India vs Pakistan Asia Cup: Matches played between India and Pakistan have always been a source of great amazement and enthusiasm among cricket fans from various parts of the world. The rivalry between these two sides undoubtedly is one of the most intense of its kind and no other cricketing nation in the world has been able to match it till date.
Whenever these two teams meet on the cricket field, the expectations and anticipations from the cricket lovers are all at their peak for sure. Over the years, these two teams have provided cricket experts and spectators with numerous moments that have been worth remembering for several years.
From pleasantries being exchanged amongst players to nail-biting finishes, Ind Vs Pak encounters have provided us with everything of this sort. It’s time for us to take a look back at three of the most unforgettable encounters between India and Pakistan in Asia Cup history so far.
India Vs Pakistan (2016 Asia Cup)
One of the most memorable INDIA Vs Pakistan matches was played back in 2016 Asia Cup when both these sides took on each other at the Sher-e-Bangla National stadium. Pakistan after losing the toss was put in to bat first. The Pakistan batting line up had no clue as to what they were supposed to do in order to resist the incredible bowling spells of the Indian pace brigade.
The bowling department of India which consisted of Nehra, Bumrah, Pandya and Jadeja gave Pakistan no chance to even survive the entire 20 overs as they were bundled out for a total of just 83. However, things started taking a sour turn for India when Pakistan pacer Mohammed Amir decided to take matters into his own hands.
The left arm pacer removed both Rohit and Rahane for ducks in the first over of the Indian innings itself. When Raina too went and the scoreboard read 8/3, it seemed to be anybody’s game. It was then that a resilient Virat Kohli started taking control of the situation with his brilliant calm and composed batting.
He brilliantly managed to survive Amir’s fiery spell and also managed to find the boundaries regularly. He was eventually dismissed for 49, and by that time has paved the way for India to register a 5-wicket victory.
India Vs Pakistan (2012 Asia Cup)
Another worth remembering match that featured India and Pakistan was back in the 2012 edition of the Asia Cup. Pakistan batting first on a friendly pitch put up a huge total of 329/6 in their 50 overs. Openers Hafeez and Jamshed smashed hundreds to help their side pile on runs for fun. In response to this Indian lost their opener, Gautam and for a duck in the first over.
Virat Kohli in at no.3 then joined Sachin Tendulkar and went on to stitch a fine 133 run partnership before the latter was dismissed for 52. Virat continued his counter-attacking batting and notched up a sublime century. He found able support from Rohit Sharma who also smashed a quality half-century. Virat finally got out after scoring a mammoth 183 off 148 deliveries as he helped India register a famous 6-wicket victory.
India vs Pakistan (2010 Asia Cup)
A famous encounter between India and Pakistan took place during the 2010 Asia Cup at the Dambulla stadium in Sri Lanka. Pakistan after winning the toss and electing to bat first were bowled out for 267 runs. Salman Butt top scored with 75 for his side. In response, India started their chase steadily.
The innings were being halted with wickets from the Pakistani bowlers at regular intervals. Gautam Gambhir looked solid at one end. He along with skipper Dhoni seemed to take India home, however towards the later half of the innings wickets began to fall quickly. Suresh Raina along with Harbhajan Singh build up a crucial lower-order partnership to take India ever so closer to the target.
After the wicket of Raina in the penultimate over, it was Harbhajan who took India home with an incredible six of the second last ball of the innings. The game will be remembered for some heated moments between Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar towards the last few overs.
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