Bangladesh have become the first team to be knocked out of the 2023 World Cup after succumbing to their sixth straight defeat, losing to Pakistan by seven wickets on Wednesday (October 31).
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Set a mere 205 runs to chase to break their four-match losing streak in Kolkata, Pakistan cruised to a comprehensive win, getting to the target with seven wickets and 17.3 overs to spare in a massive boost to their Net Run Rate.
Openers Fakhar Zaman, replacing Imam-ul-Haq, and Abdullah Shafique stitched together a 128-run stand for the first wicket in only 21.1 overs, which effectively sealed the game for the side. Shafique’s wicket, dismissed on 68, was quickly followed by Babar Azam (9), who continued his sun-par run in the tournament, but Zaman carried on, scoring 81 in 74.
It was too late when Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually got his wicket, and the final nail in the coffin was provided by Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, who ensured Pakistan’s NRR got a boost making the remaining 36 runs in five overs.
Earlier, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Haris Rauf showcased their bowling prowess, dismissing Bangladesh for a modest 204 at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Shakib Al Hasan’s decision to bat might have been influenced by Bangladesh’s recent struggle to chase a low total against the Netherlands at the same venue.
However, their innings started poorly as Afridi took two early wickets, reaching 100 ODI wickets. First, he dismissed Tanzim Hasan lbw with a delivery that swung back in, and then he induced Najmul Hossain Shanto to offer a catch to short mid-wicket, giving Pakistan an early advantage.
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Rauf struck a significant blow when Mushfiqur Rahim nicked one behind, leaving them at 23-3. Mahmudullah and Litton Das made a crucial 79-run partnership, infusing momentum into the Bangladesh innings. Their partnership was disrupted when Litton fell to the part-time spin of Iftikhar Ahmed.
Following the dismissal, the run rate dropped significantly and though Shakib Al Hasan contributed 43, he struggled to find his rhythm, except for a single over against Iftikhar. He scored his runs at a strike rate of 67.19 and though Miraz contributed with some aggressive shots, taking Bangladesh’s total past 200, it was never going to be enough.
