By In a thrilling match at the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Chasing a modest target of 205, Pakistan put on a stellar performance, reaching the total with ease, losing only three wickets and still having 105 balls to spare.
The opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique set the stage with a dominating 128-run partnership. Both batsmen achieved half-centuries, with Abdullah reaching the milestone first.
However, his innings came to an end in the 22nd over, courtesy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, after scoring 68 runs in 69 deliveries, which included nine boundaries and two sixes.
Babar Azam joined Fakhar Zaman for a brief 32-run partnership, but his stay was short-lived, with Miraz dismissing him after scoring just nine runs.
Miraz continued to make an impact by claiming the wicket of Fakhar Zaman, who narrowly missed his century, with a remarkable 81 runs off 74 balls, featuring three boundaries and seven sixes.
Following Fakhar’s departure, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed ensured a smooth finish, putting together a 35-run partnership. Rizwan remained unbeaten at 26 off 21 balls, while Iftikhar contributed 17 off 15 balls.
This victory propelled Pakistan to the fifth position in the ICC World Cup 2023 standings, with six points from seven matches.
On the flip side, Bangladesh, choosing to bat first, struggled to make an impact with their batting lineup, managing to post only 204 runs before being bowled out in the 46th over. Mahmudullah’s half-century was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging innings.
Pakistan’s ace pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, made early inroads into Bangladesh’s top order, reducing them to 23/3 in just six overs.
Litton Das and Mahmudullah tried to steady the ship with a gritty partnership for the fourth wicket, adding 79 runs to the total before Iftikhar Ahmed dismissed Das in the 21st over. Das scored 45 runs in 64 deliveries.
Despite Mahmudullah’s valiant effort, he too was dismissed, this time by Shaheen Shah Afridi, having contributed 56 runs off 70 balls, including six boundaries and a six. Captain Shakib Al Hasan took charge, making a cautious 43, but the Bangladesh innings struggled to gather momentum.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided some late impetus with a 30-ball 25 before being dismissed in the 44th over by Mohammad Wasim Jr. Pakistan’s right-arm pacer, Wasim Jr., also accounted for Taskin Ahmed in the same over, ensuring Bangladesh reached a modest total.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wasim Jr., claimed three wickets each, while Haris Rauf secured two wickets.
In the end, it was Pakistan’s day at the ICC World Cup 2023, with a well-deserved victory that showcased their talent and determination on the cricket field.
