Bangladesh fought hard but couldn’t prevent Pakistan from chasing down a modest target of 128 as the Babar Azam-led side became the fourth and final team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 on Sunday. Pakistan again were scratchy in the chase losing five wickets before finishing with 128/5 in 18.1 overs.
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The opening pair of Babar Azam (25) and Mohammad Rizwan (32) led a slow but solid start adding 57 runs in 10.2 overs. However, both departed in quick succession giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope.
But the target was never going to be threatening unless a batting collapse which didn’t happen. Mohammad Nawaz was promoted to no 3 but the ploy failed as he was run out on 4.
But the Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) and Shan Masood (24* off 14) ensured there was no late drama to ensure Pakistan’s win.
This was after left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi took four wickets as Pakistan held Bangladesh to 127/8. Shaheen, who returned his T20 best figures of 4/22, struck early for Pakistan as the left-arm quick sent back Litton Das for 10 after Bangladesh elected to bat first.
Das, who gave India a scare with his 27-ball 60 in a narrow defeat at the Adelaide Oval, looked dangerous with a six off Shaheen but three balls later gave away a catch at gully.
Najmul Hossain Shanto capitalised on a reprieve when the usually safe Shadab Khan dropped the left-handed batsman on 11 at short extra. The opener went on to top-score with 54.
Shanto put on 52 runs with Soumya Sarkar, who came out attacking.
Soumya hit 20 off 17 before an attempted reverse paddle sweep cost him his wicket off Shadab, who struck again on the next delivery, albeit amid controversy.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was given out lbw but he reviewed the decision and it appeared from replays that the ball grazed the bat before it hit the pad, but the third umpire upheld the on-field call.
Shakib looked stunned, waved his hands and didn’t want to walk off.
A Shadab hat-trick was averted by Afif Hossain.
Shakib’s wicket seemed to affect the Bangladesh batsmen, who suddenly looked out of sorts.
Off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed bowled Shanto soon after the batsman reached his second T20 fifty.
Bangladesh lost regular wickets and Shaheen struck twice in one over and then picked a fourth for the first time in his T20 career.
Afif Hossain hit an unbeaten 24.
With AFP Inputs
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