India vs Pakistan Commentary

PAK • 1st innings
146/10

IND • 2nd innings
150/5
All
Overs
W
6s
4s
19.1
2
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Two off the first ball! Fired in with all might, full and on off. Tilak Varma plants his back knee on the ground and tries to slog it across the line, but gets it off the toe end. The ball flies over the bowler's head and rolls down to the long on region for a couple of runs.
19.2
6
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
SIX! A SHOT OF EXTREME PRECISION! TILAK HAS PULLED OFF AN EXTRAORDINARY STRIKE! Good length, angling across the off stump line. Tilak Varma fetches the ball and smokes it powerfully over deep mid-wicket, and into the stands for a cracking six! The Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, loves every bit of that, and the Indian dressing room is aloft with broad smiles as that should do it for the Men in Blue!
19.3
1
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
SCORES ARE LEVEL NOW! Back of a length, around off. Tilak Varma waits back and punches it to the left of mid off and steals a quick single.
19.4
4
Haris Rauf to Rinku Singh
FOUR! RINKU SINGH FINISHES IT OFF IN STYLE! Hard-length delivery, around off. Rinku Singh keeps his calm, stays in the crease, swings with a flat bat, and smashes it over mid on for a boundary. Tilak Varma, the real architect of this chase, removes his helmet, lets out a huge roar, and hugs Rinku Singh. The party starts in the Indian dressing room. INDIA WIN THE ASIA CUP 2025! The crowd is up on its feet as India lift the trophy for the ninth time in their twelfth final appearance!
18.1
1
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
Keeps it away from the arc, on a length, outside off. Tilak Varma shuffles across and gets down on his knee. Sweeps it using his wrists to the left of square leg. Fakhar Zaman dives in that direction and makes a half-stop. Just a single. 16 needed off 11 now!
18.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Shivam Dube
Banged halfway, angling outside off. Shivam covers the stumps, stands tall and flat-bats it down to long on for a single.
18.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
Three singles off the first three balls! Another one hurled outside off, on a length. Tilak waits back and heaves it off the inner half of the bat to long on for a single.
18.4
4
Faheem Ashraf to Shivam Dube
FOUR! THAT HAS BEEN POWERED MERCILESSLY! Ashraf tries to keep it outside off, and pulls the length back. Shivam Dube moves across the stumps, stands tall and pulls it between deep mid-wicket and long on for a cracking boundary!
18.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shivam Dube
BIG SWING AND A MISS! Nips away from a fuller length, outside off. Shivam Dube swings with everything left in his tank, but gets no bat on ball!
18.6
W
Faheem Ashraf to Shivam Dube
OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! What a crucial delivery for Pakistan! Faheem Ashraf gets his third wicket and how brilliant has he been in the night of the final? At a gentle pace, outside off, on a fuller length. Shivam Dube does not account for the pace off and tries to sail it over long off, but gets no timing whatsoever. The ball goes skyward off the toe end, and descends towards long off. Shaheen Afridi positions himself and judges the ball's trajectory to perfection. Takes a fine catch under pressure in front of the ropes.
Till Now Score: 137/5
(19 Overs)
S Dube
33(22)
T Varma
60(50)
F Ashraf
4-0-29-3
Over 19 ·137 Runs
1
1
1
4
0
W
17.1
1
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
Slower dipping full toss, outside off. Shivam Dube works it towards extra cover for a quick single.
17.2
1WD
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
WIDE! Slips it miles outside the tramline. Tilak shapes to play the sweep but leaves and a Wide is called. Varma asks for a No Ball. But the third umpire deems the ball has pitched outside the pitch after going past the stumps. So, it will just be a wide.
17.2
1
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Full and with pace, outside off. Varma lofts it over cover-point for a single.
17.3
1
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
Too full, but wide outside off. Dube carves it powerfully, but only for a single to deep extra cover. So far, so good from Rauf. India need 26 from 15 balls.
17.4
2
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Spots Tilak shuffling across off, Rauf spears a full toss outside off. Tilak Varma goes with his shot, bends his knee and sweeps it to the right of square leg for a couple of runs.
