Dubai: Bangladesh bowlers, led by pacer Taskin Ahmed, delivered an impressive performance to restrict Pakistan to 135-8 in a crucial Asia Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A victory in this unofficial semifinal would send Bangladesh to the Asia Cup final, where they will face India.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taskin Ahmed, who was rested during the previous match against India, spearheaded the attack by taking 3-28. Spinners Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain supported him with two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman contributed with 1-33. Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris made the highest score with 31, and Mohammad Nawaz added 25. Despite several Pakistan batters making a good start, Bangladesh’s intelligent bowling prevented them from forming significant partnerships.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid off as Taskin struck in the fourth ball of the innings, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for 4. Mahedi Hasan then claimed the wicket of Saim Ayub for a duck in the second over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 5-2. The Bangladesh bowlers stifled Pakistan during the powerplay, restricting them to 29 runs, setting the tone for the match.
Rishad Hossain dismissed Fakhar Zaman for 13, and Mustafizur Rahman took the wicket of Pakistan captain Salman Agha for 19, further weakening Pakistan’s position. While Rishad and Mahedi restricted Pakistan’s play in the middle overs, Mohammad Haris attempted to mount a counterattack. Shaheen Shah Afridi provided a brief resurgence with a quick 19 runs from 13 balls, but Taskin dismissed him before he could cause more damage.
Haris and Mohammad Nawaz shared a 38-run partnership for the seventh wicket, giving Pakistan hope of reaching 150. However, Mahedi broke the partnership by catching Haris off his own bowling, and Taskin followed with the wicket of Nawaz. Fahim Ashraf’s unbeaten 14 from nine balls was insufficient to boost Pakistan to a challenging total against Bangladesh.