India grab Asia Cup

MIRPUR: India won the Asia Cup, outclassing Bangladesh by eight wickets in the final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday evening.

Delhi lads Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli led the charge with a 94-run partnership as India overhauled the 121-run target in 13.5 overs. Dhawan, who has been a flop throughout the tournament, finally found his touch when it mattered most, with 60 runs scored off 44 balls with nine boundaries and a six.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 41 runs off 28 balls with five boundaries. Al-Amin Hossain gave Bangladesh some early hope by dismissing Rohit Sharma early. But that was one of the few moments of joy that the Bangladesh players and the capacity home crowd could find as India emerged as the champions of Asia with seven balls and eight wickets to spare.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 120/5 thanks to some lower order fireworks by Mahmudullah. Walking in with Bangladesh in trouble at 75/5, the right-hander proceeded to hit two boundaries and an equal number of sixes in his 13-ball innings to remain unbeaten on 33. Sabbir gave him crucial support from the other end with 32 runs from 29 balls. The duo produced a 45-run partnership to help the hosts to a competitive total.