Asia Cup 2016: Bangladesh Vs Pakistan Played at SBNCS Dhaka on 2 March 2016

Bangladesh 131/5 (Soumya Sarkar 48, Mahmudullah 22*, Sabbir Rahman 14, Mushfiqur Rahim 12, Mashrafe Mortaza 12*, Mohammad Amir 2/26) beat Pakistan 129/7 (Sarfraz Ahmed 58*, Shoaib Malik 41, Al-Amin Hossain 3/25, Arafat Sunny 2/25, Taskin  Ahmed 1/14, Mashrafe 1/29) by 5 Wickets

A determined Tiger squad with never say die attitude put matters beyond doubt winning against Pakistanis on March 2 evening by five wickets setting a date with favorites India for the final of Asia Cup-2016 played for the first time in T20 format.

Batting first brittle Pakistan batting could manage 129/7 in allotted overs after being reduced to 28/4 in nine overs.

While chasing, Bangladesh was looking in a bit of bother at 96/4 with 4 overs to go. Mohammad Amir blowing out Shakib made matters still worse. But, charismatic Mashrafe and cool customer Mahmudullah kept their nerves securing the victory with 5 balls to spare.

Bangladesh with three victories in four matches are assured of final onslaught on strong India. Bangladesh for the second time moved into the final of Asia Cup. The only other time they reached there they lost by two runs against Pakistan also in Dhaka in 2012.

Many permutations and combinations were being discussed about Bangladesh prospects of qualifying for the final before the all-important Bangladesh-Pakistan match. On PTV preview Saqlain Mushtaq and Rashid Latif sounded as if Pakistan were already through to the final. They were more concerned whether batting or bowling strength would guide Afridi in making decision if Pakistan win the toss. He did win and elected to bat on a wicket where both captain were willing to bat.

Bangladeshi bowlers in a mission ran riot into Pakistan batting right from the onset. Taskin bowled fast and furious, Al-Amin and Mashrafe swung the ball around from length and Arafat Sunny chosen for the match in place of injured Mustafiz took the hell out of Pakistan batting. Khurram Manzoor, Sharjeel Khan, Hafiz and Umar Akmal could hardly make any dent.

Pakistan innings ran into heavy water by the 9th over at 28/4. Wicket Keeper batsman Sarfraz and all-rounder Shoaib Malik braving the situation resurrected innings before Al-Amin returned in his second spell squeezing Pakistanis to a manageable score of 129/7.

Sarfraz remained not out with 58-run off 42 deliveries striking five 4’s and two 6’s. Shoaib Malik scored 41. Al-Amin kept his steady bowling success going with another haul of three wickets giving away 25 runs. Arafat Sunny getting into the team in place of injured Mustafiz got 2/35.

It was another day off for ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. He remained the only wicketless Bangladesh bowler in the team effort and later also could not score much.

Bangladesh reply also got some early set back with Tamim returning in the team after attaining fatherhood failed to carry his recent form in T20 version. Flamboyant Sabbir also could not stay longer. Periscope brand stroke Soumya was however in full flow on the day.

How he loves hunting Pakistan birds. He struck five deadly blows across the fence and one over it in his run a ball 48 which set the tone of Tigers reply. Yet, they were in a spot of bother at 88/4 and 103/5. Mushfiqur and Shakib also failed to deliver.

Two faithful Bengal tigers Mahmudullah and Mashrafe teamed up in a brilliant sixth wicket partnership racing across the target with 5 balls to spare. Matured Mahmudullah remained not out on 22, scored in 15 deliveries while enigmatic captain Mashrafe punched two boundaries in his unbeaten 12 of 7 deliveries. Bangladesh won handsomely by five wickets.

Brilliant Pakistan bowler Amir looked dangerous on the day again taking two vital wickets of Soumya Sarkar and Shakib.

Bangladesh won this all important match without any mentionable contribution of top players like Tamim, Mushfiqur, Shakib and Sabbir. It proved the depth, diversity and team efforts of maturing Bangladesh team. The absence of Nasir Hossain was again felt on the day.

This Bangladesh win over Pakistan settled few accounts establishing Bangladesh’s superiority over Pakistan in different formats of the game. Ramiz Raza and others must behave sober in future while talking about Bangladesh cricket.

It is only a match to go now. The dreams of Bangladesh to reach the peak in Asian cricket would be celebrated on the morning of historic March 7 of 2016 if only Tiger plays to potential.

BDST: 0908 HRS, MAR 03, 2016
SR