World Cup: Pakistan keep semis hope alive after 7-wicket win against Bangladesh

Pakistan knocked out Bangladesh out of the World Cup after Babar Azam's men clinched a 7-wicket win in Kolkata with 105 balls remaining. Chasing 205 for win, Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique laid a strong foundation for victory when they forged a partnership of 128 runs at the Eden Gardens. Fakhar Zaman in his comeback match hit 81 off 74 while Shafique scored 68 off 69 balls. Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 26 and 17 respectively.

The win also keeps semis hopes alive for Pakistan. The express pace battery, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, bundled out Bangladesh for a below-par 204 in the World Cup . The 23-year-old rattled the Bangladeshi top-order and became the fastest Pakistani to reach 100 ODI wickets before ending with figures of 9-1-23-3. Mohammad Wasim Jr. also chipped in with three wickets to bowl out Bangladesh in 45.1 overs.

For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah made a responsible 56 off 70 balls (6x4, 1x6) in a 79-run partnership with Litton Das (45; 64b).


Part-time off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed bowled a tidy spell (1/44), providing the crucial breakthrough dismissing Litton.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan (43) then tried to forge a partnership but frittered away his start and was done in by a short ball from by Haris Raul (2/36).

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in the post match presentation said: "Credit to the boys, the way they played in all three departments. This win hopefully gives confidence in the coming matches. Shaheen started well with the ball. After 15-20 overs, they built a partnership. But our main bowlers struck. We know how well Fakhar plays when he's going. Good to see him do it. We are trying to win our remaining matches and see where we stand."

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan said that there was not enough runs on the board. "We should've bowled better too. Pakistan did well in the first ten overs, credit to them too. We are looking for answers but aren't getting it. Everywhere we go, fans come to the ground and are always behind us. They are our biggest strength."

(With Agency Inputs)