India sink Pakistan in final but don't collect Asia Cup trophy

DUBAI :India capped their unbeaten Asia Cup campaign by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in Sunday's final but refused to collect the trophy they successfully retained in a bizarre end to a politically-charged tournament.

The presentation ceremony was first delayed, prompting speculations about what caused it, and then abruptly cut short just before the winner's trophy was about to be handed over.

"I have been informed by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight," Simon Doull, who conducted the post-match presentation, said.

No reason was given as to why the champions would not accept the trophy.

Emotions ran high and tempers frayed in the earlier matches between the bitter neighbours, who clashed in a military conflict in May this year.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav referred to the May clashes and dedicated his team's victory against Pakistan in the September 14 to the armed forces back home.

Sunday's prize distribution controversy overshadowed the actual match where Tilak Varma anchored India's nervy chase with an unbeaten 69 in reply to Pakistan's 146 all out.

Put into bat, Pakistan could not capitalise on an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) and were bundled out for 146 with five deliveries still left in their innings.

Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for 33 runs in a spectacular meltdown with India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4-30) being the wrecker-in-chief.

Pakistan got off to a strong start with Farhan leading their charge against an Indian attack weakened by the absence of their injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

Pakistan scored 45 runs in the first six powerplay overs but soon stepped up on