Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan outshines Bangladesh in super four opener

Pakistan began the Super Four with a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Lahore thanks to the fiery spells of Harsi Rauf and Naseem Shah and impressive half centuries from openers Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistani pacers picked up nine wickets and seven wickets were shared between Haris and Naseem to bowl out Pakistan for 193 despite commendable half centuries from Bangladeshi captain Shaik Al Hasan and wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.

As it happened

Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision held wrong as they lost their first wicket when Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored a golden duck as he fell for the trap by Nasheem Shah. With the introduction of his spell, Haris Rauf quickly made an impact, taking a wicket in just three balls. His impressive deliveries troubled the batsmen throughout.

During Bangladesh’s innings, Naseem Shah briefly left the field due to a shoulder injury but later returned.

Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim managed to stabilize Bangladesh’s innings with a resilient 100-run partnership. However, Shakib had some luck with him surviving a dropped catch by Naseem Shah. Eventually, he was dismissed after reaching fifty, and Mushfiqur also fell, triggering a collapse. Five Bangladeshi batters failed to get into double digits and got out early. Haris Rauf played a crucial role, taking two wickets in consecutive balls in the 38th over while Nasheem wrapped up the innings. Despite the middle-order resistance, Pakistan managed to limit Bangladesh to 193 runs.

Pakistan’s Successful Chase

Pakistan’s openers started cautiously against Bangladesh’s pacers. Imam-ul-Haq struggled initially but found his rhythm with a flurry of boundaries. Fakhar Zaman, after hitting a couple of fours early on, was dismissed for 20. Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained tight control and conceded only 37 runs in first 10 overs.

Despite losing a review for a leg-before appeal against Imam and another when Taskin Ahmed struck him on the pads, Bangladesh couldn’t break the partnership.
Babar Azam’s wicket fell soon after, when he was bowled for 17 by Taskin Ahmed. After Babar’s dismissal, Mohammad Rizwan took charge and accelerated the innings, hitting a six and a four in the same over. The partnership crossed 50, with Imam hitting another six and a four. However, his aggressive attempt with a slog sweep resulted in his dismissal. Rizwan impressed again with his 11th ODI fifty and secured quick boundaries before Agha Salman struck the winning four. Pakistan successfully chased down the target.