Bangladesh are now officially knocked out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they suffered another humiliating defeat, now in the hands of Pakistan by 7 wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.
The shambolic run in this year’s World Cup continues, as they have now lost six of their last five World Cup matches. Bangladesh's chance to qualify for the semifinals this year is now mathematically over, with only two games to spare in the tournament. However, the way this World Cup panned out, even the most optimistic supporter of Bangladesh cricket team would not have bet in favour of the Tigers qualifying for the semis. This performance was the collective failure of players, coaching staff, team management, board members who would only talk the talk but not walk the walk.
Chasing a mere total of 205 after losing the toss, it was fourth time that Pakistan have won a men's ODI World Cup game with over 100 balls to spare. It was as good as it gets for them with bat and ball. It was topped in the chase by Fakhar Zaman, returning to the side and to form, with a
74-ball 81 with three fours and seven sixes. He worked his way into his innings but then there was that monstrous six off Taskin, where he effortlessly hoicked a length ball like it was off a spinner. Shafique offered able support. Rizwan was stable and took them through.
Earlier, MahmudullahRiyad hit a cautious half-century to help Bangladesh set 205 runs against Pakistan.
Bangladesh found themselves in a spot of bother after electing to bat first. ShaheenAfridi took two quick wickets in successive overs to remove TanzidTamim (0) and Nazmul Hossain Shanto (4).
Shaheen completed his 100 ODI wickets trapping Tanzid for an LBW and returned off-form Shanto in his second over with a catch to Usama Mir at square leg. Shaheen completed his 100 ODI wickets trapping Tanzid for an LBW and returned off-form Shanto in his second over with a catch to Usama Mir at square leg. Mushfiqur, who was shifted up the batting order failed to face the initial pressure and left the field getting caught behind off Haris Rauf.
From 23-3, Litton Das and MahmdullahRiyad took charge of the game and added a 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket, aiding the side to cross the 100-run mark.
Litton had to depart on 46 as Ifthikar gave the breakthrough when the right-handed batter flicked the ball only to land in the hand of Usama.
Shakib al Hasan and Mahmudullah tried to stitch a good partnership until Shaheen struck for his third. Mahmudullah’s 70-ball 56 innings came to an end with Shaheen getting the middle stump.
Bangladesh captain Shakib fell short of seven runs to hit a half-century as he was picked up by Haris to break the 45-run partnership with Miraz.
Following the dismissal of the skipper, Bangladesh never could turn around and lost wickets in quick succession while Miraz brief innings of 25 runs.
Wasim Jr and Afridi shared six wickets together and Haris picked up a couple of wickets.
