Pakistan win Asia Cup for the second time

Pakistan have shown remarkable improvement over the last one year despite a coach-captain fall out and teams refusing to play in the country. All of that was rewarded much handsomely as they clinched the Asia cup in a nail-biting finish against Bangladesh.

The hosts, who had much to be proud about were understandably left in tears after coming so close to assuming the throne for the champions of Asia.

For the Bangladesh fans, it was their biggest evening in international cricket so far. The game shifted its balance on numerous occasions and found the emotions of fans at its mercy.

While there was stunned silence at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Pakistan was ecstatic. The match watched by millions across the country brought the country with much needed respite from the match-fixing allegations floating around in the media.

Pakistan fans came on to the roads to celebrate the victory of their team.

Pakistan fans celebrate the team's victory in Asia Cup 2012.

Pakistan regained the Asia Cup title after a gap of 12 years as they pulled off a nail-biting two run victory against Bangladesh who came agonisingly close to a historic triumph but ran out of steam in the dying moments. (All AFP and AP Images)

Pakistan's cricketers celebrate after the dismissal of the unseen Bangladeshi batsman Shakib Al Hasan during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan bats during the Asia Cup final cricket match against Pakistan in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Bangladesh supporters hold their national flag as they cheer for their team during the Asia Cup final cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dhaka.

Pakistan's wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed (L) appeals for a run out as Bangladeshi batsman Shakib Al Hasan (R) slides in during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladeshi batsman Nasir Hossain plays a shot during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladeshi batsman Tamim Iqbal gestures after scoring his fourth successive half century during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan's Umal Gul, center, and Misbah Ul Haq, right, celebrate with Younus Khan the dismissal of Bangladesh's Nazimuddin during their Asia Cup cricket match final in Dhaka.

Bangladesh's Masrafe bin Mortaza, left, eyes the ball after a shot by Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed during their Asia Cup cricket match final in Dhaka.

Bangladesh's Mahmudullah, second right, and Shakib Al Hasan, second left, congratulates teammate Nasir Hossain, back to camera, for the dismissal of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi during their Asia Cup cricket final match in Dhaka.

Pakistani vendors sell cricket team jerseys in Rawalpindi on March 22, 2012 during the final match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Pakistan's batsman Shahid Afridi plays a shot during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Pakistan's batsman Umar Akmal plays a shot during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Bangladeshi cricketer Mohammad Mahmudullah (L) congratulates his teammate Shakib Al Hasan (R) after the dismissal of Pakistan batsman Hammad Azam during the one day international (ODI) Asia Cup cricket final match between Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Bangladesh's wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim, third left, and Nasir Hossain, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Pakistan's Younus Khan during their Asia Cup final cricket match in Dhaka.