Asia Cup 2023 [WATCH]: Pakistan’s Babar Azam left in astonishment by Taskin Ahmed’s magnificent delivery | PAK vs BAN

Pakistan continued their remarkable streak with another convincing victory, defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first match of the Super Four stage in the Asia Cup 2023, held in Lahore. This marked the conclusion of the tournament’s Pakistan leg, with subsequent fixtures set to unfold in Colombo, Sri Lanka. However, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, had an uncharacteristically subdued performance in this particular game.

Pakistan showcases the mastery of fast bowling

Winning the toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first, but they encountered a formidable challenge from Pakistan’s quartet of pace bowlers, which reduced them to a precarious 47/4 within the initial 10 overs. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan (53) and wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim (64) showed great resilience, registering half-centuries and forging a vital 100-run partnership before Pakistan made a crucial breakthrough.

Bangladesh eventually folded for a mere 193 in 38.4 overs, with Haris Rauf (4/19) and Naseem Shah (3/34) emerging as the most successful bowlers for Pakistan in the game. In response, Pakistan’s opening duo, Fakhar Zaman (20) and Imam-ul-Haq (78), initiated their innings steadily, amassing 35 runs for the first wicket in just seven overs. Regrettably, Fakhar’s innings was curtailed when he was adjudged leg before wicket, falling victim to Shoriful Islam’s bowling.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri shares his verdict on India’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023

Babar Azam left clueless against Taskin Ahmed’s mastery

Babar, the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, partnered with Imam in the middle. Babar entered the match on the back of a remarkable 151 against Nepal in the tournament’s opening game. Nvertheless, this time, he struggled to make a substantial impact with the bat at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium. Both Imam and Babar compiled a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Nevertheless, in the third ball of the 16th over, bowled by Taskin Ahmed, Babar’s innings was brought to an end.

The right-handed batter, began his innings cautiously, collecting 17 runs from the initial 20 deliveries he faced. Nonetheless, his innings took an unexpected turn when he encountered an exceptional delivery from Taskin Ahmed. In his attempt to defend against a well-pitched delivery from Taskin, Babar found himself in trouble. Although he managed to cover the movement off the seam, the ball’s low bounce played a crucial role as it struck the bottom of his bat, leading to the dislodgment of the stumps.

Here’s the video: 

📌 drop silence at Lahore!#TaskinAhmed gets the big fish!
Massive blow for #Pakistan, as @babarazam258 departs after his stumps get disturbed.

Who will guide 🇵🇰 home?

Tune-in to #AsiaCupOnStar, LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network#PAKvBAN #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Y68C7ABAta

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 6, 2023

Imam and Rizwan steer the team towards victory

Taskin and the Bangladeshi players celebrated heartily upon dismissing the talismanic Pakistani batter, while the stadium fell into an eerie silence. Babar’s wicket left Pakistan at 74/2, still requiring 120 runs for victory. Nevertheless, Imam and Mohammad Rizwan (63) formed a resilient partnership of 85 runs after Babar’s departure, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable win with over ten overs to spare.

Pakistan’s upcoming challenge awaits against arch-rivals India in their next match on Sunday (September 10).

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Clinical Pakistan thrash Bangladesh to begin Super 4s in grand style – Asia Cup 2023