Pakistan set up Asian Games final clash with India
Pakistan have booked their place in the Asian Games men’s cricket final for the first time, beating Bangladesh by six wickets. They will face arch-rivals India for the gold medal on October 3.
Pakistan reached their first-ever Asian Games men’s cricket final on Thursday after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semi-final at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan.
The match was reduced to 13 overs per side after rain delayed the start. Bangladesh, who advanced to the semi-finals after their quarter-final against Malaysia was abandoned because of rain, were restricted to 111 for seven after Pakistan elected to field.
Sufyan Moqim was Pakistan’s leading bowler with three wickets, while Arafat Minhas took two. Towhid Hridoy top-scored for Bangladesh with 42 runs from 25 balls.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a difficult start as they slipped to 53 for four. Abdul Samad then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 30 from 15 balls, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 27. The pair added an unbeaten 59-run partnership as Pakistan reached 112 for four in 11.3 overs, with nine balls remaining.
The victory was also Sahibzada Farhan’s first as Pakistan captain. He was appointed to lead the side for the Asian Games after becoming a regular part of Pakistan’s T20 setup. The result also guarantees Pakistan their first Asian Games men’s cricket medal since the team won bronze at the 2010 Games in Guangzhou.
Pakistan will face India in the gold-medal match on October 3, setting up a highly anticipated clash for the Asian Games title.
