Nagoya:Bangladesh's hope for an Asian Games gold in cricket was dashed as they faced a six-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the semi-final held at the Korogi Sports Park in Nagoya, Japan.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the match, impacted by rain, was reduced to 13 overs per side. Bangladesh, batting first, managed to score 111-7.
Pakistan, in pursuit of the target, reached 112-4 in 11.3 overs, securing their place in the final with nine balls to spare.
Bangladesh's innings began poorly, losing three wickets for just 21 runs, with Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, and Parvez Hossain Emon contributing minimally. Saif Hasan scored 19 runs, while Towhid Hridoy stood out with a quick 42 off 25 balls, including four sixes and two fours. Mosaddek Hossain added 11 runs, and Sheikh Mahedi Hasan remained not out with eight runs. The team benefitted from 19 extras, including 15 wides.
For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem impressed with three wickets for 26 runs in his three overs, while Arafat Minhas took two wickets.
Pakistan also faced early challenges in their chase, losing Sahibzada Farhan and Sadaqat cheaply. However, a steady partnership between Hasan Nawaz, who scored 27, and Abdul Samad, who remained unbeaten on 30, led Pakistan to victory. Each hit crucial boundaries to stabilize the innings.
Bangladesh€™s bowlers, including Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain, each claimed a wicket.
Pakistan will now face either Sri Lanka or India in the final, while Bangladesh will compete for the bronze medal against the loser of the second semi-final.