Pakistan on
Tuesday pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over hosts Bangladesh to
storm into the finals of the Asia Cup cricket tournament, completely knocking
India out of the title race.
Opener Ahmed
Shehzad blasted a 123-ball 103 to set the foundation for a record chase but it
was Shahid Afridi's blistering 59 off 25 balls which helped Pakistan set up a
summit clash against Sri Lanka.
With this
victory, Pakistan grabbed four points to aggregate 13 with the help of three
victories in four matches.
India, on
the other hand, are currently with four points and even a win against
Afghanistan on Wednesday won't be enough for Virat Kohli's men to reach the
finals.
Mohammad
Hafeez (52) and Fawad Alam (74) too blasted scintillating half-centuries to help
Pakistan overhaul Bangladesh's record score of 326 for 3 in their stipulated 50
overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here.
For
Bangladesh, Mominul Haque (2/37) was the highest wicket taker, while Shakib Al
Hasan, Abdur Razzak and Mahmudullah scalped one each.
Earlier,
Bangladesh feasted on a below bowling and fielding effort from Pakistan to pile
up their highest-ever ODI total of 326 for three.
While opener
Anamul Haque build the foundation with a patient 100 off 132 balls with six
fours and four sixes, it was their senior-most stars Mushfiqur Rahim (51 no, 33
balls) and Shakib al Hasan (44 no, 16 balls), who finished the innings with a
smashing 77-run partnership in only 5.3 overs.
Opener Imrul
Kayes (59 from 75 balls; 5x4, 2x6) who added 150 runs for the opening stand
with Anamul and Mominul Haque (51 off 47 balls) also made useful contributions
to prop up Bangladesh total.
