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Pakistan vs Bangladesh, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

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Match 31, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 31 Oct, 2023

Bangladesh

BAN

204/10

(45.1) overs

Pakistan

PAK

205/3

(32.3) overs

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets

Player Of The Match

Fakhar Zaman,
Pakistan
Pakistan
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Pakistan
Bangladesh

Pakistan • 205/3 (32.3 overs)

F Zaman 81 (74)

A Shafique 68 (69)

M Hasan 3/60 (9)

Hossain Shanto 0/5 (1)

Bangladesh • 204/10 (45.1 overs)

Mahmudullah 56 (70)

L Das 45 (64)

S Afridi 3/23 (9)

M Wasim 3/31 (8.1)

Commentary

Right then, another game is done and dusted in the 2023 World Cup and Bangladesh are officially knocked out of the competition. Up next is a fairly crucial clash between two sides who have been in fine form in this tournament. It will be high-flying South Africa taking on a bit wounded New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, the 1st of November. That game will begin at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) but as usual, you can join us much earlier for the build-up. Cheers!

The Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam starts by giving credit to the boys and says they did well in all three departments. On Fakhar Zaman, he says that they know when he plays for 20-30 overs, it's a different ball game and it was nice to see him perform here. Adds that they will try to win all the remaining matches and will see where they stand after that. Mentions that they started well with the ball and Shaheen Afridi did well to pick up a couple of early wickets but after 15-20 overs the opposition started to rebuild and they were still able to come back and pick up wickets in the later phase. On his fans in the ground, he gives thanks to them and ends by saying that it feels nice to play in front of such a crowd.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh says that they didn't have enough runs on the board. Adds that the wicket was good but they lost three wickets in the Powerplay and after that, there were a couple of partnerships but not a big one. Tells that they should have bowled a bit better but credits Pakistan for the way they bowled upfront and then chased it down. Mentions that him batting in the top order is a thing to be discussed later on but at the moment things are not working as their top order is not getting runs and the only thing they can do is play collectively as a team. Says that the fans have always supported them no matter what and they are hoping to bounce back in the next couple of games to put a smile on their faces.

Fakhar Zaman is the Player of the Match for his fiery 87 off just 74 balls that included 7 maximums. Zaman says that after the Asia Cup, he practiced a lot and was waiting to score runs for the team. Adds that he got the opportunity in this game and is happy with his performance. He says that he had a chat with Abdullah Shafique and backed himself to hit sixes irrespective of the wicket and this was a really good wicket to bat on. Mentions that net run rate (NRR) was always on their mind and they wanted to finish the game around 30 overs. Ends by saying that after a lot of failures, this feels good and the most important thing is that his runs helped the team to get the win.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to bat first as he thought the pitch would slow down in the evening just like it did in their last game here but this decision backfired as they lost three early wickets. The repair work was done by Litton Das and Mahmudullah who seemed to be going along nicely but then Das got out and they had to rebuild yet again. Mahmudullah and the skipper, two veterans, tried their best but neither could get that big score and the tail was undone by some fast and furious bowling from the Pakistani quicks. Shaheen Afridi was the chief orchestrator up top as he showed once again why he is their best bowler and ended up with 3 wickets to take his tally to 16 wickets in the competition. Mohammad Wasim made full use of the opportunity provided to him and got the ball to reverse later on and ripped through the tail of Bangladesh. Coming to the chase, it was fairly straightforward and Pakistan made sure they didn't put themselves in a precarious position by being positive from the start and got the easy win.

Bangladesh will feel they have let themselves down in a big way. Coming into the tournament, they had some notable wins in recent bilateral series at home but have now gone on to lose six games on the trot after winning their opening game and are out of the competition. The batting never really clicked and the bowlers were put under pressure right from the start. Taskin Ahmed bowled well up top but Shoriful Islam was hit away for boundaries and soon Taskin too started to leak runs. Mehidy Hasan was the only bowler who created wicket-taking opportunities and picked up all three wickets, joining the 100-wicket ODI club as well. Shakib Al Hasan was a bit economical but didn't have much impact on play and neither did Mustafizur Rahman and in the end, Bangladesh were a distant second in this clash.

PAKISTAN ARE STILL ALIVE IN THE COMPETITION! A clinical performance from Pakistan after a run of four straight losses and they will hope that it hasn't come one game too late. This win was set up by the bowlers who restricted Bangladesh to a low total and then the openers made sure that the side got a good start and killed the game with a big stand. Abdullah Shafique showed his class yet again at the top and made his way to a classy fifty that included some fiery shots as well. It was the return of Fakhar Zaman that made a big difference as the southpaw played freely and got the big hits away. The pair put on 128 runs before Shafique got out and then skipper Babar Azam joined Fakhar at the crease. Babar and Fakhar both got out in quick succession with the latter missing out on a ton. With just a few runs needed, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed racked up the boundaries and finished up proceedings with plenty of overs to spare.

32.31

Mohammad Rizwan hits the winning runs! This is floated, full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan prods forward and taps it wide of short covers and scampers across for a run. PAKISTAN WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

32.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drives it straight to short covers.

32.11

SCORES LEVEL! Shortish and around leg, Iftikhar Ahmed moves back and punches it towards long on for a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 203/3

I Ahmed16 (14)

M Rizwan25 (19)

M Hasan9-0-60-3

31.61

Short again, on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed forces it towards long on for one.

31.52

Shorter in length and around leg, Iftikhar Ahmed flicks it off the back foot towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

31.40

Tossed up, full and on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads.

31.30

Short again and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed punches it straight to short covers.

31.21

Short and around middle, Mohammad Rizwan clips it towards backward square leg for a run.

31.11

Tossed up, full and on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed winds up for the big slog but adjusts and pushes it towards long on for a single. Pakistan one big hit away from the win now!

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 198/3

I Ahmed12 (9)

M Rizwan24 (18)

Al Hasan5-0-28-0

30.61

Another short delivery, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed forces it towards sweeper covers for one.

30.50

Flatter, short and on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it back to the bowler.

30.44

FOUR! Shot! Shakib Al Hasan drags his length back again and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed stays back and slaps it through covers for another boundary.

30.31

Quicker, short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan moves back and punches it towards long off for another run.

30.21

Goes short and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed cuts it through covers for a single.

30.10

Tossed up, full and on off, turns away, Iftikhar Ahmed steers it towards point.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 191/3

I Ahmed6 (4)

M Rizwan23 (17)

M Hasan8-0-55-3

29.61

Another short delivery, angling into leg, Iftikhar Ahmed flicks it through square leg for one more.

29.51

Short again and around off, Mohammad Rizwan moves back an cuts it towards sweeper covers for one.

29.40

Quicker, short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan moves back and forces it back to the bowler.

29.30

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it out.

29.24

FOUR! Nicely played! Mehidy Hasan lands this short and around off, Mohammad Rizwan quickly moves on the back foot and punches it with great timing through covers for a boundary.

29.10

Flatter, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it back to the bowler.

Drinks! This contest is done and dusted and Pakistan are on the cusp of clinching their third win of the competition. They will hope to do get over the line as quickly as possible now.

Commentary

We are back for the chase! The players are already out in the middle now. Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman are the two openers for Pakistan. Taskin Ahmed to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Pakistan showcased a dominant display in the first innings, demonstrating their mastery over the match's tempo right from the opening overs. They maintained a stranglehold on the game, consistently chipping away at the Bangladesh batting order with timely wickets. Apart from the resolute Mahmudullah, none of the Bangladesh batters seemed at ease at the crease, a testament to the effectiveness of the Pakistani bowlers. The ferocious Shaheen Afridi Afridi reached a significant milestone by claiming his 100th ODI wicket and went on to contribute three crucial scalps to his team's cause. Mohammad Wasim joined in the success with three wickets of his own, while Haris Rauf played his part with two vital breakthroughs. Pakistan's bowlers remained disciplined, exploiting the wicket's nuances and keeping the pressure mounted on the Bangladesh side throughout the innings. As the teams swap roles, Pakistan is now tasked with the challenge of chasing down a target of 205 runs in their allocated 50 overs, with the pitch continuing to offer ample opportunities to the bowlers. The question now looms large - Can they successfully navigate this pursuit, or will the Bangladeshi bowlers conjure a magic trick to alter the script? We await the unfolding drama in the coming innings.

Haris Rauf is down for a chat. He says that they bowled brilliantly and tried bowling wicket-to-wicket and sticking to their lengths on what was a slowish track. Mentions that there was certainly some reverse swing on offer and they tried to complement each other as a bowling unit. Mentions that Shaheen Afridi is all class and his wickets up top help the team a lot and when he performs, it gives them a lot of confidence.

Bangladesh embarked on their innings with the odds stacked against them, immediately facing a fiery spell from Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The opening overs saw Bangladesh's top order crumble, with the early wickets of three key batters tumbling within the first five overs. Litton Das and Mahmudullah, however, sought to steer the ship back on course and managed to orchestrate a spirited recovery, amassing a crucial 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The promising partnership took a blow when Litton Das surrendered his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed, giving Pakistan a breath of fresh air. Despite the loss of his partner, Mahmudullah persisted, striking another impressive half-century with a composed 70-ball innings. His determined knock was eventually brought to an end by the relentless Shaheen Afridi in the 31st over. With Mahmudullah's departure, the bulk of Bangladesh's resistance crumbled, with Shakib Al Hasan being the only beacon of hope. However, his valiant 43-run effort was curtailed in the 40th over. Subsequently, Bangladesh's batting line-up fell like a house of cards, and the innings concluded in the 45th over, posting a total of 204 runs.

