DUBAI: Left-arm spin all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz was crucial to Pakistan's exciting five-wicket victory over India in the Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2022, where the odds wildly changed.

With just 25 runs allowed in his four overs and the removal of Suryakumar Yadav, Nawaz put the brakes on India's batting after Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul launched their innings with a 54-run opening stand.

Then Nawaz received a promotion to position four for pursuing 182. He performed admirably by hitting 42 off 20 balls, including six fours and two sixes, providing Pakistan's successful chase with one ball remaining the much-needed boost.

After the match ended, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam announced Nawaz's promotion happened as he felt a left-handed batter could succeed against India's leg-spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Bishnoi.

"I aim to maintain simplicity. The crew deserves praise for the work they put in. After seeing how they used the PP, I believed they had an advantage. However, the bowlers returned to contain them. Although I didn't fire today, Nawaz and Rizwan's collaboration was excellent. We sent Nawaz up because I believed he could win because they were using two leg spinners. At the death, our spinners and speed bowlers prepared us "Azam stated during the post-match awards ceremony.

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