Dhaka
Photo: .
With the match shortened, the powerplay was reduced to four overs. Bangladesh came under early pressure, losing three wickets and scoring just 23 runs in the first four overs.
With the pitch having remained under covers for more than four days because of rain, Pakistan relied heavily on spin. Saim Ayub took one wicket while conceding just three runs in two overs, while Sufiyan Muqeem claimed three wickets for 26 runs in three overs.
Towhid Hridoy produced the most effective batting performance for Bangladesh, scoring a crucial 42 off 25 balls. Without his contribution, Bangladesh would have struggled to cross the 100-run mark.
Apart from Hridoy, Saif Hassan and Mosaddek Hossain were the only other Bangladesh batters to reach double figures. Captain Litton Das also failed to make an impact, scoring just two runs off three balls before being bowled while attempting a reverse sweep.
Bangladesh were in serious trouble at 45 for four after 6.3 overs. Hridoy and Mosaddek then steadied the innings with a 43-run partnership to give the team a fighting total. However, both were dismissed within a two-run span, reducing Bangladesh’s chances of posting a bigger score.
Despite the match being reduced to 13 overs, Bangladesh’s scoring rate remained relatively slow. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, also struggled with their control, conceding 15 wides in total. The outfield was slow following several days of continuous rain.
Although Pakistan did not send a full-strength squad to the Asian Games, Bangladesh’s national-team batters initially struggled against their bowling attack.
A win would guarantee Bangladesh at least a silver medal. If they lose to Pakistan, Bangladesh will play the losing team from the India-Sri Lanka match on October 3 for the bronze medal.