As the sun begins to set at the grand stage of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023, we mark the culmination of the first innings in Match No. 31, a contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The backdrop of the evening sky is illuminated with anticipation as we prepare to delve into the second half of this encounter. After a decisive toss, Bangladesh's leader, Shakib Al Hasan, chose to test the waters of batting first, seeking to post a competitive total. As the dust settles after 45 overs of intense cricketing action, Bangladesh has managed to muster a total of 204 runs on the board, leaving Pakistan with the task of scoring 205 runs for victory in their allotted 50 overs. The stage is set, and with a pitch offering ample opportunities for both the batsmen and bowlers, we eagerly await Pakistan's response as they step up to the crease.

45.1W

OUT! BOWLED! Mohammad Wasim with another ripper of a delivery to close out the innings. Full and fast at the toes at 145 clicks, tailing back into the legs. Mustafizur Rahman stays deep in his crease and backs away to dig it out but gets it off the toe end of the bat back onto the boot. The ball eventually goes back to hit the leg stump and the bail is dislodged. Wasim ends up with three quick wickets and Bangladesh are bundled out for 204 runs.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 204/9

M Rahman3 (6)

S Islam1 (4)

S Afridi9-1-23-3

44.61

In the air but safe! Banged in a bit around off, angling it away, Mustafizur Rahman swings at it but gets a top edge that lands well in front of Mohammad Wasim at third man. They get another single.

44.51

Should have been two! Full and wide from Shaheen, Shoriful Islam reaches out and carves it past point. Mohammad Wasim runs to his left from deep third and gets to the ball as the batters only pick up a single.

44.41

Fuller in length again outside off, Mustafizur Rahman gets the drive down to deep cover and picks up a single.

44.30

Full and straight this time, Mustafizur Rahman hangs deep and makes room before hammering the ball away but to his disappointment, he finds the man at short extra cover perfectly.

44.20

On a length, on middle and reversing back into the left-hander. Mustafizur Rahman looks to play at it but is well beaten and gets hit high on the pads.

44.10

Comes from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length outside off, Mustafizur Rahman looks to cut it away but misses.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 201/9

S Islam0 (3)

M Rahman1 (1)

M Wasim8-1-31-2

43.60

Looks like an off-cutter, fuller in length and just outside the off stump. Shoriful Islam looks to play at it but the ball grips and moves past the outside edge.

43.50

Keeps it nice and full outside off, Shoriful Islam gets a bat on it this time and keeps it out on the off side.

43.40

Full and quick again, reversing past the off stump, Shoriful Islam tries to play at it but misses.

Shoriful Islam is the last batter in for Bangladesh.

With just one wicket remaining, can Bangladesh hold on for a bit longer?

43.3W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! This is top stuff from Mohammad Wasim and he is cleaning up the Bangladeshi tail here. Wasim speeds in and serves it full around middle at 142.5 clicks, it is the cross-seamer that moves away from the left-hander. Taskin Ahmed is caught back on the crease and the ball reverses past the bat to castle into the stumps. Too good a delivery for a tailender and Bangladesh in danger of being bowled out real quickly here.

43.21

Short ball around leg and at the body, Mustafizur Rahman awkwardly ducks and blocks it down through backward square leg and picks up a single.

Mustafizur Rahman is the new man in.

43.1W

OUT! TIMBER! That is the wicket Pakistan was looking for, the last of the recognised batters from Bangladesh is now making his way back to the dressing room. Mohammad Wasim bowls the ball with pace on the good length on the off stump line. Mehidy Hasan takes the front foot out of the way and looks to hit the ball over mid-wicket but misses to get any bat on it. The ball hits the top of the off stump and it is all over for Mehidy Hasan. Bangladesh struggling at 200/8.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 200/7

M Hasan25 (29)

T Ahmed6 (12)

S Afridi8-1-20-3

42.61

Pitched up outside the off stump. Mehidy Hasan drives the ball off the front foot to sweepers for a single.

42.50

Hits the good length on the off stump. Mehidy Hasan blocks the ball off the front foot.

42.40

Hits the length hard outside the off stump. Mehidy Hasan swings the bat hard but finds no connection.

42.31lb

Yorker length delivery on the middle stump, angling in a long way. Taskin Ahmed misses the flick and the ball goes past the inside edge, hitting both the pads and the ball rolls over towards third man as the batters run a leg bye.

42.20

Pitched up on the stumps. Taskin Ahmed blocks it well off the front foot.

42.10

Down the leg side by Shaheen Afridi. The ball clips the pads of Taskin Ahmed and goes into the hands of Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps. Appeal for caught behind turned down.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 198/7

M Hasan24 (26)

T Ahmed6 (9)

U Mir10-0-66-1

41.60

Pitched up again, good comeback after the boundary. Mehidy Hasan takes the front foot out and pushes the ball straight into the hands of the fielder.

41.50

Pitched up slow on the off stump line. Mehidy Hasan blocks the ball off the front foot straight to covers.

Pakistan
Bangladesh
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
A Shafique

lbw b M Hasan

68 69 9 2 98.55
F Zaman

c T Hridoy b M Hasan

81 74 3 7 109.45
B Azam

c Mahmudullah b M Hasan

9 16 1 0 56.25
M Rizwan

not out

26 21 4 0 123.80
I Ahmed

not out

17 15 2 0 113.33
Extras

(b 0,lb 2,w 2,nb 0,Penalty 0)

4
Total 32.3 (RR: 6.31)
205/3

Did not bat: S Shakeel, A Salman, S Afridi, U Mir, M Wasim, H Rauf

Fall of wickets:

(A Shafique, 21.1 ov) (B Azam, 25.4 ov) (F Zaman, 27.3 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
T Ahmed
6 1 36 0 6.00
S Islam
4 1 25 0 6.25
M Hasan
9 0 60 3 6.66
M Rahman
7 0 47 0 6.71
Al Hasan
5.3 0 30 0 5.45
Hossain Shanto
1 0 5 0 5.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
T Hasan

lbw b S Afridi

0 5 0 0 0
L Das

c A Salman b I Ahmed

45 64 6 0 70.31
Hossain Shanto

c U Mir b S Afridi

4 3 1 0 133.33
M Rahim

c M Rizwan b H Rauf

5 8 1 0 62.50
Mahmudullah

b S Afridi

56 70 6 1 80
Al Hasan

c A Salman b H Rauf

43 64 4 0 67.18
T Hridoy

c I Ahmed b U Mir

7 3 0 1 233.33
M Hasan

b M Wasim

25 30 1 1 83.33
T Ahmed

b M Wasim

6 13 0 0 46.15
M Rahman

b M Wasim

3 7 0 0 42.85
S Islam

not out

1 4 0 0 25
Extras

(b 0,lb 4,w 5,nb 0,Penalty 0)

9
Total 45.1 (RR: 4.52)
204/10

Did not bat:

Fall of wickets:

(T Hasan, 0.5 ov) (Hossain Shanto, 2.4 ov) (M Rahim, 6 ov) (L Das, 20.5 ov) (Mahmudullah, 30.4 ov) (T Hridoy, 31.3 ov) (Al Hasan, 39.3 ov) (M Hasan, 43.1 ov) (T Ahmed, 43.3 ov) (M Rahman, 45.1 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Afridi
9 1 23 3 2.55
I Ahmed
10 0 44 1 4.40
H Rauf
8 0 36 2 4.50
M Wasim
8.1 1 31 3 3.79
U Mir
10 0 66 1 6.60
Pakistan
Bangladesh

Commentary

Right then, another game is done and dusted in the 2023 World Cup and Bangladesh are officially knocked out of the competition. Up next is a fairly crucial clash between two sides who have been in fine form in this tournament. It will be high-flying South Africa taking on a bit wounded New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, the 1st of November. That game will begin at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT) but as usual, you can join us much earlier for the build-up. Cheers!

The Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam starts by giving credit to the boys and says they did well in all three departments. On Fakhar Zaman, he says that they know when he plays for 20-30 overs, it's a different ball game and it was nice to see him perform here. Adds that they will try to win all the remaining matches and will see where they stand after that. Mentions that they started well with the ball and Shaheen Afridi did well to pick up a couple of early wickets but after 15-20 overs the opposition started to rebuild and they were still able to come back and pick up wickets in the later phase. On his fans in the ground, he gives thanks to them and ends by saying that it feels nice to play in front of such a crowd.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh says that they didn't have enough runs on the board. Adds that the wicket was good but they lost three wickets in the Powerplay and after that, there were a couple of partnerships but not a big one. Tells that they should have bowled a bit better but credits Pakistan for the way they bowled upfront and then chased it down. Mentions that him batting in the top order is a thing to be discussed later on but at the moment things are not working as their top order is not getting runs and the only thing they can do is play collectively as a team. Says that the fans have always supported them no matter what and they are hoping to bounce back in the next couple of games to put a smile on their faces.

