Pakistan qualify for Emerging Asia Cup final after thrilling win over India

Pakistan have qualified for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Teams Asia Cup final after beating India by three runs in a last-over thriller at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan posted 267 for 7 at the end of their allotted 50 overs.

Openers Omair Bin Yousaf and Haider Ali gave the Men in Green a perfect start with a 90-run partnership, before off-spinner Hrithik Shokeen provided a much-need breakthrough for India as he removed Haider Ali for 43.

Omair, who top-scored with a gritty 63-run knock, was the next one to depart as he was caught on the bowling of young India pacer Shivam Mavi.

Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals, before midde-order batsman Saif Badar took charge and propelled Pakistan to a competitive total with an unbeaten 47-run innings.

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In reply, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain halted Indian opener’s brisk start to the chase, as he removed Aryan Juyal for 17.

Badar continued his good day in the field as he got an important wicket of Indian skipper Ravi Sharath for 47.

Middle-order batsman Sanvir Singh found an able ally in Arman Jaffer as they stitched a crucial 83-run partnership.

Both batsmen were cruising to the target, until Badar once again displayed his heroics and ran out a well-set Singh for 76.

India continued their surge towards the total but also kept losing wickets on the way.

The Men in Green needed to defend 22 runs in the last four overs, with India having 4 wickets in hand.

At that moment, all-rounder Amad Butt came through for Pakistan with his brilliant display of death bowling, as he gave away only six runs in his last two overs to take the Men in Green to victory and final of the event.