fours and a single six in his 71-ball innings and even a freak dismissal - ball deflecting off the back of his bat onto the stumps - failed to halt India’s run to the total.
“Many thanks to the lowerorder batsmen for ensuring the win,” said Dhoni. “We could’ve won earlier but things do not always go your way.”
Afridi, who has lost both matches since being appointed captain of all three formats, remained content with the team’s performance despite the loss “We enjoyed the game,” he said.
“It’s always good entertainment playing against India and I’m happy with the team’s performance. “Hopefully, we will improve ourselves now.”
Pakistan failed to match their last two results against arch-rivals India in a must-win match as they crashed out of the Asia Cup courtesy a penultimate-ball three-wicket loss.
Needing seven off the last over, Pakistan sensed an upset win as Suresh Raina, who had until then carried India’s late hopes, was run out stealing a bye. However, Harbajhan Singh pulled a Mohammad Aamer short ball over midwicket for a maximum to spark celebrations and seal their place in the final of the Asia Cup to take on hosts Sri Lanka.
Raina (34) and Harbajhan (15 not out) came together with India needing 49 in five overs after quick wickets of Rohit Sharma (22) and M S Dhoni (56) ensured Pakistan stayed in the game.
Despite Raina’s late dismissal, Pakistan did not have enough strike-force to halt the Indian fightback and were left ruing dropped catches and misfields as they prepare to take on Bangladesh in their final match of the tournament before departing for England.
Earlier, vice-captain Salman Butt broke his hat-trick of ducks in ODIs and top-scored as Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat. With Butt and Imran Farhat providing a composed start, a third-successive 300-plus total against India looked well on the cards.
Butt showed glimpses of his talent with drives and pulls that allowed him to score 74 off 85 balls. He was given a good hand by Farhat who scored 25 and was followed by the promoted Shoaib Malik (39) who added 73 for the second wicket with Butt.
Afridi and Kamran Akmal provided late onslaught but Pakistan’s decision to delay the batting powerplay until the end cost them dearly.
India, facing the 268-run target, were off to a slow start with Virender Sehwag affected by injury. He scored an uncharacteristic 10 off 32 balls and with Virat Kohli following him back to the dressing room shortly, Pakistan came crawling back into the game.
Dhoni, however, rallied around his partners and made use of sloppy fielding to rotate the strike. The Indian captain hit only two fours and a single six in his 71-ball innings and even a freak dismissal - ball deflecting off the back of his bat onto the stumps - failed to halt India’s run to the total.
“Many thanks to the lowerorder batsmen for ensuring the win,” said Dhoni. “We could’ve won earlier but things do not always go your way.”
Afridi, who has lost both matches since being appointed captain of all three formats, remained content with the team’s performance despite the loss “We enjoyed the game,” he said.
“It’s always good entertainment playing against India and I’m happy with the team’s performance. “Hopefully, we will improve ourselves now.”