DHAKA, Nov 23, 2019 (BSS) – After winning all matches in group phase and
semifinal in dominating fashion, Bangladesh slipped in the all-important
final game of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Teams Cup as they put
up a mediocre performance to taste a 77-run defeat against Pakistan to be
left satisfied with runners-up trophy.
Thanks to a 111 ball-113 from Rohail Nazir, Pakistan Emerging Teams piled
up a respectable 301-6 in its 50-over allocation before wrapping up
Bangladesh for 224 in 43.3 overs.
The highest run of Bangladesh came from the willow of Afif Hossain who
struck 49 off 53 with four fours and one six. Skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto
scored 46 while Mahedi Hasan added 42.
To overhaul such a big target, Bangladesh needed a fluent start from opener
Soumya Sarkar and he seemed to be on track to take the game away. However,
the opener simply couldn’t carry on with it as he was dismissed for 15 off 6.
After his dismissal, the middle order could not pace the innings and
eventually succumbed to the pressure of run rate.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain claimed 3-32 to slice the Bangladesh middle
order. He got apt support from Khushdil Shah and Saif Badar who picked up two
wickets apiece.
Earlier, Rohail Nazir and Imran Rafique rescued Pakistan from a precarious
41-2, adding 117-run for the third wicket stand. Nazir struck 12 fours and
three sixes in his 113 while Imran made 62. Captain Saud Shakil then paced
the innings towards with 40 ball-42 runs to help Pakistan propel past 300
runs mark.
Fast bowler Sumon Khan was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh with
3-75 while Hasan Mahmud took 2-52.