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Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the first Super 4 clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Bangladesh put on a target of 193 on board, which Pakistan successfully chased down in 39.3 overs.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan shined for his team, playing a stunning knock of 53 runs, but it wasn’t enough to get them past the mighty bowling attack of Pakistan.
‘A poor performance from us’
After the match, Shakib burst out on the approach of his team’s batters. However, he praised the bowlers and mentioned their overall performance was poor.
“Yes, I thought we lost wickets at the start. We played ordinary shots and lost 4 wickets in 10 overs. We could have done better. The partnership between me and Rahim was good. But overall, a poor performance from us. We have to take it in our chin and move on. We have done well with the ball but with bat we have been hot and cold. We have to change that. Our seamers bowled well and unfortunately we did not get the wickets because the pitch was not that helpful. Yes, looking forward to Colombo and hope the conditions will help us a bit. Our spinners will come into play there,” said the Bangladesh skipper in the post-match conference. >
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Bangladesh won the toss earlier in the game and decided to bat first. But, the decision did not go in their favour, and they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, all credit to Pakistan’s phenomenal fast bowling attack.
Skipper Shakib, alongside wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim, tried stabilising the innings, forging a 100-run partnership. Shakib scored 53 runs, while Rahim contributed 64 and played a key role in taking their side to 193. Pakistan comfortably reached their mark as batter Imam-ul-Haq (78) and Mohammed Rizwan (63) shined.
Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka on September 9 in their next game. It will be a must-win game for them, as losing in this clash will end their campaign in the tournament.