Asia Cup 2018, Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Whenever You are Positive You Take the Right Decision - Mushfiqur Rahim

Bangladesh registered a convincing victory by 37 runs in the final Super fours match against Pakistan to qualify for the final of Asia Cup 2018 scheduled on 28th September against India. After batting first, Bangladesh posted a competitive score of 239 courtesy impressive knocks from Mushfiqur Rahm and Mohammad Mithun.

Bangladesh knock Pakistan out of Asia Cup 2018

Pakistan also began disastrously but recover a bit courtesy a good hand from Imam-ul-Haq. However, the target proved to be way too big, as Bangladesh registered a comprehensive victory by 37 runs.

Just like the opening match of Asia Cup 2018, Bangladesh was pegged back early and got reduced to 12/3 in the virtual semi-final against Pakistan. However, it was the pair of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun who got the Tigers back on track with a brilliant stand of 144 runs. It tilted the scales in favour of Bangladesh. But Pakistan struck twice in a matter of few deliveries which again made things even.

Mushfiqur Rahim was the top score for Bangladesh with 99

Rahim played some wonderful shots and was accompanied quite brilliantly by Mithun. Both took the cautious approach to begin within but never let the scoring rate fall. The duo kept a steady run rate and helped Bangladesh consolidate to a position of strength. Rahim yet again proved that why he is one of the very best batsmen Bangladesh has ever produced.

Rahim played some delightful shots in the company of Mithun, as Bangladesh made full use of the loose bowling by the Pakistan bowlers. However, two quick wickets again made things even stevens. The Pakistan bowlers made a terrific comeback and restricted Bangladesh to 239. They were bowled out in the penultimate over.

Mustafizur, the star for Bangladesh

Pakistan also got off to a similar start to Bangladesh. The Men in Green lost the first three wickets for just 18 runs. The wickets included Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. It was a great beginning from Mustafizur Rahman who bagged two critical wickets, to begin with. Shoaib Malik and Imam-ul-Haq shared a good partnership 67 runs between each other to get Pakistan back on track. However, two more wickets again tilted the scales in favour of Bangladesh.

Despite the fall of wickets at the other end, Imam kept building his innings and ensured the Pakistani team still had an outside chance. Along with Asif Ali, the southpaw shared a good stand to get Pakistan to get into the game. Three wickets fell in quick succession, as Pakistan again got reduced to 181/8. Later, a four-for from Mustfizur Rahman helped Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 37 runs.

Now here is what Man of the Match Mushfiqur Rahim said at the post-match presentation,

“With the new ball and with the quality, Pakistan bowling had we knew we might lose early wickets. The wicket was pretty good, and we wanted to make sure we dig in through the first ten overs. The credit goes to the way I practice, and the preparation I do gives me a lot of confidence. Whenever you are positive, you take the right decisions, and it helps a lot in my batting.”