Fakhar Zaman is the Player of the Match for his fiery 87 off just 74 balls that included 7 maximums. Zaman says that after the Asia Cup, he practiced a lot and was waiting to score runs for the team. Adds that he got the opportunity in this game and is happy with his performance. He says that he had a chat with Abdullah Shafique and backed himself to hit sixes irrespective of the wicket and this was a really good wicket to bat on. Mentions that net run rate (NRR) was always on their mind and they wanted to finish the game around 30 overs. Ends by saying that after a lot of failures, this feels good and the most important thing is that his runs helped the team to get the win.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to bat first as he thought the pitch would slow down in the evening just like it did in their last game here but this decision backfired as they lost three early wickets. The repair work was done by Litton Das and Mahmudullah who seemed to be going along nicely but then Das got out and they had to rebuild yet again. Mahmudullah and the skipper, two veterans, tried their best but neither could get that big score and the tail was undone by some fast and furious bowling from the Pakistani quicks. Shaheen Afridi was the chief orchestrator up top as he showed once again why he is their best bowler and ended up with 3 wickets to take his tally to 16 wickets in the competition. Mohammad Wasim made full use of the opportunity provided to him and got the ball to reverse later on and ripped through the tail of Bangladesh. Coming to the chase, it was fairly straightforward and Pakistan made sure they didn't put themselves in a precarious position by being positive from the start and got the easy win.

Bangladesh will feel they have let themselves down in a big way. Coming into the tournament, they had some notable wins in recent bilateral series at home but have now gone on to lose six games on the trot after winning their opening game and are out of the competition. The batting never really clicked and the bowlers were put under pressure right from the start. Taskin Ahmed bowled well up top but Shoriful Islam was hit away for boundaries and soon Taskin too started to leak runs. Mehidy Hasan was the only bowler who created wicket-taking opportunities and picked up all three wickets, joining the 100-wicket ODI club as well. Shakib Al Hasan was a bit economical but didn't have much impact on play and neither did Mustafizur Rahman and in the end, Bangladesh were a distant second in this clash.

PAKISTAN ARE STILL ALIVE IN THE COMPETITION! A clinical performance from Pakistan after a run of four straight losses and they will hope that it hasn't come one game too late. This win was set up by the bowlers who restricted Bangladesh to a low total and then the openers made sure that the side got a good start and killed the game with a big stand. Abdullah Shafique showed his class yet again at the top and made his way to a classy fifty that included some fiery shots as well. It was the return of Fakhar Zaman that made a big difference as the southpaw played freely and got the big hits away. The pair put on 128 runs before Shafique got out and then skipper Babar Azam joined Fakhar at the crease. Babar and Fakhar both got out in quick succession with the latter missing out on a ton. With just a few runs needed, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed racked up the boundaries and finished up proceedings with plenty of overs to spare.

32.31

Mohammad Rizwan hits the winning runs! This is floated, full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan prods forward and taps it wide of short covers and scampers across for a run. PAKISTAN WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

32.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan drives it straight to short covers.

32.11

SCORES LEVEL! Shortish and around leg, Iftikhar Ahmed moves back and punches it towards long on for a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 203/3

I Ahmed16 (14)

M Rizwan25 (19)

M Hasan9-0-60-3

31.61

Short again, on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed forces it towards long on for one.

31.52

Shorter in length and around leg, Iftikhar Ahmed flicks it off the back foot towards deep backward square leg for a brace.

31.40

Tossed up, full and on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads.

31.30

Short again and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed punches it straight to short covers.

31.21

Short and around middle, Mohammad Rizwan clips it towards backward square leg for a run.

31.11

Tossed up, full and on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed winds up for the big slog but adjusts and pushes it towards long on for a single. Pakistan one big hit away from the win now!

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 198/3

I Ahmed12 (9)

M Rizwan24 (18)

Al Hasan5-0-28-0

30.61

Another short delivery, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed forces it towards sweeper covers for one.

30.50

Flatter, short and on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it back to the bowler.

30.44

FOUR! Shot! Shakib Al Hasan drags his length back again and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed stays back and slaps it through covers for another boundary.

30.31

Quicker, short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan moves back and punches it towards long off for another run.

30.21

Goes short and around off, Iftikhar Ahmed cuts it through covers for a single.

30.10

Tossed up, full and on off, turns away, Iftikhar Ahmed steers it towards point.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 191/3

I Ahmed6 (4)

M Rizwan23 (17)

M Hasan8-0-55-3

29.61

Another short delivery, angling into leg, Iftikhar Ahmed flicks it through square leg for one more.

29.51

Short again and around off, Mohammad Rizwan moves back an cuts it towards sweeper covers for one.

29.40

Quicker, short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan moves back and forces it back to the bowler.

29.30

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it out.

29.24

FOUR! Nicely played! Mehidy Hasan lands this short and around off, Mohammad Rizwan quickly moves on the back foot and punches it with great timing through covers for a boundary.

29.10

Flatter, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it back to the bowler.

Drinks! This contest is done and dusted and Pakistan are on the cusp of clinching their third win of the competition. They will hope to do get over the line as quickly as possible now.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 185/3

I Ahmed5 (3)

M Rizwan18 (12)

M Rahman7-0-47-0

28.64

FOUR! Powered away! Mustafizur Rahman continues with his fuller length, outside off this time, Iftikhar Ahmed reaches for it well and smashes it wide of mid off for another boundary. Pakistan need just 20 runs for the win now!

28.51

Overpitched and on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it towards covers and sets off for the run, the fielder hits the stumps at the batter's end but Iftikhar Ahmed looks to be inside the crease. The replay confirms the same.

28.51wd

Another slower delivery, on a length and outside off, keeps low, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut it away but misses. It is called a wide.

28.40

Pitched up and around off, Mohammad Rizwan drills it straight to extra covers.

28.34

FOUR! This is absolutely from the middle of the bat! Mustafizur Rahman bowls this full again, on middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan stays there and swats it with a lot of power wide of long on for another boundary.

28.24

FOUR! A streaky boundary now! Mustafizur Rahman serves this full and around off, slower too, Mohammad Rizwan looks to heave it across the line but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.

28.10

Back of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan dabs it towards point.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 171/3

M Rizwan9 (7)

I Ahmed1 (2)

M Hasan7-0-49-3

27.61

A low full toss, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan reverse-sweeps it through point for one.

27.51

Quicker, full and on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed once again comes down the track and works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

27.40

Flatter, full and on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed uses his feet but only manages t nudge it towards short mid-wicket.

Iftikhar Ahmed is the next batter in.

27.3W

OUT! TAKEN! Mehidy Hasan has three now! Fakhar Zaman goes back to the hut trying to go for the big shot as well. This is flatter, full and around middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down on one knee to slog-sweep it away but fails to get under it fully and hits it flat and in the air towards wide of long on where Towhid Hridoy moves to his left and pouches it safely. Zaman departs after a lovely knock but just misses out on his hundred. Pakistan three down now!

27.21

A bit short and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan moves back and punches it towards long on for a single.

27.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it uppishly but on the bounce back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 168/2

F Zaman81 (73)

M Rizwan7 (4)

M Rahman6-0-33-0

26.60

On a good length again around off and angling back in. Fakhar Zaman hangs back and chops it down toward backward point. Three dots to end that over.

26.50

The cutter now, on a good length and coming back in a long way from around off. Fakhar Zaman stays back and keeps it out.

26.40

Banged in very short and outside off again, Fakhar Zaman ends up snatching at this one a bit and pulls it down to mid-wicket.

26.31

Pitched up full and around off, angling it in, Rizwan leans on and pushes it to the right of mid off for a quick single. Najmul Hossain Shanto there gets a direct hit in at the bowler's end but Rizwan is well in.

26.21

Banged in short around off, Fakhar Zaman picks up the length early and nails the pull shot in front of deep mid-wicket but just for a single.

26.11

On a good length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and punches it square towards deep cover for a single.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 165/2

M Rizwan5 (2)

F Zaman80 (69)

M Hasan6-0-46-2

25.61

Holds it back a touch and bowls it around off, Mohammad Rizwan gets inside the line and laps it down to fine leg for a single.

25.54

FOUR! Gets going right away! Too full and too straight, Mohammad Rizwan gets down on one knee and nails the sweep shot over square leg and picks up a boundary.

Mohammad Rizwan comes out to the middle now.

25.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! A reckless shot from the skipper and Mehidy Hasan picks up his second wicket. Nicely tossed up, on a length and around middle, turning in. Babar Azam skips down the track but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the ball and the turn means that the lofted shot comes off the inner half of the bat. The ball sails down to long on where Mahmudullah takes a safe catch and Babar thuds the bat into the pads in disappointment. Bangladesh have their second wicket.

25.30

Floated up on a nagging length on middle, turning in, Babar Azam pushes it out off the back foot to mid on.

25.21

Slower and shorter form around off, Fakhar Zaman stays back and dabs it away past point for a single.

25.16

SIX! That has been sent into the orbit! This is tossed up full and around leg stump. Fakhar Zaman gets down on one knee, clears the front leg and smokes it well over the mid-wicket fence for yet another biggie.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 153/1

F Zaman73 (67)

B Azam9 (14)

M Rahman5-0-30-0

24.61lb

Leg bye! Bowled from over the stumps, on a hard length and angled well into the pads. Fakhar Zaman plays all around it and the ball deflects off the thigh pads toward third man. They get a leg bye.

24.51

Length again, around off and angling into the stumps, Babar Azam shimmies across a bit and tucks it to the right of mid on for a quick single.

24.40

On a good length outside off, there to be driven but Babar Azam once again finds the man at extra cover.

24.30

Bangs it in shorter over the stumps and gets the ball to move away, Babar Azam gets behind the line and just drops it back on the deck.

24.20

Goes fuller and pushes it wider of the off stump, Babar Azam drives it on the bounce to the man at short extra cover.

