Pakistan’s World Cup Revival: Dominating Bangladesh Keeps Semi-final Hopes Alive
Former champions Pakistan displayed a remarkable performance in their recent encounter with Bangladesh, keeping their slender hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the 50-overs World Cup alive. In a thrilling match, Pakistan secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens.
Bangladesh’s Struggles at the Crease
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh faced a significant challenge right from the start as they struggled to recover from a top-order collapse. Their innings concluded at a modest 204, with the last wicket falling in the 46th over. Throughout the innings, Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack showcased their skills, both in the initial overs and during the death overs. Only Mahmudullah managed to make a noteworthy contribution with a hard-fought half-century for Bangladesh.
Shaheen Afridi led the charge for Pakistan, claiming impressive figures of 3-23, which played a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh to a below-par total.
Pakistan’s Clinical Chase
In response to Bangladesh’s target of 204, Pakistan’s openers set the tone for the chase. Fakhar Zaman played a superb 74-ball innings, amassing 81 runs, while Abdullah Shafique’s 69-ball 68 added to Pakistan’s firepower. Their partnership helped Pakistan reach 128 by the 22nd over, ensuring a comfortable pursuit of the target.
A phenomenal 81 off 74 balls for @FakharZamanLive 💪
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2023
7️⃣ maximums tonight – second-most for a Pakistan batter in a @cricketworldcup innings 🥈#PAKvBAN | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/fIAMNGnoT5
Shafique, in particular, exhibited a remarkable performance, hitting nine boundaries and two sixes, which marked his third half-century in addition to a century earlier in the tournament. His dismissal came via a leg-before-wicket decision to spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Skipper Babar Azam, however, could only manage nine runs before holing out to the same bowler.
Fakhar Zaman, who made a strong comeback from a knee injury, smashed seven sixes and three boundaries, marking his 16th ODI fifty and his first after an 11-match drought. He was dismissed in the 28th over after holing out to Miraz. Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable victory with 105 balls to spare.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer in Bangladesh’s bowling lineup, finishing with figures of 3-60.
Pakistan’s Semi-final Aspirations
This victory has breathed new life into Pakistan’s chances of securing a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. With six points from seven matches, Pakistan finds themselves in a position where they must continue their winning streak. Their upcoming matches against New Zealand and England, scheduled for November 4 and November 11, respectively, will be critical. In addition to winning these matches, they must rely on favorable outcomes in other games to remain in contention for the semi-finals.
Pakistan win by seven wickets and 105 balls to spare! 👏@iMRizwanPak and @IftiMania give the finishing touches after brilliant knocks by the openers 👊#PAKvBAN | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/qmKwP26G8H
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2023
Bangladesh’s Disappointing Campaign
In contrast, Bangladesh became the first team to exit the ten-team tournament, having secured only one win from seven matches. They faced an uphill battle to improve their net run rate, and despite the efforts of Mahmudullah, Liton Das, and skipper Shakib Al Hasan, they couldn’t secure a competitive total.
The game’s pace trio, comprising Shaheen Afridi, Wasim, and Haris Rauf, proved to be too much for Bangladesh to handle on the dry and slow Eden Gardens pitch.
In the early stages of their innings, Shaheen dismissed opener Tanzid Hasan and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, while Wasim made crucial inroads into Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
The partnership between Mahmudullah and Liton Das helped Bangladesh reach a score of 102, but Iftikhar Ahmed’s dismissal of Liton broke the partnership. Mahmudullah’s gritty innings of 56 with six and six boundaries remained a notable effort.
Shaheen Afridi’s Remarkable Milestone
Shaheen Afridi’s stellar performance with the ball saw him reach a significant milestone. He claimed his 100th wicket in his 51st one-day international, becoming the 21st Pakistani bowler to achieve this century of wickets. In addition to this milestone, he currently shares the title of the top wicket-taker at this World Cup, alongside Australian spinner Adam Zampa, with 16 wickets.
In Conclusion
Pakistan’s stunning victory against Bangladesh has breathed new life into their World Cup campaign. They now have a challenging path ahead, with two crucial matches and a reliance on other results. Bangladesh, on the other hand, leaves the tournament with a single victory and plenty to reflect on. The thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens will be remembered as a defining moment in this year’s World Cup, with Pakistan’s resurgence and Shaheen Afridi’s milestone achievements taking center stage.
FAQs
How did Pakistan secure a seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the World Cup?
In their World Cup match against Bangladesh, Pakistan secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. Their three-pronged pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, impressed both in the initial overs and during the death overs. Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s chase.
What are Pakistan’s chances of making it to the World Cup semi-finals?
Pakistan’s victory against Bangladesh revived their hopes of reaching the semi-finals. With six points from seven matches, they need to win their upcoming games against New Zealand and England. Additionally, they must rely on favorable results in other matches to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Who was the standout performer in Bangladesh’s bowling lineup
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer in Bangladesh’s bowling lineup in the match against Pakistan. He finished with figures of 3-60, providing some resistance with the ball for Bangladesh.
What milestone did Shaheen Afridi achieve in the match against Bangladesh?
In this World Cup match, Shaheen Afridi claimed his 100th wicket in his 51st one-day international, becoming the 21st Pakistani bowler to reach this century of wickets. He is currently one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.
Why did Bangladesh struggle to post a competitive total in the match against Pakistan?
Bangladesh faced a top-order collapse and struggled to recover, resulting in a modest total of 204. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Wasim, and Haris Rauf proved to be too challenging for Bangladesh’s batsmen on the slow and dry pitch at the Eden Gardens, making it difficult to build a competitive score.
