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Pakistan are squaring off against Bangladesh in Match 31 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The contest carries immense significance for the Babar Azam-led side as they seek to maintain their hopes of advancing to the playoffs in the ongoing tournament.
The stakes are high as Pakistan aim to secure a crucial victory in this encounter, knowing that their journey in the tournament hinges on the outcome.
Bangladesh’s disappointing batting performance
Bangladesh’s decision to bat first after winning the toss turned out to be disastrous as they struggled throughout their innings. They lost their first wicket in the initial over when Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for a duck. Najmul Hossain Shanto‘s poor form continued as he fell for just four runs. Mushfiqur Rahim also failed, departing with just five runs to his name.
Mahmudullah Riyad was promoted up the order and, along with Litton Das, steadied the innings. The duo built a crucial partnership for the fourth wicket, amassing 79 runs, which momentarily shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour. However, Das fell on 45, and Pakistan capitalized on his dismissal.
The Pakistani bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs, restricting the scoring rate and taking crucial wickets. Mahmudullah reached fifty off 58 balls, but Shaheen dismissed him for 56. Towhid Hridoy hit a six but departed on the very next ball after scoring only seven runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined the captain, Shakib Al Hasan, who played a handful knock of 43 runs before getting out in the 40th over. Miraz contributed with a 30-ball 25, but the Bangla Tigers’ tail was quickly wrapped up, and they were bowled out for 204 in the 46th over.
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Shaheen Afridi’s unplayable delivery to send back Mahmudullah
On the fourth ball of the 31st over, Shaheen Afridi switched to round the wicket and angled the delivery towards the stumps. The ball, clocking at 130.2 kmph, moved away after pitching. Mahmudullah found himself squared up as he attempted to work it to the leg side, following the angle. The right-handed batter was deceived by the movement and got beaten on the outside edge. The white leather brushed his back leg and ultimately crashed onto the middle stump, giving Green Team the breakthrough they sought.