India beat Pakistan in thrilling Dubai showdown

@ICC/ Twitter

India have beaten Pakistan by five wickets in a nail-biting Asia Cup group stage match in Dubai.

Chasing 148 runs to win, Indian batsman Hardik Pandya hit a six to finish off the match with his side needing six runs to win off three balls.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, India bowled out Pakistan for 147 with fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar taking 4-26. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan shined with the bat for Pakistan with 43.

In reply, India's batsmen recovered strongly after an early wobble to chase down their target with just two balls to spare.

Cricket's biggest rivals were greeted by a packed stadium of supporters for both countries.

It was sweet revenge of sorts for India, who went down to Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup match last year at the same venue when the two teams met in the group stages of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

India's next match is against Hong Kong on Wednesday, while Pakistan take on the same opponent on Friday, September 2 in Sharjah.

The arch rivals will most likely meet again later in the tournament, in the Super Fours stage and possibly the finals on September 11.




 

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