In Pics: Top moments from Asia Cup 2018

After demonstrating their prowess against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stages, Afghanistan nearly came closer to stunning world No. 1 India in the Super Four stage. India needed seven runs from the final over with a wicket remaining. Legspinner Rashid Khan conceded six from his first five deliveries including a boundary. However, Ravindra Jadeja was caught off his final delivery with India finishing on 252-all out. Afghanistan cricketers and their fans world over were ecstatic.

With 10 runs needed of the final over, Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik struck a six and four off consecutive deliveries from Afghanistan pacer Aftab Alam to seal a thrilling three-wicket win for Pakistan in a Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2018 against Afghanistan on Friday night. Alam broke down after the defeat. As he was being consoled by his teammates, Malik, who scored 51*, spotted what was happening and straightaway headed towards Alam offering him comforting words.

An injured Kedar Jadhav dragged the lower order to a tense last-ball finish, helping India register a narrow three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the final to lift the Asia Cup. Jadhav, forced to retire hurt in the 39th over, came back to bat in the 48th at the fall of Ravindra Jadeja‘s wicket, to see India through in a thriller.

In what was a wretched tournament for Sri Lanka, pacer Lasith Malinga’s performance in the opening game was their highlight. Playing in his first ODI in over a year, Malinga struck in successive deliveries of the first over of the match. His opening spell read: 4-1-8-2. He returned for a second spell and immediately provided a much needed breakthrough. Had the fielders being more supportive, Malinga would have surely taken a five-wicket haul. He finished with figures of 4/23.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad slammed a 88-ball hundred against India in their final Super Four fixture, making it Afghanistan’s first ODI hundred against a top flight opposition. Shahzad scored 124 off 116 with 11 fours and seven sixes – a knock that pushed them to 252/8.

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal’s Asia Cup ended early after he was struck on his wrist while attempting to pull a short delivery. He sustained a broken wrist against Sri Lanka. With his team nine wickets down and in danger of being bowled out for a below par total, in walked Tamim with a heavily strapped left wrist and faced one delivery while hiding his injured hand behind his back and holding the bat with the other. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe went on to say “the moment Tamim entered the field against Sri Lanka as the last man to help Mushfiqur score those runs, my Asia Cup was won.”