Pakistan Struggles to 135 as Bangladesh Bowlers Shine
Pakistan Struggles to 135 as Bangladesh Bowlers Shine
Asia Cup- Bangladesh Vs Pakistan: Pakistan posted 135 runs in their innings against Bangladesh after struggling with early wickets and a slow start.
Pakistan had a tough outing with the bat against Bangladesh, managing only 135 runs in their 20 overs. After winning the toss, Bangladesh chose to bowl first, and their decision paid off as Pakistan’s batting lineup never really settled.
The innings started poorly for Pakistan. Sahibzada Farhan hit a boundary but was dismissed for just 4 runs off 4 balls. His partner, Saim Ayub, couldn’t get going either and was out without scoring after just three deliveries. Fakhar Zaman tried to hold things together, but his slow 13 off 20 balls added pressure instead of relief. Salman Agha showed some intent with 19 runs from 23 balls, but he too fell before making it count. Hussain Talat added only 3 runs, leaving Pakistan reeling with half the side gone for very little.
The innings saw some fightback from the middle and lower order. Mohammad Haris played positively, scoring 31 runs from 23 balls with two boundaries and a six. His attacking approach lifted the run rate briefly. Shaheen Afridi also chipped in with a handy cameo, hitting 19 off 13 balls, including two sixes that gave the crowd something to cheer about.
Mohammad Nawaz provided the most explosive knock of the innings. He smashed 25 off just 15 balls, with one four and two big sixes, giving Pakistan a late push towards a respectable score. At the end, Faheem Ashraf stayed unbeaten on 14 off 9 balls, while Haris Rauf added 3 runs. Together, they helped Pakistan finish at 135/8 in 20 overs, with a run rate of 6.75.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were excellent from start to finish. Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in his 4 overs. Mahedi Hasan also impressed with 2 wickets for 28, while leg-spinner Rishad Hossain bowled with control, picking up 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his spell. Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with a wicket and kept the pressure on, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib bowled a tight spell despite going wicketless.
Their combined effort meant Pakistan never built momentum, as wickets fell regularly and no partnership could really take charge.