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The Super 4 stage of the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 got underway with a scintillating clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. With both teams aiming to secure a spot in the tournament’s final, the match is filled with excitement, and the spectators were treated to an extraordinary display of cricketing talent.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first, hoping to set a formidable total for Pakistan. However, their ambitions were swiftly dismantled by Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
Pakistan’s pacers shine against Bangladesh
The Pakistan pacers were in red-hot form as they ripped through Bangladesh’s top-order, leaving the Tigers reeling at 4 for the loss of four wickets within the first 10 overs of the innings. The early damage was inflicted by the likes of Naseem Shah, who struck with the new ball and Shaheen Afridi, who contributed with a crucial wicket.
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However, it was the sensational Haris Rauf who stole the show with a blistering spell that left Bangladesh in tatters. Rauf, known for his sheer pace and aggression, managed to claim two wickets in the very first two overs of his spell.
Haris Rauf’s sensational bowling display
Rauf’s first victim was the dangerous Mohammad Naim, whom he dismissed with a stunning caught-and-bowled effort in the 8th over. But it was his dismissal of Towhid Hridoy that will be etched in the memory of cricket fans for a long time.
In the 10th over of the match, Rauf came charging in, unleashing a thunderous delivery that clocked a staggering 145 kilometres per hour (kmph). Hridoy, attempting to clip the ball away, found himself entirely beaten by the sheer pace generated by Rauf. The ball sneaked past Hridoy’s inside edge and crashed into the stumps. The sight of the stumps shattered and the bails flying was a testament to Rauf’s raw pace and skill.
Here is the video:
🚨Breaking: The fire brigade has been called at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 🚒
Shaheen and Haris Rauf have lit the pitch on fire 🔥#AsiaCup23 live now only on #DisneyPlusHotstar, free on the mobile app.#FreeMeinDekhteJaao #AsiaCupOnHotstar #PAKvBAN #Cricket pic.twitter.com/11vvX10Tbg— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) September 6, 2023
With the dismissal of Hridoy, Rauf not only showcased his immense talent but also reached a significant milestone. His wicket of Hridoy marked his 50th wicket in One Day Internationals (ODIs), a remarkable achievement that places him in an elite club of legendary Pakistan bowlers.
Rauf became the fourth-fastest Pakistani bowler to reach this milestone in the 50-over format, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential for a bright future in international cricket.
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Fastest to 50 ODI Wickets for Pakistan:
- Hasan Ali – 24 matches
- Shaheen Afridi – 25 matches
- Waqar Younis – 27 matches
- Haris Rauf – 27 matches
- Saqlain Mushtaq – 28 matches