Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Pakistan won the Asia Cup Cricket defeating Bangladesh by two runs in the final match at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.
Put to bat first, Pakistan scored a reasonable total of 236 for 9 in stipulated 50 overs. In reply Bangladesh were restricted at 234 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Local cricket fans, who were eagerly waiting to celebrate their first-ever ODI crown on Thursday night after long 15 years when the Akram Khan-led Bangladesh team confirmed the World Cup ticket after winning the ICC trophy in Malaysia in 1997, but went back home in tears.
President Mohammad Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia and former President HM Ershad were present at the stadium along with houseful home crowd to encourage the Bengal Tigers.
This is the second time that Bangladesh qualified for the final of ODI tournament after a triangular series at home in 2009 lost on both the occasions very narrowly almost from winning position.
After beating the current and former world champions India and World Cup runners-up Sri Lanka in two successive Asia Cup matches, the Bengal Tigers suffered the 2nd consecutive defeat against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Brief score:
Pakistan - 236 for 9 in 50 overs, Sarfraz 46 n.o, Hafeez 40, Afridi 32, Akmal 30 Azam 30, extras 18, Razzak 2/26, Shakib 2/39 and Mortaza 2/48.
Bangladesh- 234 for 8 in 50 overs, Shakib 68, Tamim 60, Nasir 28, Mortaza 18, Mahmudullah 17 n.o, Nazimuddin 16, extras 11, Cheema 3/46, Ajmal 2/40, Gul 2/65.
BBN/SSR/AD-22Mar12-11:55 pm (BST)