17.5
1
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Excellent delivery! An attempted yorker, wide outside off. Tilak Varma covers the off pole, and digs it out to widish mid-wicket for only a single. Rauf has bowled according to his plans so far and will look to finish strongly.
17.6
6
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
SIX! BELTED! Dube gets all of it! Pretty loose from Rauf. Goes for a yorker but slips in a low full toss, just outside off. Shivam Dube swings with all his might, gets his bat under the ball and muscles it up and over deep mid-wicket for a mammoth six. A very valuable strike from Dube and that brings up the 50-run partnership between Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma off just 36 deliveries! Haris Rauf goes for 13 in this over and admonishes himself in frustration. He has been pretty expensive in this finale. His figures read 3-0-37-0.
Till Now Score: 130/4
(18 Overs)
S Dube
28(18)
T Varma
58(48)
H Rauf
3-0-37-0
Over 18 ·130 Runs
1
1WD
1
1
2
1
6
16.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Full and speared on middle and leg. Tilak flicks it along the turf to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16.2
1
Shaheen Afridi to Shivam Dube
IN THE AIR... Lands safe! Dube's heart would have surely been in his mouth for a moment there. Fuller delivery, slower one, on middle. Shivam Dube tries to flick that away, but gets a thick, leading edge. The ball pops up in the air, but falls short of the charging cover fielder. They cross.
16.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Full ball, on the leg stump, Tilak tries to whip that across the line, but misses to connect and wears on the pad.
16.4
2
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Slower one, full and on middle and leg. Tilak Varma swings with all his might, but only manages to get an inside edge. The ball rolls past the leg stump and goes towards Abrar Ahmed at short fine leg. He dives to his left but makes a half-stop and parries the ball behind. Two taken.
16.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Full, on off. Tilak carves it wide of mid off for a single.
16.6
1
Shaheen Afridi to Shivam Dube
A tailing full toss from Afridi, on top of off. Shivam Dube plays from the crease and heaves it between mid-wicket and square leg for a single. Brilliant over from Shaheen under tough circumstances. Goes for just 6 and finishes his spell with economical figures of 4-0-20-1.
Till Now Score: 117/4
(17 Overs)
S Dube
20(15)
T Varma
54(45)
S Afridi
4-0-20-1
Over 17 ·117 Runs
1
1
0
2
1
1
15.1
6
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
SIX! BRUTAL HIT! Too full from Abrar, around off. Shivam Dube brings his long levers to play, clears the front leg and sails it over deep mid-wicket for a huge six.
15.2
1WD
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
WIDE! Slides it wide outside the tramline, on a length. Dube lets it be. Wide called.
15.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
IN THE AIR... FALLS SHORT! Also, a lack of game awareness from Dube, as that could have been easily a double. Full and spinning into the batter, Shivam Dube tries to sweep it away, but ends up getting a top edge. The ball flies over the keeper's head and lands in front of Haris Rauf, who charges to his left from short fine leg. The batters complete a single, and Haris throws it wayward towards the bowler's end. Tilak is keen to get the second but Dube has his back against his partner. This forces Tilak to retreat.
15.3
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Full and outside off, worked down to long off for a single.
15.4
0
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
Short and spinning in from middle. Dube dabs it across to the leg side.
15.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
Pulls the length back, on the leg stump. Dube tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
15.6
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
FIFTY FOR TILAK VARMA! A steely half century from him. Came into the furnace under extreme pressure, but has held up pretty well with calm in his nerves. On a fractionally fuller length, spinning into the batter, Tilak Varma gets down on his knee and sweeps it wide of short fine leg to his right for a single. Gets to the other end and gestures a salute towards the dugout where the Indian players are up on their feet, admiring his knock.
Till Now Score: 111/4
(16 Overs)
T Varma
50(41)
S Dube
18(13)
A Ahmed
4-0-29-1
Over 16 ·111 Runs
6
1WD
1
1
0
1
1
14.1
4
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
FOUR! Smacked away! Haris Rauf lands on a good length, outside off. Shivam Dube stands tall and just powers it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.
