London: A brilliant spell by Shaheen Afridi (6/35) helped Pakistan to sign off with a 94 runs win over Bangladesh in the World Cup match at the Lords here on Friday.Shaheen, with this performance now holds the world record of the best figures in this World Cup.
While chasing the target, Pakistan bowlers thrashed Bangladesh batsmen and didn't allow them to spend enough time on the crease. Bangladesh openers were sent to the pavilion on a score of 48 runs by Pakistan bowlers within 10 overs.
Soumya Sarkar was the first man to walk from the crease after being caught by Fakhar zaman on Mohammad Amir's ball in 5.5 over. He scored 22 runs off 22 balls with the help of 4 fours.
After Soumya's dismissal, Shakib Al Hasan joined Tamim Iqbal and added a couple of runs with him, but Shaheen Afridi didn't allow them to form a partnership as Afridi bowled him in the tenth over -- giving another jolt to Bangladesh on 48.
Bangladesh now saw themselves in trouble as still they needed 268 runs to win.Shakib on the other hand kept the score board running and after Mushifiqur Rahim (16) who was dismissed by Wahab Riaz in 17.2 overs, he stitched a 58-runs partnership for the fourth wicket with Liton Das. The much needed partnership was then brought to an end by Shaheen who got rid off Das in 28.1 over. Das innings included 32 runs off 40 balls.
After this Bangladesh batsmen couldn't come up with another partnership which could have brought them up a relief.However, Shakib presence on the crease allowed Bangladesh to hope for the best but that wasn't continue for a long as in 32.1 over when Bangladesh were on 154, Shaheen struck again and gave a big blow to them by dismissing Shakib who was the only hope for his team in such a difficult situation. Shakib scored 64 off 76 balls decorated with 6 fours.
After Shakib's dismissal, none of the batsmen stayed on the crease and got departed one after another.Mosaddek Hossain (16), Mahudullah (29), Mohammad Saifuddin (0), Mashrafe Mortaza (15) and Mustafizur Rahman (1) scored respectively as Bangladesh were all out for 221 and loss to Pakistan by 94 runs.
For Bangladesh, Apart from Shaheen, Shadab Khan took two wickets while Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir took one wicket each.Earlier, Bangladesh bowled brilliantly at the death to stop Pakistan posting a mammoth total.Mustafizur Rahman once again claimed a five-wicket haul. He had picked 5 wickets in Bangladesh's last match against India.
Pakistan's Imam-ul-Haq smashed a fine century before getting out hit-wicket. Imam hit 7 fours in his 100-run knock.Babar Azam too played a fine 96-run knock. He, however, survived two times thanks to Bangladesh's dropped catches. Babar Azam's 98-ball knock was laced with 11 fours.In the end, Imad Wasim scored a quick-fire 43 off just 26 balls with the help of 6 fours and a six.(UNI)
