Asia Cup Highlights, India vs Pakistan Updates: India Outclass Pakistan By 9 Wickets

That is all for this game. Another easy win for India. All things are pointing towards an India-Pakistan final, assuming Pakistan will beat Bangladesh on Wednesday. But, what if - Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi tonight, then beat India on Tuesday and Bangladesh beat Pakistan? You never know. Please do keep an eye on the Afghanistan-Bangladesh contest. We shall be back on Tuesday, September, 25, 2018 at 1530 local (1130 GMT) when Afghanistan meet India in Dubai. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

SHIKHAR DHAWAN HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH. Very cool is he, in receiving the award. Says that he enjoyed the innings. On his second century in the tournament, Shikhar says that Pakistan have a good bowling attack but the track is very good for batting. Stresses that he did not want to throw his wicket away and wanted to bat sensibly. Adds that he has learnt his lesson the hard way. Further says that once you play 20 overs, it becomes easier to bat. Also says that it is the job of the openers to see off the new balls and set the game for the rest of the batsmen. Admires the way Rohit plays and his conversion rate from 50s to 100s and says he is learning from him, Hopes that the two of them continue to do well for the team.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, says that these are challenging conditions out there and credits his players for showing character. Adds that every match is important and they take every game as a fresh assignment by forgetting what has happened in the past. Lauds his bowlers, especially Bumrah, who Rohit feels has matured as a bowler. Stresses that the fast bowler understands his game better and knows what field to set and how to keep it tight. Credits his pacers for building pressure and then has a word of praise for his spinners as well. On variety in India's spin attack, Rohit replies that they have played great amount of cricket. After Hardik got injured, it was a challenge to play four spinners (smiles while counting Kedar Jadhav) as he suggests it was a big challenge to get their combination right. Again, credits his entire bowling attack for sticking to the task. On Dhawan's batting and his partnership with him, Rohit smiles and says that they know each other well and it's important to let Dhawan play the way he is doing right now. Adds they understand each other's game and their plan always is to not lose early wickets which more often than not puts them in the driving seat. Hopes to keep going as long as possible. When asked about his batting, Rohit once again smiles and says that he has worked hard on that aspect and he backs his ability. To understand the importance of the new balls is the key, Rohit opines.

Pakistan's captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, is disappointed and says that it was a tough game although they put a good score on the board. But dropping catches didn't help their cause. On being asked about why catches are not being held, he replies that his boys are working hard but has no idea why it's not reflecting in the field. Feels that had they taken the catches, it was a tough wicket for the new batsman coming in. Adds that the pitch had cracks and it wasn't easy for batting and early wickets were needed. Again emphasizes on their shoddy fielding. Mentions that he has been talking with his bowlers for providing early wickets as that's the key if they want to compete and win at this level. Praises Rohit and Dhawan for the way they batted and admits that they need to improve their skill level which is not up to the level of the Indians. Hopes to do well against Bangladesh, which can become a do-or-die match.

What is it about Pakistan? Started brilliantly against Hong Kong, then slumped against India, scraped through against Afghanistan and tonight again, stuttered. They will be hoping to win their final fixture against Bangladesh on Wednesday and then put in their best performance in the final against India. Please stay tuned for the presentation...

As far as Dhawan is concerned, well, he has become the king in ODIs. Very seldom does he fail with the ball not doing much and today he added another century to his kitty. He has been in excellent shape throughout the tournament and will be hoping to end this final week in Dubai in the same fashion.

Everything was not totally rosy though. Dhawan was fluent but Rohit struggled in his initial phase. He survived a dropped chance but then made that count. Once he got to his 50, he assumed a different role altogether. Consider this - he reached his 50 on his 65th ball and in the next 54 balls, he clobbered 61. Overall, it may not be a massive difference but the one who saw the game will understand the progression.

Easy-peasy. India have made a mockery of the run chase. Sorry. Dhawan and Rohit have crumpled Pakistan. Their 210-run stand literally did not allow the Men In Green to even think about the win. 10TH SUCCESSIVE WIN FOR INDIA IN ASIA CUPS (ODIS AND T20IS COMBINED).

INDIA WIN BY 9 WICKETS! Their first ever in ODIs against Pakistan. Full and outside off, Rayudu looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover. He is halfway down the track but Rohit is looking back to check where the ball is. Still, Rayudu goes for the run but the fielder shows lack of game awareness. Instead of going to Rohit's end, he goes at the bowler's end and misses the stumps.

Squares him up. Tossed up on off, Rayudu looks to defend but the ball spins away, takes the outside edge and goes to short third man.