14.2
1
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
Pace off and into the wicket, on middle and leg, Dube nurdles it through square leg for a single.
14.3
4
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
FOUR! Crunched! Pitched up by Rauf, at pace, on off, Tilak transfers the weight on the front foot and drills it back past the bowler for a single.
14.4
1
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
On a good length, on off, Varma steps out to go through the off side. Miscues it down the deck and the ball goes on the bounce towards the bowler. Rauf leaps to his left and gets a hand to it but the ball is parried behind for one.
14.5
1
Haris Rauf to Shivam Dube
On a back of a length, on the pads, Shivam wrists it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.6
6
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
SIX! All the way! 17 runs off the over. Just what over India wanted. Slower one, on a back of a length, angled into the left-hander, on middle. Tilak picks it up and sends it over the leaping deep backward square leg fielder for a six.
Till Now Score: 100/4
(15 Overs)
T Varma
48(39)
S Dube
10(9)
H Rauf
2-0-24-0
Over 15 ·100 Runs
4
1
4
1
1
6
13.1
1
Saim Ayub to Shivam Dube
This grips a bit in the surface, short and turning away, Dube drags the sweep towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.2
1
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Full and sliding onto the pads, Varma flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
13.3
1
Saim Ayub to Shivam Dube
Serves the carrom ball, sliding into the left-hander, on a nagging length, on the off stump. Shivam whips it to deep mid-wicket for a run.
13.4
0
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Slower and fuller, on middle, Tilak knocks it back to Ayub.
13.5
1
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
At 90.9 kph, short and on middle, Tilak bends and pulls it to deep backward square leg for one more.
13.6
1
Saim Ayub to Shivam Dube
That could have been disastrous for India! Saim angles in a full ball, on off and middle, Dube does not move his feet at all and just pushes at the ball. Gets an outside edge that goes along the ground to the right of short third. The substitute fielder, Hasan Ali goes after it and slides to cut it off. Turns around and hurls it towards the batting end. A bit of yes and no between the two batters for the second run before Dube sends Tilak back. The keeper, Mohammad Haris collects and whips the bails off. It is referred upstairs. Tilak dives to get home. The replays show that Haris did not manage to take the bails off on the first attempt and had a second crack at it, which is when one bail came off and that allowed Varma to make his ground with a dive.
Till Now Score: 83/4
(14 Overs)
S Dube
4(6)
T Varma
37(36)
S Ayub
3-0-16-0
Over 14 ·83 Runs
1
1
1
0
1
1
12.1
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Dropped short at 94 kph, on middle, Tilak goes on the back foot and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.2
W
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
OUT! CAUGHT! Abrar Ahmed breaks through for Pakistan! This is cleverly bowled by Abrar, keeping it away from the batter's arc, on a nagging length. Hangs it up there and this is slower through the air. Samson throws his hands at the ball but the turn takes the ball further away from him. Slices it off the outer half of the bat towards backward point, where Sahibzada Farhan takes it on the edge of the ring. Sanju Samson departs for 24 off 21 and India are 77/4.
12.3
0
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
Tossed up, on a length, on middle, Dube pushes it back to the bowler.
12.4
0
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
Shorter and on off, Dube slaps it straight to cover.
12.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Shivam Dube
Short and quick, on the pads, Shivam nudges it to deep square leg for a single.
12.6
0
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Excellent over from Abrar! A wicket and 2 runs off it. That takes the required run rate to 9.85, which was 8.87 at the start of the over. Short and pushed through on the pads, Tilak misses out on the flick and wears it on the front pad.
Till Now Score: 78/4
(13 Overs)
T Varma
35(33)
S Dube
1(3)
A Ahmed
3-0-18-1
Over 13 ·78 Runs
1
W
0
0
1
0
11.1
1
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Short and a bit of an away turn, on off, Varma swivels and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Samson and Tilak!
