Pak lift Asia Cup in thrilling final

Dhaka: Pakistan held their nerve to beat Bangladesh in a nail biting final at Mirpur to clinch the Asia Cup trophy on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s hope of winning their maiden Asia Cup title was spoiled by the Pakistani bowlers who restricted hosts three short of the winning target.

Paceman Aizaz Cheema grabbed three wickets, while fast bowler Umar Gul and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal each finished with two wickets as Pakistan stopped Bangladesh at 234-8 after scoring 236-9 in the day-night match.

Chasing 237, Bangladesh got off to a brisk start as Tamim Iqbal and Nazimuddin took the hosts past 50-mark without allowing the visitors any success.

Iqbal scored his fourth consecutive half ton to keep Pakistani bowlers at bay. However, just after Iqbal’s half-ton Afridi struck for Pakistan ending Nazimuddin’s challenge.

Before the hosts could recover frpm the first blow, Ajmal spelt magic to scalp Islam at the score of 68.

Pakistan pacer Umar Gul got rid of Tamim Iqbal (60) after his solid show to rattle Bangladesh after a brisk start.

Gul got Iqbal caught by Younis Khan to reduce Bangladesh to 81/3 in 24 th over.

Iqbal’s dismissal came soon after spinners’ double-strike that spoiled Bangladesh’s steady start.

After recording two upsets over India and Sri Lanka already in the event, giant-killers Bangladesh were in with a golden opportunity to create history by halting Pakistan within a reachable target.

But if not for some lacklustre bowling by Shahdat Hossain towards the end and useful contributions from Shahid Afridi (32) and wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed (46 not out), the target could have been much lower for Bangladesh.