Pakistan Win By Two Runs To Clinch Asia Cup Title

Pakistan Win By Two Runs To Clinch Asia Cup Title

Pakistan took victory in the Asia Cup final over Bangladesh by just two runs

©REUTERS / Action Images

Pakistan 236-9 (Sarfraz Ahmed 46, Mohammad Hafeez 40) beat
Bangladesh 234-8 (Shakib Al Hasan 68) by 2 runs
Asia Cup 2012 Final, Mirpur
Scorecard | Video Reaction

Pakistan clinched their second Asia Cup title with a hard-fought two-run win over Bangladesh in a fittingly thrilling finale to the tournament in Mirpur.

Needing nine to win from the final over, Bangladesh could only manage six as Aizaz Cheema held his nerve to secure a tight victory for Pakistan.

Pakistan had earlier needed a late blast of 46 not out from recalled wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed to reach 236 for seven and a final over from Shahadat Hossain that leaked 19 runs.

Tamim Iqbal (60) gave Bangladesh a flyer and Shakib Al Hasan hit 68 to get them close but Cheema's three wickets and excellent work from Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez, restricted Bangladesh to 234 for eight.

Hafeez had earlier hit 40 at the top of the order for Pakistan before their top order slipped up and they were reduced to 70 for four.

Umar Akmal (30) and Hammad Azam (30) helped them recover while Shahid Afridi blasted 32 in 22 balls.

Bangladesh were quickly in a similar position at 81 for three and although Shakib and Nasir Hossain (28) did worthy work in keeping them in the game, the runs came too slowly to hurt Pakistan.

After Hossain was caught out, Cheema struck to bowl Shakib, have Mushfiqur Rahim caught by Nasir Jamshed for ten and Abdur Razzak bowled for six and put Bangladesh under more pressure.

Despite Mahmudullah and Mashrafe Mortaza combining to get 14 runs of the 47th over, Bangladesh were unable to get over the line, Cheema holding his nerve.

Pakistan last won the tournament back in 2000, when it was also held in Bangladesh.

© Cricket World 2012