DHAKA: Pakistan pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over hosts Bangladesh on Tuesday to storm into the finals of the Asia Cup cricket tournament, knocking India out of the title race.
Opener Ahmed Shehzad blasted a 123-ball 103 to set the foundation for a record chase but it was Shahid Afridi’s blistering 59 off 25 balls which helped Pakistan set up a summit clash against Sri Lanka.
With this victory, Pakistan grabbed four points to aggregate 13 with the help of three victories in four matches. India, on the other hand, are currently with four points and even a win against Afghanistan on Wednesday will not be enough for Virat Kohli’s men to reach the final.
Mohammad Hafeez (52) and Fawad Alam (74) also blasted scintillating half-centuries to help Pakistan overhaul Bangladesh’s record score of 326/3 in their stipulated 50 overs here.
Earlier, Bangladesh feasted on a below bowling and fielding effort from Pakistan to pile up their highest-ever ODI total of 326 for three.
While opener Anamul Haque build the foundation with a patient 100 off 132 balls with six fours and four sixes, it was their senior-most stars Mushfiqur Rahim (51 not out, 33 balls) and Shakib al Hasan (44 not out, 16 balls), who finished the innings with a smashing 77-run partnership in only 5.3 overs.
Opener Imrul Kayes (59 from 75 balls; 5×4, 2×6) who added 150 runs for the opening stand with Anamul and Mominul Haque (51 off 47 balls) also made useful contributions to prop up Bangladesh total. (PTI)
