Dubai: Bangladesh’s hope to play the Asia Cup final was dashed after suffering an 11-run defeat to Pakistan in a critical match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium today. Pakistan posted a modest total of 135-8 and successfully defended it by restricting Bangladesh to 124-9, thanks to an impressive bowling performance by pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the duo shared six wickets, each claiming three, to help Pakistan set up a final against archrivals India on Sunday. The two teams had previously faced each other twice in the group stage and Super Fours, with India winning both encounters comfortably.
Midway through the game, Bangladesh appeared to be the favorites as they managed to hold Pakistan to a low total. However, Afridi quickly brought Pakistan back into the contest by dismissing Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon for a duck on the second ball of the chase. Afridi continued his fine form by taking the wicket of Towhid Hridoy (5), leavi
ng Bangladesh at 23-2 in the fifth over.
Afridi’s exceptional bowling was supported by spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub, who kept Bangladesh in check. Ayub took 2-16 in four overs, while Nawaz grabbed 1-14 in three overs. Shamim Patwari, who top-scored for Bangladesh with 30, provided a glimmer of hope before Afridi returned to claim his wicket, finishing with figures of 3-17 in four overs. Haris Rauf (3-33) also struck twice in quick succession, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the game, although Rishad Hossain managed to score 16 not out to narrow the margin.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh bowlers performed admirably, raising hopes of a victory. Taskin Ahmed, rested during the clash against India, led the attack with 3-28. Spinners Mahedi Hasan and Rishad Hossain supported him well, taking two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman finished with 1-33. Mohammad Haris top-scored for Pakistan with 31, and Mohammad Nawaz added 25, as Bangladesh’s intelligent bowling prevented any significant partnerships.
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angladesh opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision justified by Taskin’s early strike, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for 4 in the opening over. Mahedi Hasan then removed Saim Ayub for a duck, leaving Pakistan at 5-2. Bangladesh bowlers stifled Pakistan in the first powerplay, allowing just 29 runs, setting the tone for the match.
Rishad Hossain dismissed Fakhar Zaman for 13, and Mustafizur Rahman removed Pakistan captain Salman Agha for 19, further destabilizing Pakistan. Despite the setbacks, Mohammad Haris steadied the innings, supported by a cameo from Shaheen Shah Afridi before Taskin removed him for a brisk 19. Haris and Nawaz shared a 38-run partnership for the seventh wicket, guiding Pakistan towards a score of 150, but Mahedi broke the stand with a return catch, and Taskin dismissed Nawaz. Fahim Ashraf contributed an unbeaten 14 off nine balls to push Pakistan past 130.