India wins amid on-field drama

It isa pity the political cloud hanging over the Asia Cup has obscured the Indian team's grand victory in the final against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.

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Whatever be the rights and wrongs of the Indian cricket establishment cold-shouldering Pakistan, there is no denying the fact that India recording seven straight wins, including three against Pakistan, has brought both relief and joy to cricket fans across the country. The drubbing at home against New Zealand and defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia last season had put coach Gautam Gambhir under a harsh spotlight, with his job on the line. But he has redeemed himself first with the Test team’s gallant performance in England this year and now with India’s ninth Asia Cup title and its second in the T20 format. Perhaps the most remarkable stat is this was the first time in 17 editions, stretching from 1981, that India and Pakistan have met in the final.