Chasing 283 to win at the Kinrara Academy Oval, Kuala Lumpur, India, led by Unmukt Chand, looked in control with 37 needed in the final six overs with seven wickets in hand. However, Mohammad Nawaz and Ehsan Adil ensured India were restricted to 282 for eight with the latter conceding just six off the final over including the wicket of centurion Chand.
Earlier, Sami Aslam made a superb 124-ball 134 to help his team post a competitive total. Aslam, who had a dream run in the event, hit 13 fours and three sixes and despite receiving little support from the other end, the 16-year-old carried on to help Pakistan’s cause. Umer Waheed was the only other notable contributor with 48.
For India, Rush Kalaria was the pick of the bowlers with five for 37, while Vikas Mishra claimed one for 42.
In reply, India lost their opener Manan Vohra early but Chand and Baba Aparajith put on 175 for the second wicket to take their team’s score to 195 in the 37th over. Nawaz got the first of his three wickets as he dismissed Aparajith but Chand carried on to trouble Pakistan.
Despite having wickets in hand, India lost the plot towards the end with wickets falling at regular intervals as Pakistan ensured an unbeaten run in the tournament.
While Chand and Aslam shared the man-of-the-match award with both batsmen hitting centuries, the Pakistan player was named the tournament’s best player and the best batsman.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2012.
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