11.2
0
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Saim gives the ball air and Sanju is tempted into the big shot. Full and drifting onto the pads, Samson gets down for the heave but misses and wears it on the front pad.
11.3
0
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Fine stop! Ayub fires in a low full toss, on off, Sanju cracks the drive towards extra cover where Salman Agha flings himself to his left and cuts it off. Gets rid of the ball quickly and Tilak, who had set off for the single manages to retreat.
11.4
0
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Three dots in a row! Shorter and on middle, Sanju pats it back to Ayub.
11.5
6
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
SIX! A poor delivery from Saim that allows Sanju to release the pressure! A half-tracker from Ayub, outside off, Samson presses on the back foot and slams it over wide long on for a biggie.
11.6
0
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Nicely floated up, full and on off, Sanju leans into the drive and works it to cover.
Till Now Score: 76/3
(12 Overs)
S Samson
24(20)
T Varma
34(31)
S Ayub
2-0-11-0
Over 12 ·76 Runs
1
0
0
0
6
0
10.1
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Dropped short, on off, cut away to deep point for a single.
10.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
Pushed through, on middle, Sanju pushes this full ball to long off for a run.
10.3
6
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
SIX! This will ease a bit of pressure for India as the last boundary came in the 8th over! Floated up from around the wicket, full and outside off. Tilak gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it flat and to the left of long on for a six.
10.4
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Shorter and on middle, Tilak taps it off the back foot to long on for one.
10.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
At 88.4 kph, keeps it short, around off, eased past cover for a single by Sanju.
10.6
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Short and a bit too straight, turning into the pads, Tilak turns it away to deep backward square leg for a single. A good over for the Men in Blue. 11 runs off it. India need 78 runs in 54 balls.
Till Now Score: 69/3
(11 Overs)
T Varma
33(30)
S Samson
18(15)
A Ahmed
2-0-16-0
Over 11 ·69 Runs
1
1
6
1
1
1
9.1
1
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
At just 88.3 kph, length ball on middle and leg. Sanju Samson rocks back and punches it with soft hands to the left of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a single.
9.2
1
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Very slow through the air, full and outside off. Tilak gets on the front foot and taps it away to backward point for a single.
9.3
1
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Sliding down the leg stump, on a length. Sanju Samson rocks back and steers it to deep square leg for a single.
9.4
0
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Tossed up, full and on middle. Varma blocks it out to short cover.
9.5
1
Saim Ayub to Tilak Varma
Shortens the length, outside off. Varma rocks back and steers it wide of extra cover for a single.
9.6
0
Saim Ayub to Sanju Samson
Length ball, on off, Samson knocks it off the back foot to Ayub. Just 4 singles off this over. At halfway, India are 58/3.
Till Now Score: 58/3
(10 Overs)
S Samson
16(13)
T Varma
24(26)
S Ayub
1-0-4-0
Over 10 ·58 Runs
1
1
1
0
1
0
8.1
1
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
Abrar Ahmed is into the attack now. Bowls on a length, at 89.3 kph, on middle and leg. Samson rocks back and punches to the right of the bowler for a single. 50 UP FOR INDIA IN 8.1 OVERS!
8.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Sharp spin into the batter, length on middle. Tilak Varma pushes off the back foot to long on for a single.
8.3
1
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Hussain Talat is the guilty party! That should have been taken by all standards! Short in length, on the leg stump line, sticking up a bit on the deck as well. Sanju Samson weighs back and mistimes the pull shot towards deep mid-wicket. The ball dips in front of Hussain Talat, who charges in from the deep, and dives forward to grab it with both hands extended forward, but goes for the catch with hard hands. The ball hits his palm and pops out before dropping on the ground. A single taken.
8.4
1
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Length, on the leg stump, Tilak tucks it across to deep square leg for a single.
8.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Sanju Samson
A wrong'un, spinning in from outside off. Punched down to long off for a single.
8.6
0
Abrar Ahmed to Tilak Varma
Tossed up, full and on the leg stump line, Tilak pushes it back to the bowler.