24.10

Pitched up around the off stump, Babar Azam defends it under his eye line.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 151/1

B Azam8 (9)

F Zaman73 (66)

M Hasan5-0-34-1

23.61

Pushed through on middle, Babar Azam plays it with a straight bat and pushes it down the ground for another single.

23.51

Flatter one outside off, cut away square past point for a single. The 150 is already up for Pakistan.

23.46

SIX! A double-hattrick of maximums in this inning for Fakhar Zaman and he is relentless. This is floated up around middle, angling in, Fakhar comes down the pitch and heaves it away with all his might over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

23.31

Tossed up full on the stumps, Babar Azam knocks it down to long on for one more.

23.20

Drifts this one onto the pads, Babar Azam gets his hands out in front and pushes it to the right of the bowler.

23.10

Tossed up on the off stump, Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 142/1

F Zaman66 (64)

B Azam6 (5)

M Rahman4-0-29-0

22.60

Fuller in length around middle and angled in, Fakhar Zaman jams it back to the bowler.

22.54

FOUR! Just a backfoot punch! The attempted off-cutter, short and outside off, sitting up for the batter. Fakhar Zaman stays back and punches it wide of the point fielder for a boundary.

22.41

Pitched up full and outside off, driven square of the wicket this time toward deep cover-point for a single.

22.30

Comes from around the wicket now and angles in a length ball at the off stump, Babar Azam defends it from his crease.

22.24

FOUR! Classic Babar Azam cover drive! Pitched up wide of the off stump and pushed across, Babar gets on the front foot and strokes it on the up pas the fielder at cover for a boundary. A slight misfield from the man there though.

22.11

Takes pace off and bowls it fuller onto the off stump. Fakhar Zaman bunts it out in front of cover-point and scampers across for a quick single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 132/1

F Zaman61 (61)

B Azam1 (2)

M Hasan4-0-25-1

21.61

Shorter, sitting up for the batter, Fakhar just pushes it out on the off side for a run.

21.52

Fakhar Zaman pre-meditates and dances down the track, Mehidy Hasan flights this one up nicely wide of the off stump. Fakhar is beaten in the flight and looks to pull out of the lofted shot but ends up just chipping it wide over covers for a couple of runs.

21.40

Comes from around the wicket and flights it up full around off, Fakhar Zaman defends it out.

21.31

Floated up on a length and angled into middle and leg, Babar Azam stands tall and punches it down to long on for a run.

21.20

Nicely flighted, on a nagging length and turning in from outside off, Babar Azam watchfully blocks it out.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan walks out to bat at number 3.

21.1W

OUT! LBW! Looks dead in front but Abdullah Shafique has reviewed it. Mehidy Hasan comes back into the attack and pushes this one through quicker and fuller onto middle. Shafique leans on to sweep but is beaten by the turn and completely misses the ball, gets pinged in front. Nothing on UltraEdge and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Finally, some respite for Bangladesh as Mehidy breaks the stands and the fans are buzzing. End of a classy knock by Shafique.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 128/0

A Shafique68 (68)

F Zaman58 (58)

Al Hasan4-0-21-0

20.61

Brings the line onto the stumps now and Abdullah Shafique just eases the shortish ball down to long on for a run.

20.50

Turn and bounce again outside off, Abdullah Shafique taps it in front of point.

20.40

Extra bounce here for Shakib! Slows it up and bowls it on a length around off, the ball grips and bounces away past the batter.

20.31

Shorter one, dragged down into the pads, Fakhar Zaman stays back and tucks it to deep backward square leg for one more.

20.21

Nicely drifted onto the pads, turning it away, Abdullah Shafique leans on and flicks it past square leg for one more.

20.11

Slower and shorter, drifting into the pads, Fakhar Zaman waits and works it away past mid-wicket for an easy single.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 124/0

A Shafique66 (64)

F Zaman56 (56)

T Ahmed6-1-36-0

19.66

SIX! HAMMERED! Taskin Ahmed lands this back of a length and around middle, sits up nicely for the batter, Abdullah Shafique gets into position quickly and absolutely hammers it from the middle of the bat over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. As soon as he hit it, the crisp sound of the bat meant that there was no stopping that ball.

19.50

Taskin Ahmed nails the yorker now, on off, Abdullah Shafique tries to dig it out but fails to do so as the ball goes to the keeper.

19.41

Taskin Ahmed bangs this into the pitch and around middle, Fakhar Zaman pulls it a bit too well and almost hits it straight to the fielder but it goes on the bounce to deep backward square leg. They cross.

19.31

Back of a length and on off, Abdullah Shafique punches it through covers for another run.

19.21

On a length and around leg, Fakhar Zaman flicks it through square leg for a run.

19.11

Short of a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 114/0

A Shafique58 (60)

F Zaman54 (54)

Al Hasan3-0-17-0

18.61

Flighted, full and on off, Abdullah Shafique drills it towards long off for one.

18.51

Goes short and around middle, Fakhar Zaman��punches it towards long on for a run.

18.40

Shakib Al Hasan sees the batter advance and fires this one full and on leg, angling in, Fakhar Zaman gets cramped and misses his flick to get hit on the pads.

18.31

Flighted, full and around off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it towards cover-point for a single.

18.20

Tossed up, full and on leg, Abdullah Shafique clips it towards short fine leg, Zaman sets off for the run but is sent back and the fielder missses his shy at the bowler's end. A direct hit and he was a goner.

This has been some batting display from the Pakistan openers so far. Can they go all the way?

18.16

SIX! Oh..that is massive! Shakib Al Hasan tosses this one up and around middle, Abdullah Shafique uses his feet nicely to show his muscle strength and launches it over the bowler's head for a huge maximum.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 105/0

F Zaman53 (52)

A Shafique50 (56)

T Ahmed5-1-26-0

17.60

Fullish and around off, Fakhar Zaman defends it on the front foot.

17.56

SIX! BANG! FIFTY FOR ZAMAN! He gets to it in some style as well! A fine fifty on his return to the side and he is justifying his selection here. Taskin Ahmed serves this full and around middle, Fakhar Zaman advances down the track and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. That also brings up the 100-run partnership between the two openers.

17.41

FIFTY FOR SHAFIQUE! He has continued his good form in this World Cup and is going from strength to strength. He will look to stay till the end now. This is on a good length and around off, Abdullah Shafique taps it wide of point for a run.

17.30

Goes a bit fuller, on middle, angling in, Abdullah Shafique blocks it back to the bowler.

17.20

Length again and around off, Abdullah Shafique steers it towards point who hits the the stumps at the bowler's end but the batters do not take the run.

17.11

On a length and around off, Fakhar Zaman drops it in front of short covers for a quick single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 97/0

F Zaman46 (49)

A Shafique49 (53)

Al Hasan2-0-8-0

16.61

Shorter in length and around middle, Fakhar Zaman moves back and works it towards deep square leg for one.

16.50

Flighted, full and on leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it towards square leg again.

16.40

Pushed through quicker, short and on leg, turning in, Fakhar Zaman flicks it towards square leg.

16.31

Short again and around off, Abdullah Shafique moves back and punches it through covers for a single.

16.22

Goes short and outside off, Abdullah Shafique moves back and cuts it towards deep point for a brace.

16.12

Tossed up, full and around leg, Abdullah Shafique nudges it wide of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 91/0

A Shafique44 (50)

F Zaman45 (46)

Hossain Shanto1-0-5-0

15.61

A full toss now, on middle, Abdullah Shafique drills it towards long on for one.

15.50

Tossed up, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique works it towards short mid-wicket.

15.40

Flatter, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique clips it towards square leg.

15.30

Short again and outside off, Abdullah Shafique slices it towards short third man.

15.24

FOUR! Fine shot! Najmul Hossain Shanto lands this a bit short and outside off, Abdullah Shafique dances down the track and gets on top of it to punch it away through covers for a boundary.

15.10

Najmul Hossain Shanto begins with a flighted delivery, full and on middle, Abdullah Shafique knocks it back to the bowler.

Drinks break! Right then, 15 overs gone in the chase and it has been all Pakistan so far. Fakhar Zaman's return to the playing XI has been a fruitful one and he has shown positive intent, getting away a few big hits in the process. Abdullah Shafique has remained solid and got away boundaries as well and now they will have one eye on the net run rate. Bangladesh need wickets in a heap to turn this game around but things look really bleak at the moment. Shakib Al Hasan has now tossed the ball to part-time off-spinner, Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 86/0

F Zaman45 (46)

A Shafique39 (44)

Al Hasan1-0-2-0

14.60

Looped up, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down to sweep it but does so with the bottom half of the bat towards square leg.

14.51

Gives this one some air, full and on off, Abdullah Shafique comes down the track and drills it towards long off for a run, there is some confusion again between the batters but no harm done.

14.41

Drags his length back a bit, on leg, Fakhar Zaman uses his feet to work it away but gets an inside edge towards square leg where a fumble allows the single.

14.30

Flighted, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

14.20

Tossed up, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman clips it towards square leg.

14.10

Shakib Al Hasan starts with a floated delivery, short and on middle, turning in, Fakhar Zaman stays back and blocks it out.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 84/0

A Shafique38 (43)

F Zaman44 (41)

M Hasan3-0-21-0

13.60

Goes short and on middle, Abdullah Shafique punches it wide of short mid-wicket where Najmul Hossain Shanto runs to his left and collects it.

13.51

Fires this one full and around leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it through backward square leg for a single.

13.40

Slower through the air, short and on off, turns away, Fakhar Zaman cuts it towards short third man where the fielder dives to his left to stop it.

