ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, in a Super 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2023 held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan achieved victory by successfully chasing down the modest target of 194 runs set by Bangladesh.
The stadium brimmed with enthusiastic spectators, all there to support the national squad in their final home ground match during the Pakistan leg of the Asian tournament.
Pakistan comfortably chased the target but lost three wickets in the process. Opener Imam-ul-Haq led the way with 78 off 84, including nine boundaries, followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed 63.
Pakistan faced early challenges when Fakhar Zaman fell for 20 runs to Shoriful Islam, and skipper Babar Azam was bowled by Taskin Ahmed. Rizwan’s partnership with Imam, however, steered Pakistan to victory, reaching 74-2 when Rizwan came to bat.
Next, Pakistan is set to face arch-rivals India in their upcoming Super Four match in Colombo on September 10 (Sunday).
In the first innings, Pakistan’s pacers played exceptionally well, bowling Bangladesh out for 193 runs. Pakistan seized control from the beginning, taking their first wicket in the seventh ball of the match. Shaheen Afridi bowled a maiden over, and Naseem Shah removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz on his first ball.
The Bengal Tigers struggled and were 47/4 in just 9.1 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakil Al Hasan then built a crucial 100-run partnership. Hasan was dismissed for 53 runs by Faheem Ashraf, while Rahim fell to Haris Rauf after scoring 64. Rauf also removed Taskin Ahmed on the next ball after Rahim’s dismissal. Naseem took the last two wickets for Pakistan.
In terms of qualifications, Pakistan and India advanced from Group A. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka secured their spots in the Asia Cup Super 4 from Group B.
Lineups:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud
