Pakistan emerged victorious over Bangladesh by seven wickets during the 31st match of the ICC World Cup 2023. This crucial win not only kept Pakistan’s semi-final aspirations alive but also elevated them to the fifth position on the tournament’s points table. The dramatic victory saw Pakistan chase down Bangladesh’s 205-run target in just 32.3 overs, contributing to an improvement in their net run rate (NRR).
The updated ICC World Cup 2023 points table reflects Pakistan’s ascent in the standings, signifying the intense competition in this prestigious tournament. However, Pakistan’s hopes of securing a spot in the semi-finals hinge on a combination of factors, with New Zealand playing a pivotal role in their fate. Currently, Pakistan has accrued eight points from six games, positioning them on the cusp of contention. The Green Shirts’ ideal scenario involves New Zealand encountering setbacks in their upcoming matches, ultimately resulting in an eight-point finish for the Black Caps. If this scenario unfolds, Pakistan has a pathway to the knockout stage, provided they triumph in their next three fixtures.
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New Zealand’s critical clash against South Africa on November 1 in Pune holds immense significance, as it could reshape the dynamics of the tournament. Pakistan’s next encounter with New Zealand on November 4 becomes a decisive fixture with potential implications for both teams’ World Cup journey.
The match against Bangladesh not only showcased Pakistan’s resilience but also marked the triumphant return of Fakhar Zaman to the lineup after a hiatus of five matches. Zaman’s left-handed prowess was on full display as he contributed a stellar 81 runs from 74 deliveries, embellishing his performance with three fours and seven sixes, including a colossal 99-meter maximum. Abdullah Shafique also made his presence felt by adding 68 runs to the scoreboard, as the dynamic opening partnership with Zaman set the stage for Pakistan’s dominance.
Batting first, Bangladesh faced the early onslaught of Shaheen Afridi, whose prowess in the very first over led to the dismissal of Tanzid Hasan without a single run on the board. The Tigers continued to grapple with adversity as both Najmul Hossain Shanto (4) and the seasoned Mushfiqur Rahim (5) fell victim to Afridi and Haris Rauf, respectively, in the subsequent five overs. This tumultuous start left Bangladesh teetering at 23-3 within six overs.
Yet, the Tigers displayed resilience as Liton Das and Mahmudullah formed a crucial 79-run partnership, striving to bolster their side against Pakistan’s formidable pace attack. Das, inching closer to his fifty, lost his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed. Mahmudullah, too, met his fate shortly after, bowled out by the relentless Afridi, having accumulated 56 runs.
Despite the challenges, Bangladesh’s skipper, Shakib Al Hasan, valiantly contributed 43 runs to the team’s total, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz adding 25. However, their collective efforts in the lower order fell short of propelling their side to a competitive total, as the entire Bangladeshi team was eventually dismissed for just 204 runs.