13.36

SIX! Up, up and away! Mehidy Hasan flights this one up and around middle, Fakhar Zaman skips down the track to get to the pitch of it and smokes it way over the long on fence for a biggie. Pakistan are shifting gears here!

13.20

Floated, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman tucks it towards shoer mid-wicket.

13.10

Tossed up, full and around off, Fakhar Zaman taps it towards point.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 77/0

A Shafique38 (42)

F Zaman37 (36)

M Rahman3-0-19-0

12.64

FOUR! Abdullah Shafique connects this time alright! Mustafizur Rahman bangs this into te pitch again and around middle, Abdullah Shafique picks up the length early and pulls it well over mid-wicket for four more runs. 12 runs off the over!

12.50

Short of a length and on middle, Abdullah Shafique mistimes his pull towards mid-wicket.

12.44

FOUR! Beautiful timing! This is full again and around middle, Abdullah Shafique steps across a bit and uses his wrists to flick it with fine timing through mid-wicket for another boundary.

12.34

FOUR! Lovely shot! Mustafizur Rahman pitches this one up again and around off, Abdullah Shafique stays there and smacks it towards the long on fence for a one-bounce four.

12.20

Full again and on off, Abdullah Shafique this time drives it straight to mid off.

12.10

Fuller one and on middle, Abdullah Shafique knocks it towards mid on.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 65/0

F Zaman37 (36)

A Shafique26 (36)

S Islam4-1-25-0

11.60

Another bouncer now around middle, Fakhar Zaman sways away from it this time.

11.56

SIX! Into the stands! Shoriful Islam bangs this short and just around off, Fakhar Zaman waits for it and then uses the pace of the ball to upper cut it over the third man fence for a biggie.

Abdullah Shafique is down on the field with cramps and has signalled for the physio. His partner comes to his aid and stretches those hamstrings and we will have a slight delay in proceedings here. Shakib Al Hasan is also seen getting some exercises done by the physio during this halt. Shafique is finally back on his feet and good to continue. The play can now resume.

11.41

Short of a length and around off, Abdullah Shafique hops up and guides it towards third man for a single.

11.34

FOUR! Classic shot! Shoriful Islam serves this a bit fuller and on off, angling in, Abdullah Shafique presents the full face of the bat and drives it with sweet timing past the bowler and towards the long off fence for a boundary.

11.20

This is on a good length and around off, Abdullah Shafique stabs it towards short covers.

11.10

Shoriful Islam bangs in a good bouncer at 131.2 clicks, on middle and off, Abdullah Shafique sways away from it.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 54/0

A Shafique21 (32)

F Zaman31 (34)

M Rahman2-0-7-0

10.61

Pulls his length back a bit and around middle, Abdullah Shafique nudges it wide of short mid-wicket for a run.

10.50

A dipping low full toss now, on off, Abdullah Shafique looks drill it away but gets a bottom edge towards short mid-wicket.

10.40

Pitches this one up, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it towards short covers one more time.

10.30

Goes fuller this time, on off again, slower too, Abdullah Shafique taps it towards short covers again.

10.20

On a length and around off, angling away, Abdullah Shafique gets behind the line of it and blocks it out towards short covers.

10.11

Back of a length and around off, Fakhar Zaman punches it into the ground and towards point where a fumble allows the single.

Powerplay 2! Bangladesh can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 52/0

A Shafique20 (27)

F Zaman30 (33)

S Islam3-1-14-0

9.60

Fuller in length and on the stumps worked away to square leg for no run. At the end of the first Powerplay, Pakistan strolling along nicely at 52/0!

9.50

Slightly back of a length, angled well across the off stump, driven without much timing toward cover.

9.41

Back of a length over the stumps, Fakhar Zaman gets inside the line a bit and tucks it away past square leg for a single.

9.30

On a hard length on off, angling it in, Fakhar Zaman looks to get on the front foot but has to just defend it out.

9.20

Back of a length over middle, Fakhar Zaman gets behind the line well and blocks it back onto the deck.

9.14

FOUR! 50 up for Pakistan with that easy boundary. Full and angling down leg, Fakhar Zaman flicks it fine of the man at short fine leg and the ball runs away to the fence.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 47/0

F Zaman25 (29)

A Shafique20 (25)

M Rahman1-0-5-0

8.61

Slower one, a touch fuller and around middle, Fakhar Zaman works it off his pads behind square leg and picks up a single.

8.50

Shorter in length and outside off, there to be hit. Fakhar Zaman slaps it without much timing to the man on the edge of the circle at cover-point.

8.40

Back of a length around off and coming into the left-hander. Fakhar Zaman punches it off the back foot toward extra cover.

8.34

FOUR! Save your legs! Overpitched outside off, trying to swing it back in, Fakhar Zaman gets on the front foot and creams it through the cover region for a boundary.

8.20

A bumper now, banged in really short and outside off, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone in hopes of a wide but it isn't given.

8.10

Bowls the first delivery of his 100th ODI from over the stumps and bowls it full around off as well. Fakhar Zaman looks to drive but gets it off the outer half toward point.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 42/0

F Zaman20 (23)

A Shafique20 (25)

M Hasan2-0-14-0

7.61

Quicker one, full and at the stumps, squeezed off the inside edge on the leg side for a quick single.

7.56

SIX! BOOM! Mehidy Hasan sees Fakhar Zaman advancing down the track and tries to fire it in at the toes. Fakhar gets to the pitch of the ball and heaves it against the turn and all the way over the cow corner fence for a biggie.

7.40

A touch short and wide, cut away off the back foot toward backward point.

7.31

Floated up on middle, Abdullah Shafique leans on and reaches forward to wrist it toward wide mid on for one more.

7.21

Flighted delivery, angled onto middle and leg, worked away past mid-wicket for a single.

7.10

A huge shout for LBW but seems to be sliding down and Shakib Al Hasan isn't interested in reviewing that one. Nicely drifted in at 90 clicks into the legs and beats the inside edge to hit the pads.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 33/0

A Shafique19 (24)

F Zaman12 (18)

T Ahmed4-1-18-0

6.60

Slower one, floats it up fuller on middle, Abdullah Shafique flicks it toward mid-wicket.

6.50

Hits the length hard around off, punched off firmly to the cover region.

6.40

Good comeback delivery! Bowls the cross-seamer now, full and swinging it in a long way from outside off. Abdullah Shafique looks to hammer the cover drive but is beaten on the inside edge.

6.34

FOUR! Lovely timing! On a good length over middle and angling in, Abdullah Shafique stays put and just tucks it away gently using his wrists and wide of mid-wicket for a boundary.

6.21

Just short but the fielder does extremely well on the half-volley. Fullish length, swinging into the legs, Fakhar Zaman clears the front leg and swings across. The ball goes flat and well to the left of Litton Das at deep square leg. Das comes in quickly and times the dive to his left really well, collecting the ball with both hands on the bounce. Just the single then.

6.10

Back of a length over leg stump, Fakhar Zaman looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.

Slight halt! Fakhar Zaman is hydrating himself as it is a bit hot out there and he is cramping up. We are good to continue.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 28/0

A Shafique15 (20)

F Zaman11 (16)

M Hasan1-0-5-0

5.60

Pushes this one through on a good length on middle, Abdullah Shafique gets back and pushes it out to the bowler.

5.54

FOUR! Nicely played! Tossed up on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique gets in position quickly and sweeps it with the turn and well wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

5.40

Quicker and turning it into the pads, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to the left of square leg.

5.31

Gives it some air and bowls it around off, Fakhar Zaman leans on and eases it through wide mid off for a single.

5.20

Pulls the length back and spears it in from outside off, this is punched away to covers.

5.10

Starts from around the wicket and floats it up nice and full around off. Fakhar Zaman stays watchful and plays it late toward point.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 23/0

A Shafique11 (17)

F Zaman10 (13)

T Ahmed3-1-13-0

4.60

Brings out the slower delivery now, pitches it up outside off at just 116 clicks and draws the false shot. Abdullah Shafique looks to drive on the up and is early through the shot, getting it off the outer half and a bit uppishly toward point.

4.50

A touch fuller around off, pushed away toward mid on.

4.41

Good stop! Full and outside off, Fakhar Zaman nails the cover drive but the man at extra cover gets a hand on it and saves three runs for his side.

4.36

SIX! Oh, wow! That is probably the sweetest sound off the bat one would ever hear. A good-length delivery around off and at over 140 clicks as well. The ball is in Fakhar Zaman's arc and he just swings across the line, clubbing the ball a long way over the square leg fence and even Taskin Ahmed can't do anything else but smile. That one travelled 99 meters!

4.20

On a hard length over middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman stands tall and defends it back to the bowler.

4.10

Grunts in and serves it in the blockhole around off at 144.6 clicks. Fakhar Zaman backs away and jams it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 16/0

A Shafique11 (15)

F Zaman3 (9)

S Islam2-1-9-0

3.60

Back of a length over middle, pushed back off the back foot toward the bowler.

3.52

Pitched up outside off, Abdullah Shafique drives it off the front foot through extra cover and picks up a couple of more runs.

3.40

Almost gets bowled around the legs! Length ball around leg stump, Abdullah Shafique looks to get inside the line and flick it away but misses and the ball goes off the back leg just past the leg stump.

3.34

FOUR! On a fullish length, trying to swing it in from around off but the ball goes straight on. Abdullah Shafique keeps his shape and leans on before working it away through mid-wicket for a lovely boundary.

