Pakistan booked their Super Eight berth after they handed Bangladesh a demoralising defeat by 8 wickets in Pallekele. A look at the match where the bat dominated the ball.
Pakistan booked their Super Eight berth after they handed Bangladesh a demoralising defeat by 8 wickets in Pallekele. A look at the match where the bat dominated the ball. (All Photos AFP)
Shakib Al Hasan demonstrated his value to the team as he took the Pakistani bowlers apart hitting 84 off 54 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes. Even Saeed Ajmal failed to contain him.
Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim provided good support with a patient 25 and with Nasir Hossain providing the finishing touches, Bangladesh set a target of 176 which would take some getting by the Pakistanis.
Imran Nazir unleashed a vicious onslaught on the Bangladeshi bowlers as Pakistan looked to finish things off quickly. He hit them all over the park scoring 72 from 36 with 9 fours and 3 sixes leaving the opposition clueless as to what to do.
Mohammad Hafeez hit 45 runs from 47 balls and the duo put on 124 for the first wicket. Needing just 140 to qualify for the Super Eights, Pakistan's opening stand effectively shut out Bangladesh from the tournament.
Pakistan ultimately won the match by 8 wickets. Bangladesh will have to rethink their bowling strategy while Pakistan top their Group and now look forward to their first Super Eight encounter with South Africa in Colombo on Friday.
