Lahore, 6 September 2023: Haris Rauf produced a spell for the ages, ensuring that Pakistan completely dominate Bangladesh in the first innings. His efforts were equally complemented by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Even when bowling on the Gaddafi Stadium wicket, which is conducive to batting, the Pakistani pace attack proved too big an ask for the Bangladeshi batting line-up, who folded for a sub-par total.
Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladeshi captain, opted to bat first after winning the toss. It was a good toss to win, considering the weather in Lahore and the Gaddafi Stadium wicket. However, the Pakistani pace attack was a solid spoilsport for Bangladesh.
Shaheen and Naseem, sharing the new ball, proved too lethal for Bangladesh. First Naseem got Mehidy Hasan Miraz out, and then Shaheen got the important wicket of Litton Das. Haris, coming into the attack earlier than expected after Naseem walked off with a shoulder injury scare, announced his presence with two quick wickets. Bangladesh were pushed to the backfoot by Pakistan, after the former lost four wickets in the first powerplay.
The experienced duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim began a rebuilding job for Bangladesh. A partnership of 100 runs between the two helped Bangladesh jump back into the game.
However, Faheem Ashraf broke the partnership and brought the game back in Pakistan’s favour. Bangladesh failed to gain momentum from thereon. At the back of a nearly unplayable spell by Haris, complemented by tight bowling by Naseem, Shaheen and Faheem, Bangladesh were effectively bowled out for 193 in just 38.4 overs.
Pakistan chased the target comfortably, with over ten overs remaining. Even though Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam got out early, Pakistan remained steadily in the game. Imam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Rizwan, both getting half-centuries to their name in the match, played responsible innings to ensure that Pakistan remained comfortable throughout. The 85-run partnership shared between the two took the game out of Bangladesh’s reach. By the time the partnership was broken, and Salman Ali Agha came to bat, Pakistan were only 35 away from the target.
The next super-four stage game will be played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in Colombo on 9 September 2:30 pm (PST).
Scores in brief:
Pakistan win by 7 wickets (63 balls remaining).
Bangladesh: 193 all out in 38.4 overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 64, Shakib Al Hasan 53; Haris Rauf 4-19, Naseem Shah 3-34)
Pakistan: 194-3 in 39.3 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 78, Muhammad Rizwan 63 not out; Shoriful Islam 1-24, Taskin Ahmed 1-32)
Player of the match: Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
