Bangladesh win Bronze by beating Pakistan in a thriller

In a rain-interrupted game, Bangladesh beat Pakistan (DLS Method) to claim Bronze in the Asian Games in Hangzhou. The Bangladesh men’s team won by 6 wickets with 0 balls remaining.

What happened?

Earlier in the match, Pakistan scored 48 for the loss of 1 wicket in five overs and Mirza Baig remained unbeaten on 18-ball 32. The 47-run stand between Mirza Baig and Khushdil Shah (14) was key to Pakistan’s innings after rain delayed the start. The target was adjusted to 65 runs from five overs for Pakistan. They had a shaky start to the chase. Two back-to-back wickets taken by Arshad Iqbal saw Pakistan crawl with 1-2 on the board.

An eventual thriller

Afif Hossain and Yasir Ali stabilized the innings as eventually a boundary off the last ball from Rakibul Hasan helped Bangladesh to claim the Bronze. Afif and Yasis stitched together 44 runs when Arshad returned to scalp his third wicket of the day.

He sent Arshad back to the pavilion for 20 off 11 deliveries but Yasir managed to continue. The match turned into a thriller when Yasir Ali was bowled by Sufiyan Muqeem in the penultimate ball for a 16-ball 34. Bangladesh required 4 runs off the last ball and Rakibul Hasan finished it off.

While Bangladesh men’s team secured third place, it is interesting that the women’s team also beat Pakistan to win their bronze medal. For Bangladesh, this is the second Bronze medal in the games. India men’s team is taking on Afghanistan currently at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Hangzhou in the Asian Games final.