In the 31st match of ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets to maintain their chances of qualifying.
Following an outstanding bowling performance, openers Abdullah Shafique and the returning Fakhar Zaman played outstanding cricket to seal the victory for the Men in Green. From the outset, they played an attacking style of cricket, which undoubtedly improved Pakistan's Net Run Rate.
Nothing favorable happened for Bangladesh in the interim. With the new ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi dominated, and at the end of the innings, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was outstanding, sweeping Bangladesh for 204 runs. In addition to hitting 56 runs, Mahmudullah and Litton Das were fighting valiantly. But after they were dismissed, Pakistani bowlers took over and things started to go wrong.
At Eden Gardens, the Pakistani pacers had an amazing day. Bangladesh was bowled out for a cheap total by Haris Rauf (2 wickets), Shaheen Shah Afridi (3 wickets) and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Fakhar Zaman was brought in instead of Imam-ul-Haq, and the 33-year-old performed up to expectations. He forged a 128-run partnership with Abdullah Shafique, which made it very easy for Pakistan to cross the finish line.
Brief scores: Bangladesh 204 in 45.1 overs (Mahmudullah 56, Litton Das 45; Shaheen Afridi 3-23, Mohammad Wasim Jr 3-31) lost to Pakistan 205/3 in 32.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 81, Abdullah Shafique 68; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3-60) by seven wickets