Top five thrilling matches played in the Asia Cup

The Asia Cup has enthralled the audience with many thrilling encounters over the years. The tournament brings together all the heavyweight Asian giants up against each other as they compete among themselves for the biggest cricket trophy in the Asian continent.

Over the years, the crowd has witnessed many ‘edge-of-the-seat’ thrillers which have turned out to be the most memorable matches of the tournament. Let’s take a look at the top ‘nail-biters’ from the 38-year-long history of the Asia Cup:

1.Pakistan vs Afghanistan Asia Cup 2018:

Pakistan vs Afghanistan: (Image Source: Twitter)

Afghanistan had already made a dramatic entry in the ‘super four’ stage of the Asia Cup 2018 after knocking out Sri Lanka. Afghanistan captain, Asghar Afghan won the toss in the important match against Pakistan and decided to bat first. The decision was further vindicated by the batters, who ended up putting 257 runs on the board at the end of their allotted 50 overs.

Pakistan were cruising in the chase at one stage, courtesy of a brilliant 154-run-partnership between Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq. But after the partnership, the Pakistan batting order collapsed to 242/7, needing another 16 off 9 balls to win the match. The experience of Shoaib Malik saw Pakistan reach home as they won the match with three balls to spare. Afghanistan, further, went on to have a tie against India later on in the tournament.

2. Pakistan vs Bangladesh Asia Cup 2012 Final

Pakistan vs Bangladesh: (Image Source: Twitter)

Bangladesh had made a surprise entry into the finals of the Asia Cup 2012 after beating India and Sri Lanka. In the big final, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Pakistan team were blown away by the Bangladesh bowlers as they could only manage 236 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The Bangladesh team were in a strong position at 170/3 in 42.2 overs and were eyeing a historic Asia Cup title win.

But the team collapsed against the run of play and were reduced to 218/7 in 48.4 overs. It all came down to the final over with Bangladesh requiring 9 to win off 6 balls having three wickets in hand. The hopes of Bangladesh fans were pinned on Mahmudullah who was unbeaten on 13. Unfortunately, the Bangladesh tigers faltered under pressure and lost the match by 2 runs.

3. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2010

Harbhajan Singh: (Image Source: Twitter)

The list of thrilling matches can never be complete without an India vs Pakistan game. In this much-awaited match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The batters put up a decent total of 267 on the board after the first innings.  The Indian team looked comfortable in the chase as Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni got together for a 98-run partnership for the third wicket.

The match turned on its head as the Indian batting suffered a mini-collapse. The game went down to the wire with 48 runs needed off the last five. India reached home with one ball to spare as Harbhajan Singh emerged as the hero smashing the match-winning six on the penultimate ball of the match.

4. Bangladesh vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2014

Bangladesh vs Pakistan: (Image Source: Twitter)

The encounter between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2014 was an important affair for the Men in Green as they had to register a win in order to qualify for the finals. Their task was made even tougher by Bangladesh as they set up a humungous 327-run target in front of them. The Pakistan batters were in no mood to surrender as they took their team to 294/6 after 46.5 overs.

Pakistan needed another 31 runs to win in the last 18 balls. Umar Akmal and Fawad Alam guided them home with one ball to spare.

5. India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2014

Shahid Afridi: (Image Source: Twitter)

The Asia Cup 2014 treated the crowd with another India-Pakistan thriller. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl in the important game. The Pakistan bowlers came to the party as they restricted India to 245 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Pakistan team smelled victory at 235/6 in 48.2 overs but an inspiring spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought India back into the game. Pakistan required 14 runs in the last over with Shahid Afridi still at the crease. The swashbuckling batter scripted an incredible win for his team smashing two back-to-back monstrous sixes against Ravichandran Ashwin in the last over of the match.

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