India got knocked out of Asia Cup 2014 as Pakistan‘s historic victory over Bangladesh by three wickets helped them to qualify for final of the tournament. Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final clash on Saturday, March 8.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by three wickets in a thrilling contest in the eighth match of the Asia Cup 2014 at Mirpur. In a sensational run-chase, ‘Man of the Match’ Shahid Afridi ‘s 25-ball 59 helped Pakistan get over a 327-run target in 49.5 overs. Ahmed Shehzad had top-scored with 103 and Fawad Alam scored 74.
With the victory, Pakistan have booked a place in the final of the Asia Cup with Sri Lanka. That has put India out of the tournament. This chase of 327 was the Highest Successfully chased total for Pakistan. Their previous successfully chased total was 322. Before this match Pakistan chased down 300+ targets on four occasions and all against India.
And also the 326/3 by Bangladesh was their highest total in ODIs. All their batsmen contributed in their effort along with Rahim and Shakib who added 73 off last 5.3 overs. Anamul Haque top scored with 100. His opening stand along with Imrul Kayes was worth 150 runs.
India’s scenarios before this match were Bangladesh winning over Pakistan and Sri Lanka with Bonus Point in one of them. India needed to win their last match against Afghanistan on Wednesday with a Bonus Point. This makes India equal with 9 points along with Bangladesh and Pakistan. So on maintaining a better net run-rate than Bangladesh and Pakistan would help India to seal final berth.
The scenario looked in India’s favour till Afridi’s entry, where Bonus Point could also be achieved. But a 18-ball fifty from Shahid Khan Afridi, his 3rd occasion of 18 balls and 6th fifty taking 20 or less balls, turned the match towards Pakistan side. He smashed 7 sixers in the innings including 1st six on the first ball he faced.
