Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan thrash Bangladesh in Super 4 clash

Pakistan effortlessly chased down the modest 194-run target to thrash Bangladesh in the first Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, on Wednesday. 

The Men in Green lost three wickets during the run chase against the opponents at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, which was jam-packed with spectators as it was the last match of the Pakistan leg of the tournament. 

Earlier, the national side's bowlers once again proved their mettle and dismantled the entire batting line-up of Bangladesh, who handed a modest 194-run target to the Men in Green in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 match at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. 

Earlier, Pakistan and Bangladesh kick-started the Super 4 round of the Asia Cup 2023, as the latter won the toss, putting their opponents to bowl first on Wednesday.

Taking place in Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, this will be the first match of the Super 4 round, steering the tournament towards its thrilling phase with more exciting matches expected ahead.

As he continues to smash cricketing records, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said he is focused on the match and not the record.

Commenting on the team’s plan to take on the match, Babar termed the pitch favourable for bowling, but said he would have elected to bat, too, had he won the toss.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain hoped to put good cricket at display in the super stage match against “number one” team in the tournament after winning the toss.

“Our competition is against the number one team. The players will face the best fast bowling attack in the world,” Shakib said.

Bangladesh walked in the field with one change in its team, as Najamul Hasan Shantu was not included in Playing XI today.

In today's match, bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has replaced Mohammad Nawaz in the playing XI.

The Babar Azam-led team leads the Asia Cup's points table in Group A with three points and a net run rate of 4.76, while Bangladesh remains second in Group B with two points.

The Green Shirts played their third game in the mega cricket event, while today's match was their second on the home ground.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Bangladesh: Mohammad Naim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shamim Hossain, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud.