PAK vs BAN, Asia Cup 2023 Super 4: Haris Rauf, Imam-ul Haq shine as Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets

Pakistan displayed a remarkable all-round performance to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Super 4 encounter at the Asia Cup in Lahore on Wednesday. 

Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the batting heroes, skillfully guiding Pakistan to their target of 194 runs in just 39.3 overs. Rizwan remained unbeaten on a well-deserved 63 off 79 deliveries, while Imam contributed a solid 78 off 84 balls. The duo's partnership of 74 runs for the third wicket proved to be the turning point of the match. Unfortunately, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam failed to make a significant impact with the bat, as he was dismissed for 17 off 22 balls by Taskin Ahmed.

In the earlier stages of the game, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah showcased their exceptional bowling skills, effectively dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup. Pakistan successfully restricted Bangladesh to a total of 193 runs in 38.4 overs. Rauf emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming four wickets in just six overs. Naseem Shah was not far behind, taking three wickets in 5.4 overs. 

Despite the valiant efforts of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, who both scored half-centuries and added 100 runs for the fifth wicket, the rest of the Bangladesh batters struggled against the fiery pace of the Pakistani bowlers. Shakib was eventually dismissed for 53 off 57 balls, while Mushfiqur fell victim to a catch behind the stumps after scoring 64 off 87 deliveries.

READ| 'To my fellow teammates...': Shikhar Dhawan pens heartfelt message after exclusion from India's World Cup squad