Mohammad Zeeshan forced Maruf to fend one back to his stumps to wrap up a tense win for Pakistan
04 February, 2024
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PHOTO: ICC
A superb bowling effort saw Pakistan being bowled out for 155. Bangladesh needed to win the contest in 38.1 overs to ensure a net run rate advantage over Pakistan, which would've helped them qualify for the semi-finals. However, they fell short by five runs in a thrilling game in Benoni.
After seeing off the first few overs, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain opened their arms. The latter took the lead in run-scoring but fell after he left Rohanat Doullah Borson delivery that jagged in and crashed into his off stump.
Although Pakistan were at a relatively safe 50/1 at the end of the first Powerplay, the Tigers struck back in the middle overs. Led by Borson, and Sheikh Jibon, they ran through the Pakistan top and middle-order. The side had lost their sixth wicket for 89. The batting innings never recovered from this start and couldn't bat out their quota of overs.
Jibon and Borson were the most efficient Bangladesh bowlers. Both of them finished with identical figures of 4/24.
Ubaid Shah fought back for Pakistan with two quick wickets up front. He returned to get a third wicket in the form of Ahrar Amin. The batter edged one away from first slip, but Haroon Arshad dove to his left to take a brilliant catch. Ubaid's third was Bangladesh's fourth wicket, and the side needed Ariful Islam and Md Shihab James to stand up for them.
But Ariful fell in the very next over. He had nearly succeeded in dispatching an Ali Raza delivery past point, but the ball was brilliantly intercepted by Shamyl, who took a blinder at point. In the 20th over, Ubaid struck for a fourth time to reduce Bangladesh to 83/6.
Shihab and newcomer Mahfuzur Rahman set about rebuilding the chase, of which 73 runs remained. Shihab took the lead in scoring, while Mahfuzur remained solid at the other end. Shihab was lucky to survive in the 29th over, when Ubaid couldn't hold on to a straightforward catch.
However, Ubaid made amends in the very next over by snaring Shihab. Ali Raza picked up another next over and Pakistan were on top once more.
Pakistan were nearly there when a direct hit got them the ninth wicket at 127. However, Borson and Maruf Mridha fought on for the final wicket. The duo brought Bangladesh to the brink, and the side needed merely six runs to win by the 37th over. However, Mohammad Zeeshan forced Maruf to fend one back to his stumps to wrap up a tense win for Pakistan.
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