Pakistan restricts Bangladesh to 204 runs in must-win World Cup match

Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to 204 runs in a must-win World Cup match being played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Tuesday.

Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss and went unimpressive against Pakistan’s pace attack as they bowled out in 45.1 overs.

Shaheen finished with 3-23 and was ably supported by Mohammad Wasim’s 3-31.

Afridi struck early as he removed Tanzid Hasan for duck and Najmul Hossain Shanto for four. At this point, Litton Das tried to pick up the pace for Bangladesh with a flurry of boundaries against Haris Rauf.

However, Haris Rauf got the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim to nick one behind the wicket.

Mushfiqur was replaced by the in-form Mahmudullah, who scored 56.

Bangladesh could only pass the 200 mark owing to a solid 70-ball 56 from Mahmudullah, 45 by Liton Das, and skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s 64-ball 43.

After their dismissal, Mehidy Hassan Miraz tried to maintain the momentum but he could not stand for long and was removed for 25.

Mohammad Wasim later took quick wickets for the Bangladesh team’s tail order, restricting them from building a tough total.

Pakistan needs to win today’s match to keep their semi-final hopes alive!

Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Litton Das (wk), Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.