Nisshin, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-affected men’s cricket semifinal at Korogi Sports Park on Thursday to book their place in the Asian Games gold medal match.
The match was reduced to 13 overs per side after persistent rain left the outfield unfit for play, despite clear conditions later in the day. Pakistan chased down Bangladesh’s 111/7 in 11.3 overs, finishing at 112/4 with nine balls to spare.
Bangladesh struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack on a sluggish pitch with cracks offering considerable assistance to the bowlers. Sufyan Moqim claimed 3/26, while Arafat Minhas took 2/23. Saim Ayub was particularly economical, conceding just three runs in his two overs while also taking a wicket.
Bangladesh slipped to 45/4 in 6.3 overs after losing Tanzid Hasan Tamim, captain Litton Das, Parvez Hossain Emon and Saif Hassan. Towhid Hridoy then provided the impetus with a 25-ball 42, including four sixes and two fours, while Mosaddek Hossain contributed 11.
Pakistan also faced early pressure after Mahedi Hasan dismissed Sahibzada Farhan. However, cameos from Maaz Sadaqat (15 off 7), Usman Khan (14 off 9) and Ayub (21 off 12) kept the chase on track.
With Pakistan at 76/4, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz took charge. Samad smashed 22 runs in an over from Mustafizur Rahman, while Nawaz remained unbeaten on 27 off 22 balls. Samad finished on 30 not out from 15 deliveries, and Nawaz hit the winning boundary in the 12th over.
The result takes Pakistan into their first men’s cricket final at the Asian Games. Pakistan had won a bronze medal in the 2010 edition. Bangladesh, meanwhile, were the inaugural men’s cricket champions and also finished third in 2014 and 2022.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 111/7 (Towhid Hridoy 42, Saif Hassan 19; Sufyan Moqim 3/26, Arafat Minhas 2/23); Pakistan 112/4 (Abdul Samad 30*, Hasan Nawaz 27*; Rishad Hossain 1/12, Mahedi Hasan 1/17) won by six wickets.
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