Pakistan chased down a rain-revised target of 112 in 13 overs, with Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz steering the team into the gold medal match.
NISSHIN, October 1: Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened first semi-final of the Asian Games Men’s T20I cricket tournament on Thursday to secure a place in the gold medal match.
Chasing 112 in 13 overs at Korogi Sports Park, Pakistan reached the target with nine balls to spare after recovering from early setbacks through a decisive partnership between Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz.
Bangladesh’s spinners initially put Pakistan under pressure, with Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain taking wickets. Pakistan slipped to 53 for four, leaving the chase finely balanced.
Samad and Nawaz, however, held their nerve and rebuilt the innings with a crucial 59-run partnership. Samad struck a brisk 30 from 15 deliveries, including a powerful assault on Mustafizur Rahman that produced 22 runs from five balls.
Nawaz provided further acceleration with a series of sixes before completing the chase and sealing Pakistan’s place in the final.
Mustafizur endured an expensive spell, conceding 41 runs from his two overs despite taking one wicket. His costly outing allowed Pakistan to take control during the closing stages.
Hridoy leads Bangladesh fightback
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 111 in their allotted 13 overs after being put into bat, recovering from early wickets to set Pakistan a competitive target.
Towhid Hridoy led the resistance with 42 off 25 balls and shared a vital 53-run partnership with Mosaddek Hossain.
Pakistan’s spinners played a key role in restricting Bangladesh. Sufyan Moqim claimed three wickets, while Arafat Minhas took two and Saim Ayub added one.
Despite Hridoy’s contribution, Bangladesh could not produce a strong finish, leaving Pakistan with a manageable target that they chased down through disciplined batting and late aggression.
Pakistan set for gold medal match
The victory sends Pakistan into the Asian Games gold medal match, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh will contest the bronze medal match against the losing side.
Pakistan’s recovery after losing four early wickets proved decisive, while Bangladesh were left to rue their inability to capitalise on their initial breakthroughs and Mustafizur’s expensive final spell.