3.21lb

Leg bye! Half a shout for LBW but turned down. Hard length, around middle and angled in. Fakhar Zaman falls over while looking to flick and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls down to third man and they pick up a leg bye.

3.21wd

Wide! A touch fuller but swinging well down the leg side for a wide.

3.12

First runs off Shoriful's bowling. On a good length and angling into the pads, Fakhar Zaman flicks it away well in front of square on the leg side and picks up a couple of runs.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 6/0

A Shafique5 (11)

F Zaman1 (7)

T Ahmed2-1-6-0

2.60

Back-to-back maidens for Bangladesh! Keeps it full around middle, Abdullah Shafique leans on and drives it on the up but straight to mid on.

2.50

Piling on the pressure with these dot balls. Goes a bit fuller on middle and angles this one into the pads, Abdullah Shafique flicks it away to mid-wicket.

2.40

Perfect length again in the channel, punched out to the cover region to make it yet another dot ball.

2.30

Beautiful delivery! Angling in, angling in and then comes this ripper. Hits the hard length around off and just nips away, shooting off the deck as well. The ball zips past the bat and Mushfiqur Rahim collects it high to his right.

2.20

Good length again around the top of off, Abdullah Shafique covers the line well and blocks it onto the deck.

2.10

Hits the deck hard at 142 plus clicks and keeps it around the top of off. Abdullah Shafique stands tall and blocks it out in front of mid on.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 6/0

F Zaman1 (7)

A Shafique5 (5)

S Islam1-1-0-0

1.60

Shoriful Islam starts with a maiden! On a shortish length and floated up well outside off, with a hint of away swing. Fakhar Zaman throws his hands at it but is well beaten.

1.50

Keeps the length full and angles this one into middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman gets on the front foot and punches it on the up to mid on.

1.40

Good length around off, bunted out with soft hands in front of point and Fakhar Zaman looks for one but his partner sends him back. Four dots in a row now.

1.30

Fuller in length and in the channel, angling in as well, Fakhar Zaman leaves it through to the keeper.

1.20

Full again and closer to the off stump, Fakhar Zaman drives it firmly with the swing and hammers it on the bounce to short extra cover.

1.10

Starts with a fuller delivery outside off, swinging it away, Fakhar Zaman stays watchful and leaves it alone.

Shoriful Islam to share the attack.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 6/0

A Shafique5 (5)

F Zaman1 (1)

T Ahmed1-0-6-0

0.60

Good length around off stump, Abdullah Shafique punches it out toward cover to end the first over.

0.54

FOUR! A lovely shot to bring up the first boundary of the chase. Pitched up on the fifth stump line, Abdullah Shafique gets on the front foot, keeps his balance and strokes it past cover for a boundary.

0.41

Another risky single and the Pakistani openers are living on the edge here. Length ball in the channel, angling away, Fakhar Zaman drives it straight to covers and sets off for the single. Abdullah Shafique once again runs to the danger end and gets lucky as the fielder misses the direct hit at the striker's end.

0.31

A direct hit and Abdullah Shafique was a goner! Fuller in length and outside off, pushed out toward wide mid off and Shafique sets off for the run but hesitates just a touch. The fielder misses the throw at the non-striker's end and Shafique can breathe a sigh of relief as he gets off the mark.

0.20

Pitches it a bit further up around off, Abdullah Shafique stands tall and drives it on the up to the right of cover and looks for one but some good fielding there keeps him on strike.

0.10

Starts with a top delivery! Serves this one on a hard length in the channel at 140 clicks and gets the ball to nip away a touch. Abdullah Shafique hangs back and leaves his bat dangling as well and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Commentary

We are back for the chase! The players are already out in the middle now. Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman are the two openers for Pakistan. Taskin Ahmed to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Pakistan showcased a dominant display in the first innings, demonstrating their mastery over the match's tempo right from the opening overs. They maintained a stranglehold on the game, consistently chipping away at the Bangladesh batting order with timely wickets. Apart from the resolute Mahmudullah, none of the Bangladesh batters seemed at ease at the crease, a testament to the effectiveness of the Pakistani bowlers. The ferocious Shaheen Afridi Afridi reached a significant milestone by claiming his 100th ODI wicket and went on to contribute three crucial scalps to his team's cause. Mohammad Wasim joined in the success with three wickets of his own, while Haris Rauf played his part with two vital breakthroughs. Pakistan's bowlers remained disciplined, exploiting the wicket's nuances and keeping the pressure mounted on the Bangladesh side throughout the innings. As the teams swap roles, Pakistan is now tasked with the challenge of chasing down a target of 205 runs in their allocated 50 overs, with the pitch continuing to offer ample opportunities to the bowlers. The question now looms large - Can they successfully navigate this pursuit, or will the Bangladeshi bowlers conjure a magic trick to alter the script? We await the unfolding drama in the coming innings.

Haris Rauf is down for a chat. He says that they bowled brilliantly and tried bowling wicket-to-wicket and sticking to their lengths on what was a slowish track. Mentions that there was certainly some reverse swing on offer and they tried to complement each other as a bowling unit. Mentions that Shaheen Afridi is all class and his wickets up top help the team a lot and when he performs, it gives them a lot of confidence.

Bangladesh embarked on their innings with the odds stacked against them, immediately facing a fiery spell from Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. The opening overs saw Bangladesh's top order crumble, with the early wickets of three key batters tumbling within the first five overs. Litton Das and Mahmudullah, however, sought to steer the ship back on course and managed to orchestrate a spirited recovery, amassing a crucial 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The promising partnership took a blow when Litton Das surrendered his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed, giving Pakistan a breath of fresh air. Despite the loss of his partner, Mahmudullah persisted, striking another impressive half-century with a composed 70-ball innings. His determined knock was eventually brought to an end by the relentless Shaheen Afridi in the 31st over. With Mahmudullah's departure, the bulk of Bangladesh's resistance crumbled, with Shakib Al Hasan being the only beacon of hope. However, his valiant 43-run effort was curtailed in the 40th over. Subsequently, Bangladesh's batting line-up fell like a house of cards, and the innings concluded in the 45th over, posting a total of 204 runs.

As the sun begins to set at the grand stage of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023, we mark the culmination of the first innings in Match No. 31, a contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The backdrop of the evening sky is illuminated with anticipation as we prepare to delve into the second half of this encounter. After a decisive toss, Bangladesh's leader, Shakib Al Hasan, chose to test the waters of batting first, seeking to post a competitive total. As the dust settles after 45 overs of intense cricketing action, Bangladesh has managed to muster a total of 204 runs on the board, leaving Pakistan with the task of scoring 205 runs for victory in their allotted 50 overs. The stage is set, and with a pitch offering ample opportunities for both the batsmen and bowlers, we eagerly await Pakistan's response as they step up to the crease.

45.1W

OUT! BOWLED! Mohammad Wasim with another ripper of a delivery to close out the innings. Full and fast at the toes at 145 clicks, tailing back into the legs. Mustafizur Rahman stays deep in his crease and backs away to dig it out but gets it off the toe end of the bat back onto the boot. The ball eventually goes back to hit the leg stump and the bail is dislodged. Wasim ends up with three quick wickets and Bangladesh are bundled out for 204 runs.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 204/9

M Rahman3 (6)

S Islam1 (4)

S Afridi9-1-23-3

44.61

In the air but safe! Banged in a bit around off, angling it away, Mustafizur Rahman swings at it but gets a top edge that lands well in front of Mohammad Wasim at third man. They get another single.

44.51

Should have been two! Full and wide from Shaheen, Shoriful Islam reaches out and carves it past point. Mohammad Wasim runs to his left from deep third and gets to the ball as the batters only pick up a single.

44.41

Fuller in length again outside off, Mustafizur Rahman gets the drive down to deep cover and picks up a single.

44.30

Full and straight this time, Mustafizur Rahman hangs deep and makes room before hammering the ball away but to his disappointment, he finds the man at short extra cover perfectly.

44.20

On a length, on middle and reversing back into the left-hander. Mustafizur Rahman looks to play at it but is well beaten and gets hit high on the pads.

44.10

Comes from over the wicket and bowls it on a good length outside off, Mustafizur Rahman looks to cut it away but misses.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 201/9

S Islam0 (3)

M Rahman1 (1)

M Wasim8-1-31-2

43.60

Looks like an off-cutter, fuller in length and just outside the off stump. Shoriful Islam looks to play at it but the ball grips and moves past the outside edge.

43.50

Keeps it nice and full outside off, Shoriful Islam gets a bat on it this time and keeps it out on the off side.

43.40

Full and quick again, reversing past the off stump, Shoriful Islam tries to play at it but misses.

Shoriful Islam is the last batter in for Bangladesh.

With just one wicket remaining, can Bangladesh hold on for a bit longer?

43.3W

OUT! BOWLED'EM! This is top stuff from Mohammad Wasim and he is cleaning up the Bangladeshi tail here. Wasim speeds in and serves it full around middle at 142.5 clicks, it is the cross-seamer that moves away from the left-hander. Taskin Ahmed is caught back on the crease and the ball reverses past the bat to castle into the stumps. Too good a delivery for a tailender and Bangladesh in danger of being bowled out real quickly here.

43.21

Short ball around leg and at the body, Mustafizur Rahman awkwardly ducks and blocks it down through backward square leg and picks up a single.

Mustafizur Rahman is the new man in.

