Pakistan struggled to get going after being sent in to bat, finishing on a modest 125 in the final.Bangladesh now face a straightforward chase to claim victory.
The innings got off to a rocky start for Pakistan. On the very first ball bowled by Ripon Mondol, Yasir Khan was run out by a direct hit from Abdul Gaffar Saklain while attempting a quick single. In the second over, Meherob struck by dismissing Mohammad Faik, who was bowled by a quicker delivery he failed to read. Haji and Ghuri tried to form a partnership, but Rakibul Hasan kept the pressure on and broke it early.
Coming on to bowl in the fifth over, Rakibul removed Gazi for 9 off 9 balls. At the other end, Sadakat tried to hold the innings together, but Jishan Mondol did not allow him to settle. The left-handed opener, who had shone with the bat throughout the tournament, was bowled via an inside edge from an off-spinner delivery pitched outside off stump, ending on 23 off 18 balls.
Bangladesh also had a chance to remove Arafat early. He offered a catch to mid-off off Saklain’s bowling but Jishan could not hold on. Saklain soon removed him with a dipping slower ball, ending his innings on 25. Rakibul then dismissed Irfan. Late in the innings, Masud’s 38 off 26 balls helped Pakistan reach 125. Ripon finished with three wickets, while Rakibul took two.
