ZCZC
BSP-15
CRICKET-BD-PAK-1ST-INNINGS
Mustafizur’s back-to-back five-for restricts Pakistan to 315-9
DHAKA, July 5, 2019 (BSS)-Fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman claimed his second
straight five-for, albeit all of those five came up in the death overs,
restricted Pakistan to 315-9 at Lord’s on Friday.
Bangladesh who eyed to end the tournament with winning note, would fancy
their chance, considering the fact that they have twice gunned down 322-run
target in World Cup history with the latest came against West Indies a couple
of weeks ago.
Mustafizur’s second five-for, following his 5-59 against India, was
complemented by Mohammad Saifuddin’s 3-77.
Pakistan need to bowl Bangladesh out for just 7, to give any kind of shot
to reach the semifinal, eliminating New Zealand by net-run-rate, which is an
improbable task.
Opener Imam-ul-Haque was instrumental in Pakistan’s respectable total,
hitting a run-a-balll-100, which is his first World Cup century.
Babar Azam, looked well set for his second World Cup century but
eventually got dismissed for 96.
Mohammad Hafeez chipped-in-with 27 while Imad Wasim made a whirlwind 26
ball-43 to help the side propel past 300.
Despite winning the toss and batting first, Pakistan’s intention looked
not to give any shot to the semifinal even though they knew that they need to
win the game by 300 plus margin at least.
Rather they made a slow start with opener Fakhar Zaman being out of 13
after playing 31 balls.
Imam and Babar steadied the innings but never looked in urgency to bat
with higher gear.
They added 157 off 148 balls to lay a platform for the side to take the
score past 300.
Saifuddin broke the partnership, having deprived Babar Azam century for
four runs. Azam smashed 11 delightful boundaries in his 96 balls knock.
Imam however raced to his century off 99 balls, hitting seven boundaries
but was out to next delivery of Mustafizur, who then took out Haris Sohail
for his 100th wicket in just 54 matches.
Saifuddin and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined Mustafizur in the carnage, forcing
Pakistan loss three wickets for seven runs in two overs.
The situation got worsened when captain Sarfaraz left the ground being
struck by a shot of Imad Wasim in non-striker end.
A good death bowling effort by Mustafizur and Saifuddin then forced
Pakistan losing wickets at regular intervals.
Amid the wickets tumbling, Imad Wasim kept hitting all the things come to
him and propelled Pakistan past 300 runs.
BSS/SMP/BZC/2000hrs