Till Now Score: 54/3
(9 Overs)
T Varma
22(23)
S Samson
14(10)
A Ahmed
1-0-5-0
Over 9 ·54 Runs
1
1
1
1
1
0
7.1
1
Haris Rauf to Sanju Samson
Haris Rauf is into the attack now. Starts with a length-delivery, on top of off. Sanju Samson climbs on the bounce and punches to deep extra cover for a single.
7.2
1
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Around the stumps. Length-delivery, on off, angling in. Tilak Varma plays from the crease and knocks it on the bounce to the bowler. Haris Rauf extends his hands over his head to stop the ball, but deflects it behind. Mid off charges in to his left and restricts the batters down to just a single.
7.3
4
Haris Rauf to Sanju Samson
FOUR! Quick hands! Back of a length, just around off. Sanju Samson transfers his weight on the back foot and pulls it over the man at mid-wicket for a cracking boundary! India need 99 from 75 balls now.
7.4
1
Haris Rauf to Sanju Samson
Short of a good length, outside off. Slow at 121.3 kph. Sanju Samson waits back and guides it behind to deep third for a single.
7.5
0
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Slams the deck hard from around the stumps, and targets the bodyline. Tilak rocks back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
7.6
0
Haris Rauf to Tilak Varma
Angled at the pads, on a length. Tilak Varma flicks it to mid-wicket. 7 runs off the over. 13 runs from the last two overs for India. They need 98 runs from 72 balls.
Till Now Score: 49/3
(8 Overs)
T Varma
20(20)
S Samson
11(7)
H Rauf
1-0-7-0
Over 8 ·49 Runs
1
1
4
1
0
0
6.1
0
Mohammad Nawaz to Tilak Varma
Over the stumps. Length ball, spinning in from off. Tilak Varma hangs deep in the crease and nudges it to mid-wicket.
6.2
4
Mohammad Nawaz to Tilak Varma
FOUR! Swept away! Pushed through, full and turning in around off. Tilak Varma reads the length well and sweeps it powerfully to deep square leg and collects another boundary.
6.3
0
Mohammad Nawaz to Tilak Varma
On a length, sharply gripping off the pitch. Varma taps it across to the leg side.
6.4
0
Mohammad Nawaz to Tilak Varma
Full and outside off, Varma leans on and pushes it to cover.
6.5
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Tilak Varma
Short and outside off, spinning in. Tilak Varma goes deep in the crease and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
6.6
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Sanju Samson
Nicely tossed up, full and on off. Sanju Samson lunges forward and drives it past the short cover fielder's dive to his right. The ball rolls down to long off. They cross. Just 6 runs off Nawaz's first.
Till Now Score: 42/3
(7 Overs)
S Samson
5(4)
T Varma
19(17)
M Nawaz
1-0-6-0
Over 7 ·42 Runs
0
4
0
0
1
1
5.1
0
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
Back of a length, outside off. Tilak hangs back and punches it to short cover.
5.2
0
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
Fractionally full and wicket-to-wicket, Tilak Varma punches it off the back foot to the bowler.
5.3
4
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
FOUR! Through the gap and it races away! Hard length, angling outside off. Tilak Varma waits for the slower delivery to arrive and punches it between the cover and mid off gap for a boundary.
5.4
6
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
SIX! PUNISHED! Lovely pick-up shot from Varma! Faheem errs in line and length. A slow length ball, outside leg. Tilak Varma whips it cleanly over deep fine leg for a cracking six.
5.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
A cutter, on a good length, outside off. Tilak Varma shapes to cut it square on the off side, but the ball stays a tad low and passes below the inside edge.
5.6
1
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
Slanting across the batter, on a length, Tilak Varma waits for it and taps it with soft hands, beside the pitch on the off side and calls Samson through for a quick single. India are 36/3 at the end of the Powerplay. They need 111 more to win from 84 balls.
Till Now Score: 36/3
(6 Overs)
T Varma
14(12)
S Samson
4(3)
F Ashraf
3-0-22-2
Over 6 ·36 Runs
0
0
4
6
0
1
4.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Angled into the left-hander, on a back of a length, Tilak nudges it to mid-wicket from the crease.
