Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets

Pakistan achieved a comfortable victory over Bangladesh in the first Super Four match of the Asia Cup 2023 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.

Imamul Haq and Mohammad Rizwan shone as Pakistan completed the 294 target in 40 overs. Earlier, Bangladesh set a target of 194 runs for Pakistan after winning the toss.

Haris Rauf showed impressive skills with ball as he removed four Bengali batters, including opener Mohammad Naim.

For the visitors, skipper Shakib Al Hassan made 53 while Mushfiqur Rahim smashed 64 to give a boost to the total after the top order failed to deliver. No other played could cross the 20-run mark as most of the batsman sent to pavilion with below 10 runs.

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first.

Pakistan announced the squad a day earlier, making one change in the team. Mohammad Nawaz has been replaced by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Pakistan have entered the Super 4 with a massive win over Nepal and one point secured from their washed out game against India.

On the other hand, Bangladesh were hammered by Sri Lanka by five wickets in their opening match but bounced back to thrash Afghanistan by 89 runs and book their berth in the Super 4 stages.

India and Sri Lanka are the other two teams who have qualified for the Super 4.

Pakistan, the world No 1 ODI side, have a massive edge in head-to-head clashes against Bangladesh – having won 32 out of the 37 matches against Shakib al Hasan’s side.

Skipper Babar Azam will look to continue their winning with a win over Bangladesh in the Super 4 clash. He will try to continue showing his batting prowess after scoring an outstanding 151 against Nepal.