Pakistan have qualified for the Asian Games final after beating Bangladesh in the semifinal at the Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin. The match was trimmed to 13 overs after rain forced a delayed start.
Unaware of the batting conditions, Pakistan decided to bowl first. Bangladesh, however, managed to post a decent total of 111/7 in 20 overs.
The spinners were getting plenty of help from the surface, and Pakistan needed a great start; however, they didn’t get one as they lost two early wickets, which left them reeling at 16-2. Bangladesh were on top for most of the chase before they let the game slip in the final overs. Mustafizur Rahman was taken to the cleaners by Hasan Nawaz (27) and Abdul Samad (30), who added 59 runs to seal the game for Pakistan.
For Bangladesh, they too lost early wickets, but a cameo of 42 by Towhid Hridoy helped them get to a decent total on the board.
India Vs Pakistan In The Final?
The win means that Pakistan could face India in the final for the Asian Games gold medal. The defending champions are set to face Sri Lanka in the semifinal. The Men in Blue are by far the better team and favourites to win the contest. If they beat Sri Lanka, an India vs Pakistan final will be on the cards.
India have dominated Pakistan over the years, but still the rivalry is seen as one of the biggest in cricket. Following the Asia Cup controversy, where India refused handshakes with Pakistan players, the sporting ties have also taken a dip. Add to that Mohsin Naqvi’s wish to hand over the winning trophy himself. India have previously refused to collect the trophy from Naqvi, and the same might be the case if they win the final. But there’s so much more to the contest than just cricket if India and Pakistan meet in the final.