43.1W

OUT! TIMBER! That is the wicket Pakistan was looking for, the last of the recognised batters from Bangladesh is now making his way back to the dressing room. Mohammad Wasim bowls the ball with pace on the good length on the off stump line. Mehidy Hasan takes the front foot out of the way and looks to hit the ball over mid-wicket but misses to get any bat on it. The ball hits the top of the off stump and it is all over for Mehidy Hasan. Bangladesh struggling at 200/8.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 200/7

M Hasan25 (29)

T Ahmed6 (12)

S Afridi8-1-20-3

42.61

Pitched up outside the off stump. Mehidy Hasan drives the ball off the front foot to sweepers for a single.

42.50

Hits the good length on the off stump. Mehidy Hasan blocks the ball off the front foot.

42.40

Hits the length hard outside the off stump. Mehidy Hasan swings the bat hard but finds no connection.

42.31lb

Yorker length delivery on the middle stump, angling in a long way. Taskin Ahmed misses the flick and the ball goes past the inside edge, hitting both the pads and the ball rolls over towards third man as the batters run a leg bye.

42.20

Pitched up on the stumps. Taskin Ahmed blocks it well off the front foot.

42.10

Down the leg side by Shaheen Afridi. The ball clips the pads of Taskin Ahmed and goes into the hands of Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps. Appeal for caught behind turned down.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 198/7

M Hasan24 (26)

T Ahmed6 (9)

U Mir10-0-66-1

41.60

Pitched up again, good comeback after the boundary. Mehidy Hasan takes the front foot out and pushes the ball straight into the hands of the fielder.

41.50

Pitched up slow on the off stump line. Mehidy Hasan blocks the ball off the front foot straight to covers.

41.40

Tossed up again on the middle stump line. Mehidy Hasan blocks it off the front foot.

41.34

FOUR! That is a good looking shot by Mehidy Hasan. Poor delivery, tossed up outside the off stump, slow. Mehidy Hasan takes the front leg out and hits the ball over covers for a handsome boundary.

41.22

Tossed up on the off stump this time. Mehidy Hasan opens the face of his bat to drive the ball to the left of sweepers. The batters pick up a couple of runs.

41.11

Short ball outside the off stump. Taskin Ahmed rocks back and pulls the ball towards long on and runs a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 191/7

T Ahmed5 (8)

M Hasan18 (21)

I Ahmed10-0-44-1

40.61

Pitched up on the off stump again. Taskin Ahmed tucks the ball between covers and point again and runs a single to end the over.

40.50

Tossed up full on the off stump. Taskin Ahmed plays the cover drive straight to covers.

40.40

Pitched up again on the off stump. Taskin Ahmed blocks the ball straight to point off the front foot.

40.31

Just short on the middle stump. Mehidy Hasan flicks the ball to the right of short fine and runs a single.

40.21

Pitched up again on the off stump. Taskin Ahmed pushes the ball between covers and point and the batters pick up a quick single.

40.10

Tossed up outside the off stump. Taskin Ahmed pushes the ball straight to point off the front foot.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 188/7

T Ahmed3 (3)

M Hasan17 (20)

H Rauf8-0-36-2

39.61

Full and outside off this time, stylishly driven away to deep point for a single.

39.52

Quick again, looking for the yorker in at the toes but just misses his mark. Taskin Ahmed hangs back and gets an inside edge on the low full toss. The ball then goes off the pads and toward fine leg where Mohammad Wasim dives to his right and saves a couple of runs for his side.

39.40

Full and quick at the stumps, Taskin Ahmed keeps this one out.

Taskin Ahmed is the next batter in for Bangladesh.

39.3W

OUT! CAUGHT! Just the wicket Pakistan would have wanted and Shakib Al Hasan departs. Haris Rauf steams in from around the wicket and bangs in a good short ball at 141.3 clicks and angles it in from outside off. Shakib has struggles against the short ball and tries to drag the pull shot away only to get a top edge that lands around mid-wicket. Agha Salman there settles under it and tries to take it reverse cup style and the ball almost pops out. Thankfully for Salman, he manages to keep the ball in by clasping his hands and Rauf delivers a fatal blow to Bangladesh.

39.21

Full and angled in at the toes at 146.5 clicks, looking for the reverse swing. Mehidy Hasan clips this one away well in front of square on the leg side and picks up a single.

39.11

Back of a length in the channel, Shakib Al Hasan stays back and nudges it down toward short third for an easy single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 183/6

M Hasan16 (19)

Al Hasan42 (62)

M Wasim7-1-30-0

38.60

A really tidy over by Mohammad Wasim after a couple of big overs for Bangladesh. Hard length outside off and zipping through off the deck. Mehidy Hasan looks to cut at it but is well beaten.

38.50

Great work by Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps. Shorter and down leg, Mehidy Hasan gets a slight tickle on it off the thigh pad and Rizwan is quick to move to his left and saves a certain boundary.

38.40

Hits the deck hard and angles it back in sharply from around off. Mehidy Hasan hops back and chops it down toward backward point.

38.31

Good length around the top of off, Shakib Al Hasan plays it late under his eyes and dabs it down to short third man for a single.

38.20

Nicely bowled! Looked like a cross-seamer around leg stump and nipping away after pitching. Shakib Al Hasan is caught off guard and gets a blow to the ribs.

38.10

Bowls it back of a length over middle and leg, Shakib Al Hasan looks to get inside the line but has to adjust and just nudges it onto the leg side.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 182/6

M Hasan16 (16)

Al Hasan41 (59)

U Mir9-0-59-1

37.60

Pulls the length back and slows it up, Mehidy Hasan defends it out from his crease.

37.56

SIX! BOOM! Mehidy Hasan gets in on the act now. This is tossed up on a fullish length around off. Mehidy sits down and slog-sweeps it brilliantly against the turn, sending the ball into the stands over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Bangladesh eyeing 250 from here for sure.

37.41

Very full on leg stump, Shakib Al Hasan makes room and punches it down to long on for a single.

37.31

Full and on the stumps, eased away down to long off by Mehidy Hasan for yet another single. Just consolidating the previous good over by picking up singles.

37.21

On the pads, tucked away 'round the corner for one more.

37.11

Nicely tossed up, full and around off, Mehidy Hasan drives it with the turn through covers and picks up a single.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 172/6

M Hasan8 (12)

Al Hasan39 (57)

I Ahmed9-0-41-1

36.61

Flatter one, keeping a shade low, Mehidy Hasan plays it away to sweeper cover for a single. The crowd has found its voice now.

36.50

Tossed up, this is tucked away to mid-wicket.

36.41

Full and at the stumps, driven back firmly to the bowler who lets it through and the batters pick up a single.

36.34

FOUR! When it rains, it pours and Shakib Al Hasan has cut loose here. Flighted delivery from around the wicket and on middle, Shakib advances and lofts it with timing over the bowler's head to make it a hat-trick of boundaries.

36.24

FOUR! One boundary brings two and Shakib Al Hasan is on his bike. Floated up outside off, Shakib picks it up well and slog-sweeps it well in front of mid-wicket for another boundary.

36.14

FOUR! First sign of aggression from Shakib Al Hasan! Tossed up outside off, Shakib goes inside-out and hammers it over extra cover for a lovely boundary.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 158/6

Al Hasan26 (53)

M Hasan7 (10)

U Mir8-0-49-1

35.61

Quick single! Tossed up around off, Shakib Al Hasan uses his feet and hits it straight to mid off before getting across for one.

35.51

Uppish! Floated up around off, turning away, Mehidy Hasan has to reach for it a bit as he drives this one through the gap at covers for a single.

35.41

Second time in this innings that the batters pick up an overthrow off a direct hit. Tossed up on the stumps and turning in, Shakib Al Hasan flicks it to mid-wicket and looks for one but decides against it. The fielder hits the bullseye at the non-striker's end and the ball deflects away. The batters stay alive to the situation and pick up a single.

35.30

Nicely flighted around off, Shakib Al Hasan looks to lean on and work it leg side but closes the face of the bat early and gets a leading edge back to the bowler.

35.21

Drifted down leg, trying to turn it away from leg stump, Mehidy Hasan gets his hands out in front and pushes it down to mid-wicket for one.

35.11

Floated up on leg stump, turning in, Shakib Al Hasan leans on and works it away in front of square leg for a quick single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 153/6

Al Hasan23 (49)

M Hasan5 (8)

H Rauf7-0-31-1

34.61

Misses the yorker again and serves a full toss on the legs, Shakib picks it up and flicks it away in front of square on the leg side for just a single.

34.50

Tries to spear in a yorker outside off at 145 clicks but ends up being a half-volley instead. Shakib Al Hasan can only manage to squeeze it out to point and the frustration can be seen on his face.

34.40

Good length in the channel and angling in, Shakib Al Hasan covers the line well and solidly keeps it out.

34.32

Overpitched outside off, Shakib Al Hasan gets on the front foot and just eases it through the cover region for a couple of easy runs.

34.20

Comes from around the wicket and angles it in on a fuller length into middle at almost 141 clicks. Shakib Al Hasan blocks it back to the bowler.

34.11

Pitches it up outside the off stump at just 130 clicks. Mehidy Hasan pushes it away to deep cover and picks up a single. The 150 is up for Bangladesh.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 149/6

M Hasan4 (7)

Al Hasan20 (44)

U Mir7-0-44-1

33.61

Tossed up full on the off stump, this is driven all along the ground down to long off for another single.

33.51

Around the pads, this is worked away behind square leg for a run and Shakib Al Hasan just cannot get going at all here.

33.40

Too full and quick on the pads, Shakib Al Hasan looks to get across and flick but misses it completely and gets hit on the boot.

