Bangladesh’s jinx in the final of any cricket tournament at international circuit, both in senior and age-level, continued as they lost the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Asia Cup final to Pakistan by 77 runs in Mirpur Saturday.
Both the finalists had a fantastic run en route to the grand finale as each team won all four of their games, but the host failed to come out on top as they were bundled out for 224 in 43.3 overs replying to Pakistan’s 301/6.
Pakistan’s 18-year old Rohail Nazir emerged as the hero of the match as he scored a 113-run innings of 111 balls to help his side post a big total.
After losing the toss, Pakistan saw both their openers were removed within 41 but one-down Nazir and Imran Rafiq, who made a steady 62, formed a 117-run stand to build a strong base.
@BCBtigers swept into the final of the Emerging Teams Asia Cup after swatting aside @ACBofficials by seven wickets in the second semi-final at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.https://t.co/f9McLhNfLy#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET #CRICKET #ACB
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 21, 2019
Nazir’s brilliance continued despite losing his partner and got a great partner in his captain Saud Shakeel, who made 42 off just 40, as they made a brisk 85-run stand in just 69 balls to up the tempo.
Khusdhil Shah (27 off 15) and Amad Butt (15 off seven) put their paddle in the acceleration to take the score past the 300-mark.
Despite the big target, the home side were looking forward to chasing it down with their in-form batsmen.
But, Soumya Sarkar, the man of the series, who had been in fine touch, got out for just 15 and his opening partner Mohammad Naim soon followed him, scoring only 16.
The name Amad Butt may not shine brightly in the scoreboard but the 24-year pacer did a splendid job as he conceded just four runs in the final over for @TheRealPCB against arch-rival @BCCI in the Emerging Asia Cup to secure a final berth.https://t.co/RSXwcWZlvc#PAKISTAN #PCB
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 20, 2019
Bangladeshi batsmen were trying to maintain the pace with regards to the asking rate but they needed someone to score big and hold the innings, a prerequisite to success in such a stiff chase.
The lack of it was evident in the scorecard as none could score a half-century with Afif Hossain making 49 and Nazmul Hossain Shanto scoring 46.
Eventually, Bangladesh crumbled well short of their target, failing to utilize as many as 40 balls that were left.
Mohammad Hasnain, the 19-year old paceman, who has appeared in five ODIs and two T20Is so far, was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.