PAK vs BAN ICC CWC 2023 Match 31 Report: Pakistan needed a win to hold on to the hope of the semi-final and they did it in a dominating way, winning by seven wickets and knocking out Bangladesh from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Shaheen Afridi’s Dominance Sets the Stage
The catalyst for this win was the brilliant performance of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who not only became the fastest quick bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets but also emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the current World Cup. His fiery opening spell set the tone for the match, dismissing Bangladesh’s top order.
Bangladesh’s Resilience Briefly Holds
Bangladesh showed some resilience through a partnership between Litton Das and Mahmudullah, steadying their innings after an early collapse. However, according to the PAK vs BAN ICC CWC 2023 Match 31 Report, Pakistan’s premier leg-spinner, Usama Mir, struggled to find his rhythm, allowing Mahmudullah to thrive.
Turning Point and Bangladesh’s Downfall
The turning point arrived when Litton Das, in an unexpected manner, surrendered his wicket with a soft dismissal. This moment seemed to deflate Bangladesh’s momentum. An exceptional reverse-swinging delivery from Afridi removed Mahmudullah, and with reverse swing becoming a key factor, Pakistan’s bowlers effectively squeezed Bangladesh’s lower order.
Pakistan’s Controlled Chase
Pakistan’s opening batters played a calm and measured game initially, but it was Fakhar Zaman who accelerated their innings. As per the PAK vs BAN ICC CWC 2023 Match 31 Report, after a slow start, Fakhar unleashed an array of stunning shots, including several sixes that punctuated dot deliveries.
Abdullah Shafique joined the run-fest, and both batsmen reached half-centuries. Their partnership looked to be steering Pakistan towards a comfortable victory.
Mehidy’s Efforts
As per the PAK vs BAN ICC CWC 2023 Match 31 Report, Mehidy Hasan Miraz put up a fight for Bangladesh, taking three wickets to slow down Pakistan’s chase. Shafique, Babar Azam, and the well-set Fakhar Zaman were his notable scalps. Fakhar fell just short of a century, departing for 81.
A Convincing Victory for Pakistan
In the end, Pakistan sailed to victory with more than 17 overs to spare, rejuvenating their campaign in the tournament. While Bangladesh is officially out of contention, Pakistan’s late charge offers a glimpse of their renowned ICC tournament resurgence.
PAK vs BAN ICC CWC 2023 Match 31 Report: Score Summary
Pakistan
205 for 3 (Fakhar 81, Shafique 68, Mehidy 3-60)
Bangladesh
204 (Mahmudullah 56, Litton 45, Shakib 43, Afridi 3-23, Wasim 3-31)
Pakistan won by seven wickets
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