Islamabad – In a thrilling ICC World Cup match played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India, Pakistani pacers delivered an outstanding performance, limiting Bangladesh to a total of 204 runs. The impressive display of bowling, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Muhammad Waseem, saw Bangladesh being all out in the 46th over, leaving 29 balls to spare in their innings.
Shaheen Afridi emerged as the star bowler, claiming three wickets, showcasing his remarkable form. Muhammad Waseem also impressed, securing three crucial wickets, while Haris Rauf contributed with two dismissals. Usama Mir and Iftikhar added one wicket each to the tally.
Having won the toss, Bangladesh decided to bat first but faced an early setback as Shaheen Shah Afridi made an impact in the very first over by dismissing Tanzid without scoring. In his second over, Shaheen struck again, removing Najmul Hasan Shanto for just 4 runs. In the sixth over, Haris Rauf picked up Mushfiqur Rahim’s wicket, marking the third dismissal for Bangladesh with only 23 runs on the board.
Despite losing quick wickets, Litton Das and Mahmudullah formed a crucial partnership, contributing 79 runs to the team’s score. However, in the 21st over, Litton Das was dismissed by Iftikhar after making 45 runs. Shakib-Al-Hasan took his place and added valuable runs to the total.
In the 31st over, Shaheen Afridi returned to the attack and bowled Mahmudullah, who had scored 56 runs. In the following over, Usama Mir removed the new batsman, Towhid Hridoy, after he managed only 7 runs. Bangladesh’s skipper, Shakib-Al-Hasan, who had contributed 43 runs, was dismissed by Haris Rauf.
Bangladesh’s batters were trying to build their score steadily, but the Pakistani bowlers continued to take wickets at regular intervals. In the 44th over, Muhammad Waseem claimed two wickets, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 25 and Taskin Ahmad. In the 46th over, Waseem secured his third wicket, bowling out Mustafizur Rehman for 3 runs. Bangladesh’s innings concluded at 204 runs in 45.1 overs.
Shaheen Afridi emerged as the most successful bowler for Pakistan, putting pressure on the Bangladesh team with his early breakthroughs, securing three wickets while conceding only 23 runs in his 9-over spell. Muhammad Waseem also played a vital role, taking three wickets, and Haris Rauf contributed with two crucial dismissals. Usama Mir and Iftikhar each secured one wicket.