In ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan beats Bangladesh in must win game. This remarkable victory keeps Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the tournament’s semi-finals alive.
Bangladesh batted first but struggled to create an impact, eventually settling for a small target of 204 runs. Pakistan’s fast bowlers, who demonstrated outstanding skills, deserve credit for this low total.
Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Jr combined for eight wickets, destroying Bangladesh’s batting order.
Pacers run riot in Kolkata 🔥@Wasim_Jnr cleans up the tail after @iShaheenAfridi became the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament 🙌#PAKvBAN | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/AWrhfTtnij
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2023
Pakistan’s chase it quickly and effectively, taking only 32.3 overs to secure the victory. The excellent batting performances of Fakhar Zaman, who scored 81 runs off 74 balls, and Abdullah Shafique, who contributed 68 runs off 69 balls, were the driving force behind this victory.
Shaheen Shah Afridi among the Pakistani standout bowlers, finishing with 3-23, while Mohammad Wasim’s spell produced 3-31. Haris Rauf claimed 2-36 as Bangladesh struggled to find their feet on Eden Gardens’ dry and slow ground.
Bangladesh crossed the 200-run barrier after winning the toss and electing to bat, courtesy to outstanding efforts from Mahmudullah (56 off 70 balls), Liton Das (45), and skipper Shakib Al Hasan (43 off 64 balls).
Moreover, Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved a milestone, who took his 100th wicket in his 51st one-day international, becoming the 21st Pakistani bowler to do so.
Early breakthroughs by Pakistan, led by Shaheen and Haris, had Bangladesh reeling at 23-3. Bangladesh reached 102 runs thanks to a strong partnership between Mahmudullah and Liton Das. However, their partnership was shattered when Iftikhar Ahmed fired Liton.
The dismissal of Mahmudullah by Shaheen, whose brilliant outswinger uprooted the off stump, proved decisive in the match.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s outstanding performance in this World Cup has elevated him to equal leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps.
Fakhar Zaman nominated as Player of the Match for his brilliant batting.
