Abdul Samad’s Match-Winning Innings Secures Pakistan’s Place in Asian Games Gold Medal Final

Pakistan 112 for 4 (Samad 30, Nawaz 27, Rishad 1-12) defeated Bangladesh 111 for 7 (Hridoy 42, Moqim 3-26, Minhas 2-23) by six wickets

Abdul Samad’s decisive 30 runs off 15 balls propelled Pakistan to a six-wicket victory and a berth in the Asian Games gold medal match. His aggressive innings, featuring five fours and a six, clinched the 13-over match reduced due to wet conditions in Nisshin.A 59-run partnership with Hasan Nawaz (27 off 22) sealed the chase with nine balls remaining. However, Pakistan faced early resistance from Bangladesh’s bowlers, losing wickets frequently despite promising starts.

Bangladesh Disrupts Pakistan’s Start

Pakistan’s innings began disastrously as Mahedi Hasan claimed captain Sahibzada Farhan’s wicket in the first over. Maaz Sadaqat promoted aggression early, hitting a six and four in the second over, but was dismissed by Nasum Ahmed in the second ball.

Saim Ayub mirrored Sadaqat’s approach, delivering two sixes in the fourth over against Mustafizur Rahman, only to fall to a high catch in the same over.

Samad Takes Control

Rishad’s breakthrough came in the seventh over, removing Usman Khan caught at short third. Nawaz then injected momentum, smashing Nasum Ahmed for two sixes in the eighth over.

Samad assumed leadership from the ninth over, dismantling Mustafizur Rahman with a slog sweep for six and accumulating boundaries through point, midwicket, and fine leg. His decisive six in the 12th over secured the win.

Hridoy’s Dominant Spell

Bangladesh’s innings gained traction as Hridoy, fresh from a record-breaking 350, dominated Pakistan’s attack. His 16-over burst, including four sixes, propelled Bangladesh past 110 with vital support from Mosaddek Hossain (53 runs <a href=”https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/asian-games-cricket-bangladesh-vs-pakistan-2686480“).

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled with consistency, succumbing to 19 extras including 15 wides, while Moqim and Minhas extracted crucial wickets. Moqim’s trio of wickets in the 12th over broke Bangladesh’s five-wicket stand, with Hridoy and Mosaddek falling consecutively.

Source link