India beat Pak by 5 wkts in low scoring thriller

India rode on a strong bowling performance to defeat arch-rivals Pakistan by five wickets in their Twenty20 International clash of the Asia Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Saturday evening. Both teams struggled to bat on a greenish wicket with uneven bounce. The Indian bowlers justified their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's decision to field first by bundling out Pakistan for a mere 83 runs in 17.3 overs. This was the third lowest total by Pakistan in T20 cricket. The Indian batsmen then braved some excellent bowling by the Pakistan pacers to overhaul the target in 15.3 overs. Virat Kohli top scored for India with 49. The Delhi lad put on a 68-run stand with Yuvraj Singh (14 not out) to take the match away from Pakistan. Kohli, who was adjudged the man of the match, was unlucky to given leg before just one run short of his half-century off the bowling of Momammad Sami. Television replays later showed that the ball had taken the edge of the bat before hitting the pad. Amir had figures of 3/18 while Mohammad Sami (2/16) got two wickets. Mohammad Irfan (0/16) also bowled well although he did not manage to get a wicket. Defending a measly total, the Pakistan fast bowlers showed their true pedigree with a brave effort. Amir gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, striking early blows for Pakistan. He removed Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the opening over before either batsman had opened their respective accounts. Amir was unlucky not to get a favourable leg before decision with the very first ball of the Indian innings. The left-armer bowled a superb yorker which moved in slightly to hit Rohit on the front leg. The umpire however, was unmoved by the jubilant Pakistani appeals. Amir made amends in the next ball which moved sharply in after pitching on a good length, beating Rohit with pace and movement to trap him plumb leg before. The 23-year-old trapped Rahane leg before just two balls later with a beautiful delivery that slanted across the batsman before moving sharply in after pitching. In his next over, Amir fooled Suresh Raina with some deceptive movement as Wahab Riaz grabbed an easy catch at mid on.