New Delhi: Tayyab Tahirs extraordinary century ahead Pakistan a to a resounding victory of 128 runs India a In the finals of Emerging Teams Asia Cup Sunday. With this success, Pakistan clinched the second consecutive title in the A tournament.
After India A came out to bat, Pakistan A’s batsmen dominated and scored 352 runs for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 50 overs. The star of the show was Tahir who scored 108 runs off just 71 balls including 12 fours and 4 sixes. His impressive innings set the tone for Pakistan A’s impressive win.
As it happened: Emerging Asia Cup final
Pakistan A got off to a good start with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan crushing the Indian bowlers. Taking advantage of the new pitch and hard ball, the duo put on an explosive partnership of 121 runs in 17.2 overs.
However, India A were able to fight back quickly and at one point Pakistan A were 187 for 5.
But as India A gained strength, Tahir emerged as Pakistan A’s saviour. Displaying exceptional timing and power, Tahir continued to find the boundaries and effectively neutralized India’s spin troika of Suttar, Nishant Sindhu and Abhishek Sharma.
Tahir found a capable partner in Mubasir Khan and together they put on a sixth-wicket partnership of 126 runs in 16 overs to take Pakistan A past 300 runs. Tahir’s century and Mubasir’s support made Pakistan A challenge India A.
In reply, India A started their chase on a positive note with openers B Sai Sudarshan and Abhishek building a solid foundation with a 64-run opening partnership in just 8.3 overs. However, as this partnership crumbled, the Indian batsmen struggled to maintain the required run-rate.
Pacer Arshad Iqbal provided the crucial breakthrough after which leg-spinner Sufyan Mukeem wreaked havoc on the Indian batting line-up with three key wickets.
Despite Abhishek Sharma’s valiant half-century, India A succumbed to the pressure and were bowled out for 224 in 40 overs. This defeat was India A’s first loss of the tournament.
(with inputs from PTI)