LAHORE: In a thrilling clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Haris Rauf’s sensational four-wicket performance showcased Pakistan’s bowling prowess as they restricted Bangladesh to a modest total of 193 in the opening Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh aimed to set a challenging target. However, their aspirations were thwarted by a dominant Pakistani bowling unit led by Haris Rauf.
Despite half-centuries from skipper Shakib Al Hassan and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh could only muster 193 runs before being bundled out in the 39th over. The Bangladesh batting lineup struggled to find stability, with key wickets falling at crucial moments.
Haris Rauf emerged as the hero for Pakistan, claiming four crucial wickets, while Naseem Shah chipped in with three scalps. The Bangladeshi batsmen found it challenging to handle the pace and accuracy of Pakistan’s bowlers, ultimately falling short of a substantial total.
Earlier in the game, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi provided an early breakthrough for Pakistan. Naseem dismissed Mehidy Hasan Mirzy, while Shaheen removed Litton Das, putting Bangladesh under pressure from the start.
Pakistan made a key change to their lineup, with Faheem Ashraf being included in place of Mohammad Nawaz. The decision proved to be effective, as the Pakistani bowlers demonstrated their mettle and controlled the flow of runs throughout the innings.
Prior to this Super 4 encounter, Pakistan secured victory against Nepal in their Group A match, while their match against India ended in a no-result due to rain. Consequently, both Pakistan and India were awarded one point each, enabling Pakistan to advance to the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup.
Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh Squad
Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud.
