Asia Cup 2018 will be played from September 15 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interestingly, the first edition of the Asia Cup was also played in UAE (Sharjah) in the year 1984. The Asia Cup is one of the most competitive tournaments in cricket and holds special place in the hearts of cricket fans as it is a rare occasion when a India vs Pakistan match is a surety. Asia Cup Cricket 2018 Schedule in PDF Download: Time Table and Venue of Asia Cup Cricket Including India vs Pakistan Fixture.
The Asia Cup over the years has seen many competitive matches with nail biting finishes. As the promo videos of this years's Asia Cup suggest, the neighbours seem to give their best when playing against each other. Asia Cup 2018: Check Out the Squads of All the Six Participants for the Mega Tournament. Below are five of the best games played at Asia Cup, over the years.
1. India vs Pakistan, 6th Match (D/N), Asia Cup at Dhaka, Mar 2 2014
An India vs Pakistan match is always billed as a competition between the bat and the ball. It is often about India's famed batting line up against Pakistan's reputed bowling attack. But in this nail biting finish match, Pakistan not only restricted India with the ball but also chased down a tricky total set by India, thanks to a certain Shahid Afridi, who showed why he was called as one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket. Asia Cup 2018 Top Players to Watch Out For: Rohit Sharma to Hasan Ali to Rashid Khan, Meet the Game Changers in UAE.
2. India vs Bangladesh, 4th Match (D/N), Asia Cup at Dhaka, Mar 16 2012
This match is memorable as it brought up Sachin Tendulkar's 100th hundred in international cricket. But it is equally memorable for Bangladesh because it beat India in the match to spoil the party for India and Sachin. Chasing 290 to win, Bangladesh got off to a decent start but Indian bowlers made a comeback. With the run-rate going north, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rehman scored quick 40s to guide team to a famous victory at the Asia Cup.
3. India vs Pakistan, 4th Match (D/N), Asia Cup at Dambulla, Jun 19 2010
What's an India vs Pakistan match without some verbal spats? We are not talking about the likes of one that took place between Gautam Gambhir and Shahid Afridi. But in this match, Harbhajan Singh was more than furious after the Rawalpindi express- Shoaib Akhtar said a "few words" to the turbanator. The result: India needed 3 off last 2 balls with 7 wickets down, and Harbhajan hits a six of the penultimate delivery to win the match for India!
4. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Final (D/N), Asia Cup at Dhaka, Mar 8 2014
Chasing 261 to win in the final against Pakistan, Sri Lanka had their task set up against an impressive Pakistani bowling line-up. Pakistan had got off to a poor start but a hundred by Fawad Alam gave them something to bowl at the Sri Lanka batsmen. The match was evenly placed, but Lahiru Thirimanne's partnership with Mahela Jayawardena helped Sril Lanka win not only the match but also the Asia Cup 2014.
5. Sri Lanka vs India, Final (D/N), Asia Cup at Colombo, Aug 1 2004
In this heartbreaking match for India, Sri Lanka won the match and Asia Cup by beating India by 25 runs. Chasing 229 to win, India's chase was led by Sachin Tendulkar who scored 71 after the top order failed. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh tried to fight back but it was too late and too little. Asia Cup 2018: Indian Cricket Team's History and Past Performances at the Tournament.
2018 Asia Cup is the 14th edition of the cricket tournament. The first edition of the Asia Cup was played in 1984. India have featured in the 13 editions of Asia Cup. The only edition India missed was in 1986. It was held in Sri Lanka. India pulled out of the tournament due to strained cricketing relations with Sri Lanka. Team India was subsequently replaced by Bangladesh. In 12 appearances, India have won a record number of six titles. Fans will be eager that India maintain its dominance at the Asia Cup. Because supremacy over neighbours matters, especially in the sub-continent.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2018 12:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).