LAHORE – Pakistan showcased a dominating all-round efficiency to safe a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh to start out the Asia Cup 2023 Tremendous 4 marketing campaign in a fantastic type right here at packed Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday night time.
The star performers for Pakistan had been opener Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who performed pivotal roles in efficiently chasing down the modest goal of 194 runs. This victory was made attainable after they reached 194-Three in 39.Three overs. Pakistan bowlers additionally performed a vital function in containing the Bangladesh group to a low complete of 193 runs. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah delivered distinctive performances with the ball, claiming 4 and three wickets, respectively.
Of their pursuit of the 194-run goal, Pakistan acquired off to a stable begin, accumulating 35 runs earlier than dropping their first wicket, Fakhar Zaman, who contributed 20 runs earlier than being dismissed lbw by Shoriful Islam. Opener Imam and captain Babar Azam then mixed to construct a vital partnership of 39 runs for the second wicket. Babar, after scoring 17, was the following to fall, bowled by Taskin Ahmed, leaving Pakistan at a rating of 74-2.
Imam continued to anchor the innings and was joined by Rizwan. Collectively, they added a major 85 runs to the group’s complete. Imam ultimately departed after scoring a powerful 78 off 84 balls, together with 5 boundaries and 4 sixes, courtesy of Mehidy Hasan.
With victory in sight, Rizwan, together with Agha Salman, took Pakistan house comfortably within the 39.Three overs. Rizwan contributed an important 63 runs off 79 balls, with seven boundaries and a six, whereas Agha Salman remained unbeaten with 12 runs. For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan managed to choose up one wicket every.
Throughout this match, captain Babar Azam achieved one other milestone, surpassing the document beforehand held by India’s Virat Kohli. Babar now stands because the quickest captain to succeed in 2,000 runs within the ODIs, engaging in this feat in simply 31 innings. This achievement eclipses Kohli’s earlier document, which he achieved in 36 innings.
Earlier opting to bat first, Bangladeshi openers struggled to search out their footing, dropping wickets at common intervals. It was solely the fifth-wicket partnership that managed to regular the ship, contributing to a considerably respectable complete. Nevertheless, following this partnership, the Bangal Tigers discovered themselves vulnerin a position to the relentless Pakistani bowlers, leading to a meager complete of 193 runs, achieved in 38.four overs.
The nice batting performances for Bangladesh got here from Mushfiqur Rahim, who performed a gritty knock of 64 runs off 87 balls, that includes 5 well-placed boundaries. Captain Shakib Al Hasan showcased his management on the sector with a half-century, scoring 53 runs off 57 balls, together with seven boundaries. Opener Mohammad Naim chipped in with 20 runs off 25 balls, whereas Litton Das and Shamim Hossain contributed 16 runs every, and Atif Hussain added 12 runs to the tally. Sadly, no different Bangladeshi batsman managed to succeed in double determine.
Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf wreaked havoc for Bangladesh batters with 4 essential wickets for a mere 19 runs. He obtained priceless help from Naseem Shah, who claimed three wickets for 34 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Iftikhar Ahmed every chipped in with one wicket.
At this time (Thursday), the groups of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will embark on their journey to Colombo aboard a chartered aircraft as they prepare to compete within the Tremendous 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 in Colombo whereas the ultimate will even be performed on the identical venue. Accompanying the groups on the chartered flight will likely be broadcasters and different officers.