Needing nine to win in the final over, delivered by Aizaz Cheema, Bangladesh could just manage six as Pakistan triumphed to lift the Asia Cup after a 12-year wait.
The hot raging controversy in the ODI of Asia Cup 2012 is going viral with both sides claiming different versions. The recently conclude Asia Cup conducted by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) won acclaims from the world over for its unpleasant surprises and meticulously planned matches. But the tale which ended well drew controversies in the final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which eventually went the Pakistan way. The two top teams in the tournament Sri Lanka and India had to be contended to return home with humiliation of not being in the final. But not much is talked about the debacle. India’s disgrace was saved by its splendid performance against Pakistan and the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th 100.
On the contrary Bangladesh which had never even dreamt of being a contender in the series reached the final. The whole world acknowledged the team for its splendid strategy and execution of over playing the super powers after being termed as the under dogs. But the last over controversy seemed to have rocked and marred the event, that otherwise was complimented across the globe. BCB proposes to lodge a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) over the collision between Mahmudullah Riyad and Pakistan bowler Aizaz Cheema during the last over of the match. BCB feels that this was the main reason for the team’s deprival of the final awards. However had they forgotten the issue, as felt by leading sports critics, it would have been fine. As many incidents unwontedly do happen on field and going into in depths only spoils the ethos of the game.
On the other hand Pakistan down played the incident and said that BCB is blowing the issue out of proportions to avoid their scheduled visit to Pakistan for a series. Former Test cricketer Basit Ali said 'The appeal doesn't make sense. It seems they are making grounds to refuse to tour Pakistan.' (With inputs from internet- AarKay)
