Boom Boom Afridi sinks India in Mirpur

Pakistan win cliff-hanger in final over of Asia Cup epic as Kohli’s team bows out.

Shahid Afridi immortalised his status as an icon of Pakistan cricket by two stunning strikes in the final over of the Asia Cup match that sealed an unlikely win for the men in green against archrival India.

A panic-stricken Pakistan had collapsed in a familiar way chasing a below par score of 246 in batting friendly conditions in Mirpur.

Afridi(34) had last man Junaid Khan for company. With the men in green needing nine runs for a win in four balls, the all-rounder unleashed two mighty strikes off consecutive balls that sailed over the boundary ropes to ensure a nail-biting, nerve-wrecking Pakistan win. Ravichandran Ashwin was the unlucky bowler who had bowled tightly throughout the evening.

After a 71 run start Pakistan crashed 113 for four in the 23rd over. An 87-run partnership between man of the match Mohammad Hafeez (75) and Sohaib Maqsood (38) revived the chase. Hafeez and Maqsood, however, fell in quick succession and despite some lusty hits the defending champions looked down and out before Afridi’s incredible assault.

India is virtually out of the tournament after the defeat, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka favourites to compete in the March 8 final.

Jadeja, Rayudu revive Indian innings

Misbahul Haq opted to field first after winning the toss on a seemingly benign track. His bowlers did a good job overall as India posted a below par score in the first innings.

Pakistan bowlers mainta-ined a stranglehold for the most part of their innings. Shikhar Dhawan (10) and Virat Kohli (5) perished early with Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Gul making crucial strikes.

Rohit Sharma (56) looked in sublime touch against the new ball, however the extra pace of debutant Mohammad Talha accounted for him. Talha also sent Ajinkya Rahane (23) packing in an inspired seven over spell in the middle section of the innings.

The innings was revived by a 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Ambati Rayudu (58) and Ravindra Jadeja(52). The left-handed Jadeja was extremely lucky as a gracious Hafeez dropped a sitter off his own bowling when the all-rounder was on 12.

Jadeja made the most of his luck though and belted four fours and two sixes in his 49 ball unbeaten knock.

Hafeez who besides the dropped chance,held two tough catches in the outfield, ended with two wickets in his nine overs, Talha was hostile in his first game claiming two wickets in his spell, and Saeed Ajmal once again was the best Pakistan bowler on display taking three wickets in his allotted 10 overs.

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Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2014.

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