In a thrilling encounter at the 19th Asian Games men’s cricket event, Bangladesh emerged victorious by six wickets against Pakistan under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The game took place at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Saturday morning, although it had a delayed start due to rain, resulting in a shortened match of 13 overs per side.
Having won the toss, Bangladesh elected to field first, and Pakistan managed to score 48 for one in five overs before rain halted play.
Mirza Baig led the charge for Pakistan, finishing unbeaten with a commendable 32 runs off just 18 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
Unfortunately, further play during Pakistan’s innings became impossible due to persistent rain. Consequently, Bangladesh was set a revised target of 65 runs to win from five overs.
In their pursuit, Bangladesh got off to a flying start and appeared well on their way to achieving the target comfortably, needing 25 runs from two overs.
However, Arshad Iqbal, Pakistan’s standout bowler, put up a resilient performance, conceding only five runs in the penultimate over and dismissing Afif Hossain (20 runs from 11 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six).
This left Bangladesh requiring 20 runs in the final over. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem bowled the crucial over, initially giving away 16 runs in the first four deliveries.
However, he made a strong comeback, taking the wicket of Yasir Ali (38 runs from 16 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes) with the next ball.
With four runs needed on the final delivery, Rakibul Hasan delivered a boundary, securing victory and the bronze medal for Bangladesh.
Arshad Iqbal emerged as the top bowler for Pakistan, finishing with three wickets for just 14 runs from his two overs.
Summary:
Bangladesh secured the bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games men’s cricket event by defeating Pakistan by six wickets through the DLS method. Rain led to a delayed start and a shortened 13-over match.
After Pakistan posted 48-1 in five overs, Bangladesh chased down a revised target of 65 in five overs, with Rakibul Hasan hitting the winning boundary on the last ball. Arshad Iqbal was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking three wickets for 14 runs.
