Asia Cup 2023:  Pakistan clinch dominant victory over Bangladesh

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets in the Asia Cup Super 4’s match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday as the men in green shirts chased the target of 194 in 39.3 overs after a loss of only three wickets.  

Opener Imam-ul-Haq struck a brilliant 78 and Mohammad Rizwan an unbeaten 63 to help Pakistan chase down the target.The win gives Pakistan an ideal start ahead of their highly charged match against India in Colombo on Sunday after the first game between the arch-rivals was abandoned due to rain last week.

Chasing a target of 194, Pakistan lost their first wicket in the 10th over, when Shoriful Islam trapped Fakhar Zaman by bowling a brilliant inswinger, who started off his innings cautiously and lasted for 31-ball 20, smashing three boundaries.In the 16th over, Taskin Ahmed perplexed Babar Azam and the Pakistan skipper bowled out of the inside edge. Taskin executed a ball on the fuller side of a length just outside off, as it angled in.Pakistan opener Imamul Haq, who was absolutely brilliant in terms of showcasing his resilience with the bat, smashed another 50 to ensure Pakistan moved an inch closer to 194-run target. He notched another in the 25th over which was bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.But Imam was not able to score a ton as Mehidy deceived Imam with the fuller delivery to undone him on 78.Haris Rauf (4-19) and Naseem Shah (3-34) flummoxed the Bangladesh batting attack. 

Earlier, floodlight failure interrupted Pakistan's chase against Bangladesh in the Super Four match.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah produced an exceptional show as Pakistan folded Bangladesh for 193 in 38.4 overs. Haris emerged as the standout bowler from the Pakistan camp, scalping four wickets in the six overs he bowled. Naseem was not far behind as he picked three wickets in the 5.4 overs he bowled. Barring Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim no other Bangladesh batters could resist the fiery pace of Pakistan.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Bangladesh were jolted early by Naseem, who removed Mehidy Hasan Miraj in his first ball. Two overs later Shaheen Shah Afridi joined the party and packed Litton Das for 16(13).

Haris too picked a wicket in his first over as he removed Mohammad Naim for 20(25) then cleaned up Towhid Hridoy for 2(9) in the next. Shakib and Mushfiqur then helped Bangladesh rebuild after they were reduced to 47/4 inside the first powerplay.

The pair added 100 runs for the fifth wicket and both slammed their respective half-centuries. Shakib was dismissed for 53(57) by Faheem Ashraf, while Mushfiqur was caught-behind against Haris for 64(87).