Unbeaten 30 off 15 balls seals Pakistan’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh in a rain-shortened semi-final
Abdul Samad produced a decisive late assault as Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to reach the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal match in Nisshin.
Chasing a revised target in a 13-over contest after a wet outfield delayed the game, Pakistan reached their target with nine balls to spare.
Samad finished unbeaten on 30 from 15 balls, smashing five fours and a six to take Pakistan over the line.
Bangladesh Strike Early
Bangladesh made early inroads after being asked to defend their total.
Sahibzada Farhan fell for 1 in the opening over, while Maaz Sadaqat briefly threatened with a six and two fours before Nasum Ahmed dismissed him.
Saim Ayub also attacked immediately, hitting two sixes and a four before Mustafizur Rahman removed him at the end of the fourth over.
Rishad Hossain then accounted for Usman Khan in the seventh over as Pakistan found themselves repeatedly losing wickets after promising starts.
Samad Changes the Game
With Pakistan needing momentum, Samad took control.
He attacked Mustafizur with a six over long-on before finding the boundaries through the off side and leg side. Alongside Hasan Nawaz, who made 27 from 22 balls, Samad added an unbeaten 59-run fifth-wicket partnership.
His fifth boundary, smashed straight down the ground, completed the chase in the 12th over.
Hridoy Leads Bangladesh’s Fight
Earlier, Bangladesh reached a competitive total after Tawhid Hridoy provided the main impetus.
After Pakistan’s bowlers made early breakthroughs, Hridoy attacked the spinners and dominated a 53-run partnership with Mosaddek Hossain.
He struck boundaries against Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Moqim, but Moqim eventually removed both Hridoy and Mosaddek in the 12th over.
Bangladesh’s innings was also helped by 19 extras, including 15 wides, as Pakistan’s bowling became increasingly inconsistent.
Despite the late resistance, Pakistan’s Samad ensured Bangladesh’s total was not enough.
Pakistan now advance to the Asian Games gold medal match, where they will play for the tournament’s top prize.
