Dubai, Sept 25 (UNI) Pakistan managed to post 135 for 8 in 20 overs against Bangladesh in their do-or-die Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here tonight.
Opting to bowl first, Bangladesh struck early through Taskin Ahmed, who removed Sahibzada Farhan for 4 in the opening over. Saim Ayub departed soon after to Mahedi Hasan, leaving Pakistan reeling at 5 for 2. Fakhar Zaman’s brief stay ended when he lofted Rishad Hossain to Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 13, as Pakistan slipped further. Hussain Talat (3) and skipper Salman Agha (19) also fell cheaply, the latter dismissed after a successful review showed an inside edge off Mustafizur Rahman.
The innings briefly gained momentum when Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Nawaz counterattacked. Haris struck 31 off 23 balls with two fours and a six, including a superb scoop off Mustafizur and a powerful strike over long-on, before falling to a sharp return catch by Mahedi Hasan. Nawaz played a breezy cameo of 25 off 15 balls, hitting two sixes and a four, before perishing to a well-judged catch by Parvez Hossain Emon at covers.
Shaheen Afridi added entertainment with a quickfire 19 off 13 balls, smashing two towering sixes, but his luck finally ran out when he skied Taskin Ahmed to Jaker Ali. Faheem Ashraf (14 not out) and Haris Rauf (3 not out) ensured Pakistan crossed the 130 mark, with Faheem slashing a boundary over short third man in the final overs.
Bangladesh’s fielding also played a crucial role, highlighted by Emon’s outstanding catch to dismiss Nawaz and Mahedi’s reflex grab off his own bowling. However, a few dropped chances allowed Afridi and others to add valuable runs.
Among bowlers, Taskin Ahmed (3/28) was the pick, ably supported by Mahedi Hasan (2/28), Rishad Hossain (2/18) and Mustafizur Rahman (1/33).
Pakistan, who were 49 for 5 at one stage, recovered somewhat through the lower middle order but still ended with a modest total of 135 for 8 in their allotted overs.
Bangladesh will now need 136 runs in 20 overs to secure victory and boost their position in the Super Fours.
