In a thrilling encounter at Lahore, Pakistan exhibited a dominant performance, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in their Super Fours opener of the Asia Cup. The match, held on September 6th, was highlighted by the fiery pace of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, along with impressive half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan’s bowlers set the stage for victory as they combined to bowl Bangladesh out for a modest total of 193, despite valiant fifties from Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Haris Rauf, with figures of 4-19, and Naseem Shah, who took 3-34, were the standout performers for Pakistan.
Chasing the target, Pakistan’s openers started cautiously, with Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq finding it challenging to score against Bangladesh’s pacers initially. However, Imam, with three consecutive fours off Taskin Ahmed, began to break free. Unfortunately, Zaman was dismissed for 20, unable to reach a half-century yet again.
The innings progressed steadily as Imam and Babar Azam attempted to build a partnership, but Babar was bowled for 17. Mohammad Rizwan then joined Imam at the crease and played aggressively, hitting a six and a four off Hasan Mahmud’s over.
Imam reached his half-century with a six off spinner Mehidy Hasan, while Rizwan kept the scoreboard ticking with smart rotations and boundaries. Imam continued to impress with his powerful hitting, striking boundaries and sixes at will, until he was bowled after attempting a slog sweep.
Rizwan anchored the innings, securing his 11th ODI fifty, and Agha Salman contributed with some quick boundaries, sealing Pakistan’s victory.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh had a tumultuous innings, losing wickets early on. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah struck early, dismissing key batsmen. However, a century partnership between Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim provided some stability.
Shakib played aggressively, registering a fifty, while Rahim supported him steadily. Their partnership helped Bangladesh recover from a precarious position. Yet, Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Haris Rauf, made a strong comeback, taking wickets at crucial moments.
Rauf secured his 50th ODI wicket, and Naseem Shah cleaned up the tail, limiting Bangladesh to 193 runs.
Pakistan’s clinical performance, backed by excellent bowling and strong batting, gave them a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Super Fours opener of the Asia Cup. This win marked a promising start for Pakistan in the tournament, showcasing their potential as strong contenders for the title.
Match report by: Rai M. Azlan | Photos by: Ahsan Ali Shahid
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