Bangladesh confirmed their third final berth at the Asia Cup in four attempts as they beat Pakistan by 37 runs in their crucial Super Four encounter at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi Wednesday.
Bangladesh bowlers and fielders showcased a spirited performance as their combined effort restricted the opponent to 202 while defending a score of 239 to ensure the Tigers’ first ever final in the Asia Cup abroad.
Mustafizur Rahman led the attack as he picked up four wickets while he got good support from Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who finished with figure of 2-28 in his 10 overs. Rubel Hossain, Mahmudullah and Soumya Sarkar notched one wicket apiece.
Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq scored 83 off 101 balls opening the innings but his effort went in vain as no one else could provide him substantial support.
Earlier, riding on yet another Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun partnership, Bangladesh set 240 runs for Pakistan to chase.
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 37 runs. #BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/zDaeKoyd15
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) September 26, 2018
Mushfiq and Mithun added 144 for the fourth wicket to propel Bangladesh to a competitive score, following a batting collapse. Mushfiq however, was denied a deserving hundred after getting removed by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 99.
The occasion was the first a Bangladeshi got out for that score in any format of international cricket. Mushfiq was the key to Bangladesh’s batting on the day, taking on the opposition attack and making a 116-ball 99 with nine boundaries.
Mithun departed after a top edge off Hasan Ali scoring 60 off 84 deliveries with four fours.
The day started on a shocking note for Bangladesh with the unavailability of Shakib al Hasan due to the injury on his left little finger. Shakib was not only ruled out of the game, but remainder of the tournament. Mominul Haque had come in place of the ace all-rounder.
The side had made two more changes, Soumya, making a comeback after 11 months, replacing Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Rubel coming back to the team in place of Nazmul Islam Apu.
It's a wrap! Bangladesh defeat Pakistan to make it to the finals of #AsiaCup2018 and will face India on 28th September #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/ZltMkiwHXu
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 26, 2018
The fixture was of great importance for both the sides as the winner will take on India in the final Friday in Dubai. But Bangladesh after deciding to bat first were let down by the openers.
Soumya wasted his opportunity to mark a comeback with a significant score, getting dismissed for a duck facing four balls and triggering a debacle at the top.
By the fifth over, Bangladesh were three down with just 12 runs on the board, the side losing Mominul and Liton Das within three balls as Pakistan pacers ensured a flying start with the leather.
The dismissals saw Mushfiq joined by Mithun, who built a platform for the Tigers to put up a defendable total on the board.
A 25-run knock by Mahmudullah batting at No 7 aided Bangladesh but Pakistan pacers made a strong finish by bundling the Tigers out in the 49th over.
What a brilliant knock M Rahim produced when his team needed it most! It was very unfortunate that he missed out on his century but did well enough to see Bangladesh through!#PAKvBAN #AsiaCup2018 pic.twitter.com/nggx6Xo2vC
— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 26, 2018
Junaid Khan had come into the starting XI replacing Mohammad Amir, who was wicket-less in five matches in the tournament. Junaid ensured a mark was made as he topped the bowling attack with a four-for, conceding just 19 runs in nine overs.
He got valuable support from Shaheen and Hasan who returned with figures of 2/47 and 2/60 respectively.
BRIEF SCORE
Pakistan 202/9 (Mustafizur ) lost to Bangladesh 239 (Mushfiq 99, Mithun 60) by 37 runs