4.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
At 140.8 kph, on a short of a length, on off, Varma backs away to use the pace of the ball but ends up bunting it down on the off side.
4.3
1
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
On a back of a length, at the pads, Tilak works it to deep backward square leg and takes a single.
4.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Sanju Samson
Nearly chopped it back onto the stumps! Steaming in from around the wicket, on a hard length, on off. Sanju waits back to defend. Gets an inside edge and the ball drops near his feet.
4.5
0
Shaheen Afridi to Sanju Samson
Pace off from Shaheen, fuller in length, on off. Samson eases the drive to cover.
4.6
4
Shaheen Afridi to Sanju Samson
FOUR! Lovely shot! A half-volley at 139.3 kph, around off, Sanju leans into the drive and caresses it through covers for a boundary.
Till Now Score: 25/3
(5 Overs)
S Samson
4(3)
T Varma
3(6)
S Afridi
3-0-14-1
Over 5 ·25 Runs
0
0
1
0
0
4
3.1
1
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Short and wide on off, flayed away to the left of deep point for a single.
3.2
1
Faheem Ashraf to Tilak Varma
On a back of a length, on middle and leg, Tilak drops it with soft hands on the leg side and takes a quick single.
3.3
2
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Slanting into the pads, on a short of a length. It is the slower one and Shubman nudges it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
3.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Full and a hint of away shape, outside off, Shubman brings the wrists into play and hits it straight to mid on.
3.5
4
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
FOUR! Not quite from the middle of the bat but that will ease a bit of nerves! Ashraf bowls it on a back of a length and it is the pace-off delivery. Gill charges down the track and swipes it more off the inner half of the bat to the right of mid-wicket for a boundary.
3.6
W
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
OUT! CAUGHT! Faheem Ashraf gets his man, and he is thrilled to bits! The pace off option brings success yet again for Faheem. This is bowled into the wicket, outside off, Shubman skips down the track and looks to flat bat it down the ground. Fails to read the change of pace and Gill shanks it off the toe end of the bat. Haris Rauf at mid on times the leap to perfection and takes a fine grab over his head. India's top order has been blown away. They are 20/3 at the end of 4 overs.
Till Now Score: 20/3
(4 Overs)
S Gill
12(10)
T Varma
2(3)
F Ashraf
2-0-11-2
Over 4 ·20 Runs
1
1
2
0
4
W
2.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Suryakumar Yadav
Full and on middle, the ball seems to have stopped on SKY before he worked it to the man at mid-wicket.
2.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Suryakumar Yadav
Even fuller this time, searching for the yorker, at the base of the off stump. Suryakumar Yadav takes it on the full but toe-ends the drive to cover.
2.3
W
Shaheen Afridi to Suryakumar Yadav
OUT! CAUGHT! Shaheen Afridi strikes a massive blow now! The Indian skipper falls cheaply yet again. Afridi rolls his fingers over the ball and angles it across the right-hander, on a length. Suryakumar plays in front of his body and the ball is not full enough for the drive. The bat gets twisted at the point of contact as he chips it uppishly with his feet going nowhere. It dips in front of Salman Agha at mid off as he charges in and puts in a dive. The ball almost slips out of his hands and but Agha manages to cling on whilst tumbling forward. Suryakumar stands his ground and the third umpire is called into action. The replays indicate that the ball seems to have bounced on the palm and not on the ground but does Agha have his hands together? The third umpire wants another angle but that is not of much use. He returns to the first angle and after a couple of looks, he is satisfied that Salman has his hands under the ball. Suryakumar Yadav departs for 1 off 5 and India are 10/2, needing 137 runs.
2.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Very full, on off, Tilak gets his bat down and squeezes it out on the off side.
2.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to Tilak Varma
Angled into the left-hander, on a good length, Tilak dabs it in front of mid-wicket and takes a quick single.
