‘Abi tak thik thak hai, lekin 10 ko pata chalega’ - Fans react as Pakistan beat Bangladesh in Asia Cup Super-four encounter

Pakistan cricket Team (Source-Twitter)

Pakistan recorded an impressive seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, September 6. Winning the toss, Bangladesh Captain Shakib Al Hassan opted to Bat first. With the exception of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, none of the Bangladeshi batters were unable to get going against the Pakistani pace attack. Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals.

The senior Bangladeshi pair put up a critical 100-run stand to drag their team back in the game, but they ultimately suffered another collapse and were bowled out for a score that fell short of par. In the powerplay, Bangladesh consistently lost wickets, Mushfiqur top-scored with 64 runs while Shakib added 53 runs off 57 balls. As Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 193 in Lahore, Haris Rauf grabbed a four-for and Naseem Shah picked up three. 

Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman in the 10th over of their chase of a straightforward target with just 35 runs on the board, but Imam-Ul-Haq's composed innings kept them on course for victory. After Babar failed with 17 runs, Rizwan added an 85-run stand with Imam-Ul-Haq for the third wicket. Imam led the way with 78 runs off 84 balls, and Rizwan finished undefeated with 63 runs off 79 balls to give Pakistan an easy victory.

Floodlights failed during the match; match interrupted for 15 minutes

Midway through the first Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2023 between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, one of the floodlights failed. The play was quickly called off. The players waited for roughly 15 minutes as the organizers sought to restore service as they appeared bewildered. Play was halted after one of the flood lights went out in the fifth over of Pakistan's innings.  Fans turned on their cell phone flashlights as the players departed the field.  After around 15 minutes, the floodlight was turned back on. 

Bangladesh will return to action in a must-win game against Sri Lanka in Colombo on September 9 while high-flying Pakistan will take on tournament favourites India in their next match on September 10.