Bangladesh got close to beating Pakistan in their last match of the Tri-Series in New Zealand but failed to defend a total of 173 runs and lost the match by seven wickets.
Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan scored a 50 each in this match, but their efforts went in vain as the bowlers were unable to defend the total.
To chase a challenging total of 173 runs, Pakistani openers put up a partnership of 101 runs and made their remaining task easy. Mohammad Rizwan scored 69 while Babar Azam posted 55.
Despite sensible batting from Pakistan top-order, Bangladesh managed to push the match to the end.
In the last over, Pakistan needed 8 runs. Mohammad Saifuddin bowled the last over but failed to defend it.
Hasan Mahmud was the best bowler for Bangladesh taking two wickets.
Earlier, Liton and Shakib propelled Bangladesh to 173 for six.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar opened the innings for Bangladesh.
Soumya posted four off as many balls while Shanto failed one more time to justify his inclusion in the T20 team. He made 12 off 15 balls.
After the openers continued on a dismal batting display, Liton Das was firm at the one end of the wicket coming to bat three. Shakib Al Hasan joined him in the third wicket stand.
Despite having a hamstring injury, Liton was batting so well. He brought up his fifty off just 31 balls with five fours and one six.
Before falling prey to Mohammad Nawaz for 69 off 42 balls, Liton partnered Shakib in the third wicket stand and they added 88 runs off 55 deliveries— the best partnership Bangladesh got in this Tri- Series.
Read: Tri-Series: As Bangladesh suffer another defeat, New Zealand march to final
After Liton’s dismissal, Shakib took charge on the Pakistani attack. He fell for 68 off 42 balls with seven fours and three sixes.
Eventually, Bangladesh ended up on 173 for six— their highest in this event. Before Thursday’s match, Bangladesh lost three matches in a row.
Bangladesh made two changes in this match replacing Mosaddek Hossain and Ebadot Hossain with Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud.
Bangladesh will now travel to Australia to play the T20 World Cup.
Source: United News of Bangladesh