A tie against India is like a victory, says Afghanistan skipper Asghar

Asia Cup 2018: Afghanistan held their nerves to deny India a victory in the Super Four match in Dubai.

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A tie against India is like a victory, says Afghanistan skipper Asghar
India vs Afghanistan match ended in a tie (AP Photo)

Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan said the tied match against India was as good as a victory on Tuesday. In a thrilling Asia Cup 2018 encounter, Afghanistan played another close match and denied India a victory in their final Super 4 match in Dubai.

Afghanistan had lost two close encounters in the first two Super 4 matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Shahzad's 116-ball 124 had helped Afghanistan set India a challenging 253 but KL Rahul and Ambati Rayudu's quick and solid start made sure that despite a stutter in the final, India were in for a victory, almost.

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Rashid Khan had seven runs to defend in the last overs, Jadeja hit a boundary off the second delivery of the over. While it looked like the ball had hit the ropes, the third umpire ruled it as four runs.

Asia Cup 2018, India vs Afghanistan: REPORT | HIGHLIGHTS | AS IT HAPPENED

India then needed 3 runs off 4 deliveries. Rashid bowled a beautiful delivery and Jadeja went for a single to leave Khaleel facing Rashid with 2 runs left off 3 balls.

Khaleel Ahmed edged the ball and almost got himself hit-wicket but managed to sneak a single to get Jadeja back on strike. With a run needed off two deliveries, Rashid bowled a short ball and Jadeja mistimed the shot to send the ball straight into the hands of the only fielder in the deep.

And the match ended in a tie.

"Today the wicket was a good one for us. Shahzad played really well and very positive cricket. Their opening partnership was good and our spinners did an equally good job. When you tie a match with a side like India, it's just like a win. Such tough games are good for the fans as well," Asghar said in the post match presentation ceremony.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad was on song as he blasted the Indian bowlers all around the Dubai International Stadium in their team's inconsequential final encounter of the Super Four stage.

With nothing to lose and a far weakened Indian side, Shahzad blazed away the inexperienced Indian pacers, so much so he reached his fifty when his opening partner was still struggling at 7.

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He was helped though by some lax fielding from the opposition, especially with him being dropped just one run short of his half-century by Ambati Rayudu at mid-off.

He reached his fifth one day international hundred from just 88 balls and hit 10 fours and 6 sixes.

"Every time we have asked him, Shahzad has done it for us. Again, I give him a lot of credit for his knock," the skipper said.

In Friday's final, India to meet the winner between Pakistan and Bangladesh match on Wednesday.