Pakistan chased down Bangladesh’s 112-run target in 11.3 overs to secure a place in the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal match.
Pakistan reached the men’s cricket final at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in the first semifinal at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Japan, on Thursday.
In a rain-reduced match, Bangladesh were restricted to 111 for seven in 13 overs after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field. Pakistan then chased down the revised target of 112 in 11.3 overs, finishing at 112 for four with nine balls to spare.
Pakistan faced early difficulties during the chase and were reduced to 53 for four. However, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings with an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 59 runs.
Abdul Samad played the decisive innings, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 15 balls, including five fours and a six. Hasan Nawaz supported him with an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Samad accelerated the chase in the 10th over, taking 23 runs from the over to dramatically reduce Pakistan’s required total. His late hitting put Pakistan firmly in control before the team completed the chase in the 12th over.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s top scorer was Towhid Hridoy, who made 42 off 25 balls with two fours and four sixes. Saif Hassan added 19 runs.
Pakistan’s bowling attack kept Bangladesh under pressure throughout the shortened innings. Sufyan Moqim took three wickets for 26 runs, while Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets for 23 runs. Saim Ayub also contributed with one wicket for three runs from his two overs.
Pakistan had entered the semifinals after their quarterfinal against Hong Kong was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain. Under the tournament playing conditions, Pakistan advanced to the last four as the higher-ranked team.
With the semifinal victory, Pakistan have secured their place in the Asian Games men’s cricket gold medal match, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3.
The final will be played against the winner of the second semifinal between India and Sri Lanka.
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