Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan cruise to victory against Bangladesh in Super 4 clash | Bat N Ball

Pakistan emerged victorious against Bangladesh in a Super 4 clash of the 2023 Asia Cup on Wednesday, successfully chasing down the modest target of 194 runs set by their opponents at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

The stadium was packed with enthusiastic spectators who had come to support the national squad in their final home ground match, as the Men in Green played their last fixture of the Pakistan leg of the Asian tournament.

Pakistan encountered a few hiccups during their run-chase, losing three wickets along the way. Opener Imam-ul-Haq was the top scorer for the winning team, contributing 78 runs off 84 balls, including nine boundaries. He was followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who posted 63 runs for his side.

Pakistan faced a bit of trouble at the start of their innings when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed by Shoriful Islam after scoring 20 runs. Following Zaman's wicket, skipper Babar Azam was bowled by Taskin Ahmed's low-bouncing delivery.

With the score at 74-2, Rizwan came to the crease and formed an essential 85-run partnership with Imam, guiding Pakistan to victory.

Next up for Pakistan is a match against arch-rivals India in the Super Four stage in Colombo on September 10 (Sunday).

In the earlier first innings, Bangladesh was bowled out for 193 runs, thanks to an outstanding display by the Pakistani pacers.

The home side dominated from the outset, taking their first wicket in just the seventh ball of the match. After Shaheen Afridi bowled a maiden over, Naseem Shah removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had scored a crucial century in the match against Afghanistan, on his very first ball of the innings, giving the hosts an early breakthrough.

Wickets continued to fall for the Bengal Tigers, and soon they were struggling at 47/4 in just 9.1 overs. However, the experienced duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakil Al Hasan built a 100-run partnership, helping their side to reach a decent score.

Hasan was eventually dismissed by Faheem Ashraf for 53 runs, while Rahim was removed by Haris Rauf after scoring 64 runs. Right after Rahim's dismissal, Rauf took Taskin Ahmed's wicket on the very next ball. The final two wickets for Pakistan were taken by Naseem.

In terms of qualification, Pakistan and India advanced from Group A, while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka secured their places 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.

Tags:

#Asia cup 2023 #Imam-ul-Haq #Shaheen Afridi #Naseem Shah #Pakistan cricket