2.6
1
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill
Risky single! Shaheen bowls it on a good length, around off, Gill gets on top of it and taps it beside the strip on the leg side. A bit of yes and no between the two batters before deciding to cross over after the ball gets past the bowler on the follow-through. Fakhar Zaman is quick to swoop in from mid-wicket to his left and releases an underarm throw towards the bowling end but Fakhar misses. Gill was a goner had the throw hit!
Till Now Score: 12/2
(3 Overs)
S Gill
5(5)
T Varma
1(2)
S Afridi
2-0-9-1
Over 3 ·12 Runs
0
0
W
0
1
1
1.1
W
Faheem Ashraf to Abhishek Sharma
OUT! CAUGHT! How about that for a start? Faheem Ashraf gets the massive wicket of Abhishek Sharma on the very first ball. Ashraf serves the off-cutter from over the wicket, on a good length, pushed across the left-hander. Sharma stays low and is made to reach out. He is early into the shot as he tries to drag it away on the leg side. Spoons the simplest of catches to mid on where Haris Rauf bends and completes the catch. Faheem lets out a big roar and is over the moon. Abhishek Sharma departs for just 5 off 6 in the finale, and India are 7/1, needing 140 runs to win from 113 balls.
1.2
0
Faheem Ashraf to Suryakumar Yadav
On a back of a length, on off, Suryakumar Yadav looks to punch it off the back foot. Miscues it off the inner half back towards the bowler.
1.3
1
Faheem Ashraf to Suryakumar Yadav
Angled in at the hips, on a short of a length, Suryakumar wrists it to deep backward square leg for a single to open his account.
1.4
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Bashes the hard length, outside off. The width is there for Gill to cash in and he gets on his toes for the cut but ends up chopping it in front of cover.
1.5
0
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Off-pace delivery, full and outside off, Shubman takes a step across the stumps and taps it beside the strip on the leg side.
1.6
2
Faheem Ashraf to Shubman Gill
Takes pace off again, but the length is pulled back this time, outside off. Gill walks across and gets closer to the line of the ball. Jabs it to the left of deep square leg for a couple of runs. End of a successful over for Faheem and Pakistan.
Till Now Score: 10/1
(2 Overs)
S Gill
4(4)
S Yadav
1(2)
F Ashraf
1-0-3-1
Over 2 ·10 Runs
W
0
1
0
0
2
Faheem Ashraf to bowl the second over.
0
The Indian skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, is in at number 3.
0
India are 10/1 after 2 overs. At the same stage, Pakistan were 11/0. Shaheen to continue, against two right-handers on the crease.
0
Is that a clean catch? SKY is going nowhere and the on-field umpire sends it upstairs for a check. Faheem Ashraf dives forward from mid off and tries to scoop the ball before the grass. The third umpire calls for the zoomer to have a close look at whether the ball has carried all the way into his hands or bumped before. It is eventually deemed that Faheem's fingers are cleanly underneath the ball. OUT loads on the giant screen.
0
Tilak Varma is in at number 4.
0
A brief pause in play! Looks like there’s an issue with the lights at the Ring of Fire. Some of the lights have gone off. Meanwhile, the Pakistani players form a huddle to discuss their strategies ahead. The Indian batters help themselves with some fluids. After a bit of delay, the lights are back in function it seems. Good to continue.
0
Sanju Samson is in at number 5. Shaheen to bowl his third over on the trot. 2-0-9-1 so far for him.
0
India are 25/3 after 5 overs. Pakistan at the same stage were 37/0. Faheem Ashraf (2-0-11-2) to continue.
0
Time for spin as Mohammad Nawaz comes on.
0
DRINKS BREAK! A bit of calmness has ensued from India’s perspective after the chaos of being reduced to 20/3 inside the first four overs. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are rotating the strike well, nudging singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. India have strengthened their batting for this game, so there is depth to follow, but they need to keep up with the required run rate. Pakistan, though, will be disappointed with the dropped chance of Samson, but overall have given a good account of themselves with the ball so far. The surface has looked two-paced, with pace-off proving effective, and Salman Agha will look to tighten the screws with the spin options at his disposal. Abrar Ahmed to continue after the break. 1-0-5-0 so far for him.
0
India are 69/3 after 11 overs. Pakistan were 98/1 at the same stage. Saim Ayub (1-0-4-0) to continue.
0
The last 2 overs have gone for 18 runs. India need 71 runs to win from 48 deliveries. Abrar Ahmed (2-0-16-0) to continue.
0
Shivam Dube is in at number 6. India need 70 runs off 46 deliveries!
0
After 13 overs, India are 78/4. At the same stage, Pakistan were 113/2. India need 69 runs to win from 42 balls. Saim Ayub (2-0-11-0) to continue.
0
RUN OUT? Tilak dives and slides his bat inside the crease as Mohammad Haris collects the throw and whips the bails off. But Haris is a bit late to do that and fails in the first attempt. And the side-on replay shows that Tilak has just managed to get his bat inside the line, just in time. Just for a moment, it looked like his bat was not grounded properly, but eventually, the shoulder of his bat gets in before the bails are dislodged. NOT OUT!
0
28 runs off the last 2 overs for India, leaving them needing 36 runs in 24 balls. Salman Agha calls upon his premier pacer to work his magic. Here's Shaheen Afridi (3-0-14-1).
0
Haris Rauf has been brought back. A change of ends for the right-arm quick, who will want to redeem himself after going for 17 runs in his previous over. India need 30 runs from 18 balls.
0
Oopsie! Faheem Ashraf pulls out before delivering for the second time. Looks to be cramp. The physio is out to attend to Faheem. The Indian batters help themselves to some fluids in the meantime. Ashraf is back on his feet, but can he push through? This break has been over 5 minutes and the two Indians will have to reset. All set to resume then.
0
A good job from Faheem Ashraf to pull through cramps and deliver for his side. It is anybody's game with India needing 10 runs from the final over. Pakistan have been penalised for slow over rate and therefore, they will be allowed only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle instead of 5. Haris Rauf to bowl the final over. Rinku Singh joins Tilak Varma out in the middle but it will be Tilak on strike at the start of the over.
0
Simon Doull informs us that the Asian Cricket Council has conveyed that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. That concludes the presentation ceremony and draws the curtains on this year’s Asia Cup. It is the 9th title for the Men in Blue, who have further extended their dominance in the continental event. As for Pakistan, the wait for their third Asia Cup crown continues, with their last title in this tournament coming in 2012. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the Asia Cup as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
0
0.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Abhishek Sharma
Swing and a miss straight away! At 141 kph, on a good length, a bit of away shape, on the off stump. Abhishek charges down the track and swings to go back over the bowler's head, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
0.2
4
Shaheen Afridi to Abhishek Sharma
FOUR! Abhishek Sharma and India are on their way! Shaheen drags the length back, on top of the off stump. Sharma stays on the back foot this time and gets on top of the bounce. Punches it between backward point and point for a boundary.
0.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Abhishek Sharma
Shaheen Afridi responds with a peach! Angled into the left-hander, on a good length, on middle. This nips away off the deck, and Sharma is all at sea in terms of his footwork. His feet are rooted to the crease, and he brings his bat out in front to defend. The ball zips past the outside edge and goes over the stumps.
0.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Abhishek Sharma
Pitched up by Shaheen, around off, Sharma bends and frees his arms to thrash it through the off side. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.
0.5
1
Shaheen Afridi to Abhishek Sharma
Full and sliding onto the pads, Abhishek flicks it aerially towards deep square leg for a single.
0.6
2
Shaheen Afridi to Shubman Gill
Pushed across the right-hander, on a good length, Gill presses forward with a straight bat. The ball takes the outer half of the bat and rolls to the left of deep point for a couple of runs. 7 off the first over.
Till Now Score: 7/0
(1 Overs)
S Gill
2(1)
A Sharma
5(5)
S Afridi
1-0-7-0
Over 1 ·7 Runs
0
4
0
0
1
2