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KARACHI: Pakistan proved again on Thursday night a view held by many experts that it performs better under pressure. The theatre was the Asia Cup final and the rivals were Bangladesh.
Right from winning the toss to the last over, the ‘Bengal Tigers’ made everyone to realise that they should no longer be considered as minnows, for it was only after Aizaz Cheema bowled the last ball of the 50th over that the delicately poised encounter came to an end, bringing a rapturous celebration to Pakistan when most expected it less.
Revellers across the country described it as a Pakistan Day gift from the national team.
In a match which riveted fans to the final ball, Pakistan tallied 236-9 in its 50 overs, then stalled Bangladesh on 234-8 in a raucous Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
In a dramatic final over, Bangladesh needed 9 to win. Pakistan messed up when it conceded three runs off the third-to-last ball with a wayward throw and an overthrow. That left 4 to win off 2 balls.
But then Abdur Razzak played a slower ball off fast bowler Aizaz Cheema onto his stumps, stranding the in-form Mahmadullah at the non-striker’s end.
New batsman Shahadat Hossain had to hit four runs off the last ball to give Bangladesh its maiden Asia Cup title, but he managed a yorker on leg stump with only a leg bye.—Reuters
