Pakistan pacers decimated Bangladesh in the first Super Four clash of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. They were incredible against Nepal and India as well and continued with the same momentum in the match against the Bangla Tigers. Batting first, the Shakib Al Hasan-led side didn’t get a good start as Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who hit a century in the last match, failed to get going and got out without making any mark.
Returning Litton Das and Mohammad Naim too got out rather cheaply and thus, the visiting team was under extreme pressure. That’s when skipper Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim stepped up to bail Bangladesh out of a difficult situation. Their 100-run partnership brought back some much-needed momentum but the tail-enders failed to live up to the potential as Bangladesh posted 193 runs in the first innings.
When it comes to Pakistan bowlers, Haris Rauf picked up four wickets while Naseem Shah picked up three. There were some concerns regarding Naseem’s fitness at one point but the pacer made an incredible comeback, picking two wickets at the fag end of the match. Meanwhile, Rauf’s four-fer will give him a lot of confidence going ahead. The star pacer picked up three against India and hence, is in incredible form at the moment.
The Babar Azam-led side will be optimistic in the chase and will be aiming to get the job done and start well in the Super Four round. They will take on India in the next match and ahead of that, the batters will aim to do well, so that it can boost their confidence ahead of the big match.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will be key as the duo picked up seven wickets in their last match against Afghanistan. The odds are not in their favour at the moment but they have a quality side which can turn the tables in the second innings.