Dubai, Sep 25: Pakistan booked their spot in the Asia Cup final after a nail-biting 11-run victory over Bangladesh in a high-octane Super Fours clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
In a match where margins were razor-thin and every run and wicket mattered, Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined and cohesive effort to defend a modest total of 135 for eight, edging past Bangladesh’s 124 for nine.
Bangladesh, who had looked in command at various stages of the game, will rue missed opportunities as sloppy fielding and a couple of crucial dropped catches proved costly.
After electing to bowl first, the Bangladeshi attack made early inroads into the Pakistan batting line-up, leaving the visitors tottering at 71 for six in the 14th over.
Taskin Ahmed led the charge for Bangladesh with a fiery spell of 3 for 28, while Rishad Hossain (2/18) and Mahedi Hasan (2/28) also chipped in with timely wickets to keep Pakistan under pressure.However, Pakistan’s lower order showcased remarkable resilience under pressure. Mohammad Haris played a brisk 31 off 23 balls, and Mohammad Nawaz contributed a rapid 25 off just 15 deliveries, helping Pakistan add a vital 80 runs in the last eight overs to post a total that looked competitive given the earlier collapse.
Their late-innings fightback shifted the momentum back in Pakistan’s favour, proving decisive in the context of such a tight contest.
Defending the total, Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout performer, claiming 3 for 17 and continually troubling the Bangladeshi batters with his pace, bounce, and discipline. Haris Rauf complemented him well in the back-end of the innings, picking up 3 for 33 and ensuring the pressure never eased.
Crucial breakthroughs from Saim Ayub (2/16) and Mohammad Nawaz (1/14) sealed the victory, as Bangladesh struggled to forge any meaningful partnerships despite valiant efforts from their middle order.Bangladesh’s chase had looked promising at one stage, but their inability to capitalise on Pakistan’s top-order collapse proved decisive. (PTI)
BRIEF SCORE
Pakistan: 135/8; 20 overs (Mohammad Haris 31; Taskin Ahmed 3/28, Rishad Hossain 2/18, Mahedi Hasan 2/28).
Bangladesh: 124/9; 20 overs (Shamim Hossain 30; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3/17, Haris Rauf 3/33).
