The Pakistan vs Bangladesh result was a pretty one-sided one, as Babar Azam and co. delivered a clinical performance to register a seven-wicket win in their first Super 4 encounter of this Asia Cup.
Pakistan delivered a clinical performance against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super Four leg, securing a seven-wicket win. Haris Rauf's explosive pace and Naseem Shah's brilliance with the ball restricted Bangladesh to 193. Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan then anchored Pakistan's chase, guiding them to victory within 40 overs and boosting their net run-rate.
Bangladesh's innings began with Mohammad Naim falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi's fiery pace, followed by Naseem Shah dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz early. The highlight of the innings, however, was Haris Rauf's terrifying display, leaving the Bangladeshi batters in disarray.
In the seventh over, Naseem Shah left the field due to a shoulder injury, but he later returned, and it was Rauf who made the breakthrough. Bowling with fierce speed, Rauf's delivery resulted in Naim's dismissal as he attempted a pull shot, providing an easy catch to Rauf.
Rauf's brilliance continued in the 10th over when he clean-bowled Towhid Hridoy with a sensational delivery that moved and crashed into the stumps. Despite losing four wickets, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim formed a resilient partnership, with Shakib reaching his fifty in the 28th over.
.@iShaheenAfridi with a heartfelt message for @HarisRauf14 as he presents him a special souvenir for completing 5️⃣0️⃣ ODI wickets 🙌#PAKvBAN | #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/6DNpvbTGtC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 6, 2023
However, Shakib's innings was cut short when he was caught attempting a pull shot off Faheem Ashraf. Mushfiqur continued to battle, reaching his half-century, but the Bangladeshi innings crumbled from 174 for 5 to 193 all out.
Rauf claimed two wickets in successive deliveries in the 38th over, removing Mushfiqur and Taskin Ahmed. Naseem Shah completed the innings by dismissing Afif Hossain and Shoriful Islam.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh result: Fifties from Imam and Rizwan help Pakistan to seven-wicket win
Pakistan's pursuit of 194 began cautiously, with Imam and Fakhar Zaman struggling to score against the disciplined Bangladesh bowlers. However, a break due to a floodlight failure seemed to work in the batsmen's favor.
Fakhar pulled Shoriful for four, and Imam capitalized on Taskin's bowling in the seventh over with three boundaries. Shoriful finally dismissed Fakhar for 20, but Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed kept the pressure on.
Imam, initially sedate on 26 off his first 38 balls, accelerated with fortunate boundaries. Babar Azam fell to Taskin, but Imam's solid knock of 78, featuring five fours and four sixes, guided Pakistan to victory.
Rizwan provided steady support, ending unbeaten on 63 from 79 balls, securing Pakistan's win in the Super Four campaign. Their next challenge awaits against India in Colombo, marking the conclusion of the Asia Cup's Pakistan leg.
Match Highlights
– Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah were standout bowlers, with Rauf taking 4 wickets for 19 runs and Naseem Shah taking 3 wickets for 34 runs.
– Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan's chase with well-compiled half-centuries, scoring 78 and 63* runs, respectively.
– Bangladesh's top-order struggled against Pakistan's pace attack, losing early wickets.
– A resilient partnership between Shakib Al Hasan (50 runs) and Mushfiqur Rahim (64 runs) provided some resistance for Bangladesh.
– Pakistan secured a convincing seven-wicket win and improved their net run-rate.
– The win sets up Pakistan for their upcoming clash with India in the Asia Cup.
Man of the Match | Pakistan vs Bangladesh result
Haris Rauf's performance in the match was exceptional, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match title. He bowled with incredible pace, skiddy lengths, and remarkable accuracy, dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup.
Rauf's contribution of 4 crucial wickets for just 19 runs played a pivotal role in Pakistan's convincing victory.
