Rizwan, Nawaz star as Pakistan clinch a classic
India began with a bang, with Kohli looking close to his best, but kept losing wickets, scoring only 88 in their last 10 overs
India began with a bang, with Kohli looking close to his best, but kept losing wickets, scoring only 88 in their last 10 overs
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Danyal Rasool
Right, thanks again so much for joining us! That was fun, wasn't it? A lot of you seem to be sure we'll have a third installment on Sunday, but don't take anything for granted! See you again soon, and enjoy the rest of your day!
Mohammad Nawaz is the player of the match. Yeah, not going to argue with that.
"For a left arm spinner, it's important to stick to the basic line and length. If one or two balls turn, that puts doubt into the batters' minds. After that, I try and stick to line and length. We needed 10 runs per over when I walked in to bat so I knew I had to attack every chance I got. My mind was clear that I'd hit out at every ball in my zone. I didn't try and overplay, which you sometimes can when you're under pressure." Insightful from Nawaz post-match, perhaps too honest there with his bowling strategy.
Babar Azam comes up for a chat now. "I try to keep things simple," he says. "Credit goes to the team for the effort they put in.
"I thought they had an edge after the way they utilised the PP. But the bowlers came back to restrict them. I didn't fire today but Nawaz and Rizwan's p'ship was outstanding. I thought Nawaz could exceed because they had two legspinners operating so we spent them up. Our spinners and fast bowlers at the death set the stage for us."
"Credit to Pakistan, they obviously played better than us," Rohit concedes. "Virat's form is brilliant, there's no doubt about that. Every batter, especially Virat, helped us get that score because we lost a couple of crucial wickets in the middle."
Dr Farhan: "What a naik bitter entertaining contest, that is why IndoPak cricket is so important for the growth of the game. 2nd Gem of a match in 2 weeks"
Sharma comes up for a chat. "It's a high pressure game and you have to be at it every time. A game like that can take a lot out of you, but we were quite calm at the backend, even in the middle when Rizwan and Nawaz had a partnership going. But it went too long and they batted brilliantly.
"Games like this can bring the best out of players. There will be times when they will be challenged and things might not go their way. There's potential in the players and they've done it in the past. There's class in the opposition team as well.
"I thought it was a good score. Any pitch, any conditions, 180 is a good score. But if you don't pick wickets in the middle, it's going to be tough. We got to learn a lot today."
Danyal back here to have the final say - or more accurately, to report on the presentations. What a fun conclusion that was, from that Nawaz masterclass, to the third umpire theatre, to that drop and that sensational final over. India-Pakistan at its best.
Mukunth: "Deepak Hooda's victory streak comes to an end!" Have to admit I wasn't aware of this streak, but seems like it's quite a big deal huh? The anti-Gareth Bale, if you will
"We know our strength, we have got power-hitters lower down who can score 45-48 in the last four if needed," says Rizwan.
9.55pm Another week, another India-Pakistan thriller. Pakistan finishing on the right side of the result this time. They looked in control for almost the whole chase, thanks to Rizwan's 71 off 51 and Nawaz's 42 off just 20. India somehow brought it down to 26 needed from the final two overs. But Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali took 19 off Bhuvneshwar in the penultimate over. Arshdeep stretched it to the penultimate ball. With two needed from two balls, Iftikhar sealed it for Pakistan.
Two needed from two balls. Iftikhar Ahmed to face
Sajal: "Bhuvi should have bowled yorkers instead of wide deliveries, Ashdeep just proved that. "
Asif Ali lbw b Arshdeep Singh 16 (27m 8b 2x4 1x6) SR: 200.00
Darshan : "Why is virat kohli sitting out ???" --- Cramps
Just two needed now. India are taking their time. One more fielder inside the ring
Srikanth : "Arshdeep. Can he win for India after missing crucial catch?"
The over-rate penalty has kicked in. India will have one less fielder outside the 30-yard circle. Here's Arshdeep with seven needed
The Pakistan left-arm spinner and surprise-weapon batter looks back to his dream Asia Cup outing
It is understood that the wicketkeeper felt fine after the game, and the scan is a precautionary measure
"I'm happy, I'm excited and having fun playing cricket again, which was the most important thing for me"
Having rediscovered his mojo in the Asia Cup with back-to-back fifties, Kohli says "what happens in the change room is the only thing that matters"
"In such a high-pressure game to play an innings like this gives me massive confidence as a player and in my growth"