India and Pakistan games are always the most awaited in any tournament. The Asia Cup is no different. Over the 16 editions of the Asia Cup, fans have bore witness to a number of nerve-wracking India vs Pakistan games. This article will discuss the best and most memorable Ind vs Pak Asia Cup games and Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments.
Gautam Gambhir versus Kamran Akmal
One of the most popular Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments is the spat between Gautam Gambhir and Kamran Akmal. In the 2010 Asia Cup, India were chasing the target of 268 runs against Pakistan. India opener Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni were in great touch. On the last delivery of the 34th over, Gautam Gambhir looked to nudge the ball off Saeed Ajmal on the leg side.
He missed it completely but the wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal went up in an appeal. Gambhir was evidently displeased with the exaggerated appeal and in the drinks break that followed, Gambhir and Akmal engaged in a heated verbal spat that had to be broken up by the umpires.
Harbhajan Finishing Off in Style
In the same game that we talked about above, Harbhajan Singh had a heated exchange with former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar. Singh walked to the crease with India needing 49 runs off the last 5 overs. With Harbhajan stitching a good partnership with Suresh Raina, India were back in control.
It all came down to the over with India needing 2 runs off the last 2 deliveries. Harbhajan Singh blasted a huge six off Mohammad Amir and won India the game. This remains one of the best Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments for Indian fans.
“Boom Boom” Shahid Afridi’s Special Finish
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi won Pakistan the Asia Cup encounter against India in 2014 with two sixes. The game was being played at Mirpur in Dhaka and Pakistan were chasing a decent target of 246 runs. After a good start from the top 3 batters, Pakistan lost their way in the middle overs. India came back strongly thanks to their spinners.
Shahid Afridi held one end as wickets toppled on the other. Pakistan needed 10 runs off the last over when Saeed Ajmal fell against Ravi Ashwin. Shahid Afridi kept his cool and ended the game with two mammoth sixes.
Kohli’s Coming Of Age 183
Virat Kohli’s career-defining innings of 183 runs against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2012 remains one of the top Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments. Chasing a target of 330 runs in the 5th match of the 2012 Asia Cup, Virat Kohli walked to the crease at number 3 and played a match winning innings of 183 runs off just 148 balls.
Kohli took the Pakistan bowlers to the cleaners and thanks to his innings, India successfully wrapped up the game with 2 overs to spare.
Shoaib Malik’s Heroics
In the 2004 Asia Cup, Shoaib Malik scored one of the best innings in Asia Cup history. Batting first, Pakistan opener Imran Nazir was dismissed cheaply. In came Shoaib Malik who played an innings of 143 runs off just 127 balls.
His innings turned the match in Pakistan’s favour and helped them get to a total of 300 runs. Malik chipped in with the ball too picking up 2 wickets in his quota of 10 overs. Pakistan won the game and this remains one of the best Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments for the batter.
Sehwag and Raina Bring India Home
India were chasing a total of 300 runs in the 5th game of the 2008 Asia Cup. A century from Shoaib Malik had propelled Pakistan to a respectable total of 299 runs. India lost Gautam Gambhir early. In came Suresh Raina at number 3. Virender Sehwag held one end and scored a mesmerizing century..
Suresh Raina, too, was in fine touch. Sehwag scored 119 runs off 95 balls while Raina 84 off 69 deliveries. The 198-run partnership between these batters took India home comfortably with almost 8 overs to spare. This remains one of the most memorable Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments and partnerships
Younis and Misbah Show For Pakistan
The last on the list of the best Ind vs Pak Asia Cup moments is the partnership between Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah and Younis Khan led Pakistan to victory in the 10th match of the 2008 Asia Cup through a partnership of 144 runs. Pakistan were chasing a target of 309 runs against India. The senior batters put up a match-defining partnership that helped Pakistan march to victory.
Also Read: Cricket Diplomacy: Political Significance of Asia Cup Clashes
