Japan: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the first semi-final of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition at the Korogi Sports Club in Nisshin, securing a place in the final after chasing down a revised target of 112 runs with three balls to spare.
How Did Pakistan Complete the Chase?
Pakistan: lost four wickets during the chase after being set a 112-run target in a match reduced to 13 overs per side because of a wet outfield.
Captain Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for one in the opening over before Maaz Sadaqat fell for 15. Saim Ayub added a quick 21 from 12 balls but was then dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.
Usman Khan also departed with Pakistan at 53/4, leaving the side under pressure.
Who Turned the Match in Pakistan’s Favour?
Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz produced a decisive unbeaten partnership to take Pakistan across the line.
Samad struck an unbeaten 30 from 15 balls, including five fours and a six, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 27 from 22 deliveries. Their 69-run partnership came from just 32 balls.
How Did Pakistan Restrict Bangladesh?
Bangladesh: posted 111/7 after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field.
Sufiyan Muqeem led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 3/26 from three overs, while Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets and Saim Ayub took one.
Bangladesh initially slipped to 21/3, but Towhid Hridoy and Mosaddek Hossain revived the innings with a 53-run partnership.
Hridoy top-scored with 42 off 25 balls, including four sixes and two fours, but Muqeem dismissed both Hridoy and Mosaddek in the penultimate over.
Pakistan will now face the winner of the second semi-final in the Asian Games men’s cricket final.