Asia Cup Points Table 2023: Updated Standings After PAK vs BAN Super Four Match 1

The first game of the Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 took place between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Babar Azam-led side kickstarted the knockout stage of the tournament on high as they won the game by 7 wickets.

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. But they failed to take advantage of the good batting wicket as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged a golden duck as his side was one down without even adding a single run.

Mohammad Naim (20) and Litton Das (16) played some solid strokes and tried to up the ante. But the wrong shot selection saw them back in the hut. Bangladesh were tumbling at 47/4 and it was then that veterans Shakib Al Hasan (53) and Mushfiqur Rahim (64) stepped up and brought their side back into the game.

Pakistan bowlers however made sure that they didn’t let go of the start they got and removed both the set batters. They then quickly wrapped the Bangladesh tail and bundled them out for just 193 runs. They didn’t bat full 50 overs as their innings was over in 38.4 overs.

Haris Rauf was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up four wickets and gave just 19 runs. Naseem Shah also was amongst the wickets as he picked three wickets whereas Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, and Iftikhar Ahmed picked one wicket each.

Pakistan started the chase positively but Fakhar Zaman (20) and Babar Azam (17) failed to carry on the start they got. Imam-ul-Haq however made sure that he continued his fine form. He smashed a rollicking half-century and ended his innings with 78 runs.

Mohammad Rizwan supported him well and he also smashed a magnificent half-century. He made sure that he stayed till the end and finished the game for his side. He smashed an unbeaten 63 whereas Agha Salman (12) also chipped in as Pakistan completed a comfortable 7-wicket win.

Asia Cup Points Table 2023: Updated Standings After PAK vs BAN Super Four Match 1

Just like the group stage, Pakistan kick-started the Super Four stage on high. After the first game of this stage, the Babar Azam-led side are on the top of the table. There’ll be a two-day off in the tournament and the next match will take place on Saturday (9th September) between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.