Kochi, Jan 24:
Host India batted out an authentic 45 run victory over arch rivals Pakistan to crown the maiden blind T20 Asia Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here tonight.
India, who won the toss, decided to bat and amazed 208 runs, losing five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs, putting 209 target against Pakistan.
However, Pakistan, which needed 209 runs to win the match, finished their innings with just 163 runs on their score board, thanks to the brilliant Indian fielding and overall performance by Deepak Malik, who scored the maximum 40 runs as well as won two wickets.
His team mates opener Dunna Venkatesh and Ketan Patel also supported Deepak scoring 36 and 34 runs respectively.
The opening batsmen Dunna and Deepak laid a solid foundation for the home team, as they smashed a brilliant 85 runs, before Dunna was dismissed by Sajid, offering a catch to Nawaz. Though India had lost two quick wickets with just added six runs, fourth wicket partnership between Ketan and Anil (52 runs) and the sixth wicket partnership between Ajay reddy, who remain not out with 34 and Iqubal (43 runs) build the Indian innings to 208, losing five wickets. However, the visitors found losing their rhythm in the very second spell itself, as their opening batsman Haroon tamed meekly without opening his score to Ajay Reddy.(PTI)
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