Rizwan, Nawaz help Pakistan edge India in Asia Cup thriller

A key partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Nawaz set up a thrilling five-wicket win for Pakistan in their opening Super Four game against India in the Asia Cup on Sunday.

Chasing 182 for victory, Pakistan achieved their target with one ball to spare in Dubai after Rizwan hit 71 and the left-handed Nawaz, who was promoted to number four, made 42.

Rizwan was out after his second successive half-century in the 17th over but Khushdil Shah, with his unbeaten 14, and Asif Ali, who made 16 off eight balls, made sure Pakistan got over the line in a tense final over bowled by Arshdeep Singh.

Reprieved after Arshdeep dropped an easy catch at short third man, Asif hit a six and two fours before falling with two balls left, leaving Iftikhar Ahmed to score the remaining two runs.

"There was positive pressure," said Nawaz, who also returned bowling figures of 1-25 with his left-arm spin.

"I felt I have to play well for my team and that time it was 10 runs per over and I knew I can do this. I just had to focus on my batting and execute the skills."

It was the second meeting in the tournament between the arch-rivals, who only play each other in multi-nation events due to political tensions, after India's group-stage win.

Earlier, Virat Kohli's 60 guided India to 181-7 after being put in to bat.

Pakistan started their chase cautiously and lost skipper Babar Azam for 14 with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi luring the batsman into a chip straight to mid-wicket.

The in-form Rizwan, who made 43 and 78 in the previous two matches, hit back with three boundaries off pace bowler Hardik Pandya and a six in the next over.

He put on 41 with Fakhar Zaman who played a scratchy knock of 15 before falling to Yuzvendra Chahal's leg-spin.

Pakistan promoted