Asia Cup 2022: Mohammed Nawaz the unlikely star as Pakistan bounce back to stun India

From a cast list including some of the most celebrated names in all of cricket, Mohammed Nawaz emerged the unlikely hero as Pakistan claimed a gripping win over India in Dubai.

It was a surprise to many when the left-handed all-rounder was promoted to No 4 in the order with Pakistan labouring in pursuit of 182 to win their Asia Cup Super 4 encounter.

Pakistan had lost at the hands of their close rivals seven days earlier, and appeared set to do the same as they were 63 for two in the ninth over.

Nawaz’s batting is popularly regarded as secondary to his spin bowling, but he picked the perfect time to prove himself as a batter of great substance.

The 28-year-old laced 42 in just 20 balls to get his side back on course, as the two side thrilled another packed house, with 24,511 making it through rush hour to the game.

Although he departed without the job being completed, the impetus was inexorably in his side's favour.

Mohammed Rizwan, who made 71 in 51 balls, carried Pakistan ever closer, despite batting through the pain of a knee injury sustained while keeping wicket in the first innings.

Then Khushdil Shah and Ithikhar Ahmed set the seal on a five-wicket win in the final over, a result which moves Pakistan two points closer to Sunday's final at the same ground.

For so much of this encounter, India had appeared in charge. In the first match between these two sides a week earlier, India had made inroads into the Pakistan batting in the first innings by way of their quicks bowling short.

On a faster, truer pitch this time around, Pakistan’s own fast-bowling battery – each of whom possesses searing pace – found the going tough.

Rohit Sharma ignited the innings with a trademark pull off the front foot for six, off the last