Shahid Afridi unleashed two stunning strikes that went for sixes, as Pakistan defeated archrivals India to stay alive in the Asia Cup PHOTO: REUTERS
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 3rd, 2014.
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COMMENTS (36)
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lalaa your are aalaa
The Beast of Kohat
Afridi.... for God sake,now quit calling Indians with little hearts.
@Vectra: talking with ifs and butts buddy...
One thing I still unable to comprehend. Pakistan deserves congratulations. But the amount of hate generated against India is unbelievable: Deep hate towards India in social media is really disproportionate. Sports is a sport. Winning and loosing part of the game. We should play more cricket with India. So, the frenzy of this types should go. I pity those people who take this opportunity to slam India. It seems to me we are getting vicarious pleasure ( if there is any) in the neighbor country.
One thing I still unable to comprehend. We won. Pakistan deserves congratulations. But the amount of hate generated against India is unbelievable: Deep hate towards India in social media is really disproportionate. Sports is a sport. Winning and loosing part of the game. We should play more cricket with India. So, the frenzy of this types should go. I pity those people who take this opportunity to slam India. It seems to me we are getting vicarious pleasure at the pain ( if there is any) in the neighbor country.
Everyone talking about Afridi, Hafeez might be feeling jealous :)
Pakistanis in California, Texas, Florida, Kanas, Michigan, Alaska, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Atlanta, Oregon, Washington, Utah: Congrats to everyone on the victory, Pakistan
we as a nation are never thankful. Criticizing and pointing fingers at others is part of our lives. If I ask what would have been your reaction, if afridi wasn't able to hit two sixes. Those who are saying it was tukka, may i ask them, how many tukkas were made in the match pak vs ind where afridi was able to score fastest century. I would like to ask, which player has got ability to hit those massive sixes in pressure. Please try to be thankful for what you get instead of thinking negative and pointing fingers at others.
Congratulation to Pakistan team they deserved itthe win after Afridi heroics but they didn't play as a professional outlfits with comical run outs and immature batting by Akmal etc. India played excellent in second innings and I was impressed by Kohli 's very imaginative leadership and sportsmanship. It is sad see to one team has to lose and I am happy for Pakistan team but sad for Indians players who played their hearts out...they were equally deserving of the win. Anyone who bought a ticket got good value for their money.
@deepak:
Sour grapes homie......your should be rather perturbed that Kohli's tukka did not work this time around. As a matter of fact, his tukkas seem to dessert him every time he plays against Pakistan, check his stats against Pakistan over the last 5 ODIs.
@deepak: Chal to gaya na.. :P
I got boom boomed :'(
afridi ka tukka chal gaya
Afridi ka tukka acha laga, but never mind win is a win and especially against India its even better.
Indian team. Aussie and English Umpires. Yet the "bug 3" spanked boom boom.
Well played Shahid and Pakistan. Sad we lost and we are out of Asia cup!
Due to dew factor,in this Asia cup, every time, team chasing is likely to win.So the moment India loss the toss- the game was decided, I therefore think Indians put a good fight.-as the match was decided in the last over by two sixes of Afridi.
One can only say to the beleaguered Indian ms..Ahem Ahem, Bazinga!!!
The match was thrilling to watch, both teams played well.......its was Pakistan's day, well done.
it was great match guys both countries plays well cong to pakistan team. jaye pakistan.
This devil Kohli mocked Pakistan players after every wicket, I was glad to see him crying after Pakistan beat him. Congratulations to the Pakistan team.
Finally !!!
Lala played sensibly...
Just waiting for the outburst. Congrats Pakistan. And please be modest, unlike the sub continental temperament.
We will not mind if Afridi rides our nerves for another 100 matches.
Well Done Greens!
Great gift to nation in times of despondency and sad tragedies.
Thanks for making moral high for a greater unity.
Keep up.