Asia Cup 2018, Super Four, Match 6: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Five Talking Points

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 37 runs in the final game of the Super Fours in Asia Cup 2018, and they will now face India in the finals in Dubai on September 28th. Bangladesh displayed a fantastic brand cricket in the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, a lot had happened to fall into the talking points of the day.

However, earlier in the day Bangladesh skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza opted to bat first after winning the toss. The opening pair, Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar couldn’t do much, as later, Mominul Haque also failed to put runs for the Tigers.

Meanwhile, Junaid Khan, who was making a comeback gave a dream start to Pakistan. He picked up two early wickets, while Afridi picked up the wicket of Haque. On top of that, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun partnered brilliantly and gave a ray of hope to the dressing room. However, Rahim was distraught, as he got out at 99 runs.

Moreover, after the departure of Rahim and Mithun, Bangladesh couldn’t build up any partnership in the middle. Pakistan bowlers rattled the batting line up, and they could only post 239 runs at the end of 48.5 overs losing all their wickets.

Furthermore, while chasing down the target, Pakistan lost their three quick wickets putting 18 runs on the board. The top order batsmen again failed to put runs for Pakistan. Mustafizur Rahman along with his partner, Mehidy Hasan did the early damage.

Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik tried to build up the partnership but failed to do so. After adding 67 runs, from the duo, veteran Malik had to depart scoring 51 balls 30. The southpaw, Imam-ul-Haq played some exceptional cricket in the middle and kept the batting line-up steady. However, Asif Ali also contributed some vital runs with Imam in the end.

On top of that, Mehidy Hasan picked up two while Mustafizur Rahman bagged with four wickets. Pakistan only managed to score 202 runs losing their nine wickets at the end of 50th over.

Here we take a look at five talking points from Pakistan and Bangladesh game

Mushfiqur and Mithun lift Bangladesh to 239

Mushfiqur Rahim scored his 30th half-century, while Mohammad Mithun made 60 to lift Bangladesh to a decent total of 239 runs. However, they had rescued Bangladesh adding 144 runs for the fourth wicket stand. Bangladesh was reduced to 12 for three inside five overs.

Junaid Khan back with a huge blow

Junaid Khan backed himself in the team with a huge blow. He bowled nine overs picking up four wickets just giving away 19 runs. Junaid was too economical with his bowling figures. Moreover, he picked up early two wickets to give some ray of hope for the Pakistan team.

Later, he picked up the wicket of Mahmudullah who was looking to put some pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack.

At the end, when Mortaza tried to hit the ball hard, he took the wicket of him and showed him the way towards the pavilion.

Mushfiqur Rahim played a brilliant innings

Rahim missed his mark of making seventh ODI ton just short of one run. He scored 116-ball 99 and helped Bangladesh to score a respectable total. Mushfiqur played a brilliant innings smashing nine boundaries. He was standing on the pitch as a backbone of his team and led his nation to post a target of 240 runs.

Imam-ul-Haq played a brilliant knock

The southpaw, Imam-ul-Haq played a fantastic knock off 105-ball 83 smashing only two boundaries and a huge six. He was looking desperate to make his century and stay at the crease till the end.

However, he was unable to do so but did well with his batting skill. It, however, helped Pakistan to come close towards 200 runs.

Mustafizur Rahman bowled an excellent spell

Mustafizur Rahman bowled an excellent spell in the deciding match of the Asia Cup 2018. He bowled his full quota giving away 43 runs and picked up four wickets.

He was exceptional throughout the tournament did and the job in the last match. However, he took two early wickets of the top order batsman and then ratted the low-order as well.