33.30

Pulls the length back and floats it on the stumps, Shakib Al Hasan gets across and nudges it past the keeper.

33.21

Nicely flighted around off, Mehidy Hasan gets on the front foot and plays a flowing cover drive square on the off side for just a single.

33.11

Floated up full and outside off, Shakib Al Hasan takes a step across the stumps and sweeps it hard to deep square leg for a run.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 145/6

M Hasan2 (5)

Al Hasan18 (40)

S Afridi7-1-19-3

32.60

Just misses the inswinging yorker on off and serves a low full toss. Mehidy Hasan caresses it straight to the man at short covers.

32.51

Back of a length outside off, tapped away past the point region for a single.

32.40

Brute of a delivery! Just at 130 clicks but gets the reverse-swinging yorker in at the toes. Shakib Al Hasan loses his balance but does well to jam it out.

32.32

Good length but well wide of the off stump, Shakib Al Hasan reaches out and drives it away through the cover region for a couple of runs.

32.21

The attempted yorker, full and at the toes, this is flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

32.10

Ouch, that must have hurt! On a good length outside off and shaping away. Mehidy Hasan makes a leaves and the ball dies on its way to the keeper. Mohammad Rizwan tries to get his body behind the ball but gets a bad bounce and the ball thuds right into the chest. Thankfully, Rizwan is fine.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 141/6

Al Hasan15 (37)

M Hasan1 (2)

U Mir6-0-40-1

31.60

Floated up full on the legs, flicked away to square leg.

31.51

Shorter one around the pads, nudged away down through square leg for a single.

Bangladesh 6 down for 140 runs. Can Shakib Al Hasan get them to a respectable total?

31.40

Fuller in length at the stumps, blocked out by Mehidy Hasan.

31.3W

OUT! TAKEN! Top comeback from Usama Mir and Towhid Hridoy has to walk back. This is pushed through very fuller and well outside off. Towhid Hridoy tries to get in position to play the big shot but has to adjust and ends up trying to jam the ball out with hard hands. The ball takes the outside edge and goes quickly around the face of the first slip. Iftikhar Ahmed there takes a sharp catch and Hridoy departs in a disappointing way. Also, Mehidy Hasan walks out to bat now.

31.26

SIX! WOW! Just his second ball, half the team back in the hut and Towhid Hridoy just doesn't care. Floated up outside off, Hridoy fetches the ball and slog-sweeps it in front of square on the leg side. The ball sails over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

31.11

Pushed through flatter on the pads, Shakib Al Hasan stays back and dabs it down to short fine leg for a single.

Usama Mir (5-0-32-0) is back on.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 133/5

Al Hasan14 (35)

T Hridoy1 (1)

S Afridi6-1-15-3

30.61

A good bit of fielding ends up costing an overthrow. This is full and straight on off, Shakib Al Hasan gets across and drives it firmly to mid on and looks for the single. The fielder there picks up the ball and keeps Towhid Hridoy on his toes with a direct hit. The ball through deflects away from the bowlers and the batters do eventually get the single.

30.51

Slightly pitched up on off stump, angling in, Towhid Hridoy defends it in front of mid on and gets across for a quick single.

30.51wd

Wide! Gets the line wrong this time. Sees the batter shuffling across and tries to sneak one in past the pads but spills it down the leg side.

DRINKS! It's drinks just after the important wicket of Mahmudullah. Bangladesh are 130/5 as their batter in top form walks back to the dressing room. Pakistan with a firm grip on the game. Let's see what happens from here on. Towhid Hridoy is the new batter in for Bangladesh.

30.4W

OUT! TIMBER! Changes the angle and uproots the set batter! Shaheen Afridi switches to around the wicket and bowls a gem of a delivery to give his side the breakthrough. Angles this one in on a fuller length and into middle and leg. Mahmudullah hangs back and plays for the line as he looks to flick but the ball pitches and swings away beautifully to leave Mahmudullah in splits and castles into the stumps. Too good a delivery and Mahmudullah departs after another solid knock as Shaheen has his third wicket of the game.

30.30

On a good length around off, angling across the off stump, Mahmudullah leaves it alone.

30.20

Pitched up around off stump, Mahmudullah advances and gets on the front foot but ends up just punching it gently to mid off.

30.11

Keeps it nice and full on the stumps, Shakib Al Hasan leans forward and flicks it away past square leg for a single.

30.11wd

Wide! Starts from over the wicket and just this one across on a fuller length and down the leg side. Shakib Al Hasan misses the flick but a wide is called.

Shaheen Afridi (5-1-10-2) is back on.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 128/4

Mahmudullah56 (67)

Al Hasan12 (33)

M Wasim6-1-29-0

29.60

Just short on top of the off stump. Mahmudullah stands on the crease and pushes the ball straight to covers to end the over.

29.51lb

Bouncer at the body of the batter. Shakib Al Hasan jumps up to turn the ball to the leg side, misses and gets hit on the side. The ball deflects to the off side in the covers gap and the batters take a leg bye.

29.41

On the pads from a fuller length. Mahmudullah flicks the ball into the mid-wicket gap and runs a single.

29.31

Just short and wide outside the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan waits and plays it late to third man for a single.

29.20

Good length delivery on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan offers a front foot defence back to the bowler.

29.11

Hits the good length on top of the middle stump. Mahmudullah stands tall, taps the ball to mid on and runs a quick single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 124/4

Al Hasan11 (30)

Mahmudullah54 (64)

I Ahmed8-0-27-1

28.60

Tossed up on the off stump line. Shakib Al Hasan steps down the track and gets a hit on the pads. Huge appeal from Iftikhar Ahmed for LBW but the umpire says no. Babar Azam decides not to take a review.

28.50

Just short at the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket.

28.40

Tossed up on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan drives the ball straight to covers.

28.31

Just short again on the stumps, easy single to Mahmudullah off the back foot towards mid-wicket.

28.21

Flat and short at the off stump line. Shakib Al Hasan goes back and pushes the ball to long on for a single.

28.11

Just short at the off stump line. Mahmudullah jumps back and flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 121/4

Al Hasan10 (26)

Mahmudullah52 (62)

M Wasim5-1-26-0

27.60

Just short outside the off stump with pace. Shakib Al Hasan jumps back and cuts the ball straight to point.

27.50

Pitched further up outside the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan pushes the ball straight to mid off.

27.40

Pitched up again on the middle stump line. Shakib Al Hasan takes the front foot out and pushes the ball straight back to the bowler.

27.30

Pitched up on the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan blocks the ball off the front foot.

27.20

Good come back by the bowler. hits the deck hard on the off stump line, making the ball leave the batter after pitching. Shakib Al Hasan gets beaten on the crease.

27.14

FOUR! Leaning into the drive, picking up the short side of the ground this time, Shakib Al Hasan. Pitched up outside the off stump and Shakib Al Hasan picks the covers gap off the front foot for a boundary.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 117/4

Al Hasan6 (20)

Mahmudullah52 (62)

I Ahmed7-0-24-1

26.61

Slides this one in on a length and down leg, Shakib Al Hasan works it 'round the corner for a single.

26.51

Just short at the batter. Mahmudullah rocks back and punches the ball straight to long on and runs a single.

26.40

Slower in the air but pitched up on the leg stump. Mahmudullah flicks the ball straight to square leg.

26.30

Pitched up slow on the stumps. Mahmudullah flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket.

26.21

Pitched up on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan pushes the ball into the covers gap off the front foot to get a single.

26.11

Just short outside the off stump. Mahmudullah rocks back and pushes the ball to sweepers for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 113/4

Mahmudullah50 (58)

Al Hasan4 (18)

H Rauf6-0-27-1

25.61

That is another half-century for Mahmudullah. He has been in some form in the World Cup. Tucks the ball to the sweeper cover and runs an easy single to bring up his 50.

25.51

On the pads from a good length from around the wicket angle. Shakib Al Hasan waits on it and flicks it late to the left of square leg to pick up a quick single.

25.40

Pitched up outside the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan takes the front leg out and pushes the ball straight to the hands of covers this time.

25.31

Short and wide this time, cut away to sweepers for a single.

25.20

Pitched up outside the off stump. Mahmudullah pushes the ball straight into the hands of covers.

25.11

Hits the short length hard from around the wicket to the left-hander. Shakib Al Hasan stands back and flicks the ball to fine leg for a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 109/4

Al Hasan2 (15)

Mahmudullah48 (55)

I Ahmed6-0-20-1

24.61

Pitched up on the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan flicks the ball to the left of mid-wicket and runs a single to end the over.

24.50

Slow and up on the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan pushes the ball straight to covers off the front foot.

24.40

Pitches the ball up again on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan taps the ball to covers and looks for a single, sent back in the end.

24.30

Tossed up on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan steps down and pushes the ball straight to covers.

24.20

Flat and full on the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan stays back and pushes the ball back to the bowler.

24.10

Tossed up on the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan blocks the ball off the back foot.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 108/4

Mahmudullah48 (55)

Al Hasan1 (9)

H Rauf5-0-23-1

23.60

Holds the length back on the off stump. Mahmudullah pushes the ball straight to mid off to end the over.

23.50

Outside the off stump from the good length. Mahmudullah takes the front leg out and pushes the ball straight to mid off.

23.40

On the pads from a good length. Mahmudullah flicks it straight to mid-wicket off the front foot.

23.31

Short and just outside the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan cuts the ball late to third man for a single.

23.21lb

Swinging in from the length, on the leg stump this time. Mahmudullah gets a hit on the pads and runs a single from square leg. An appeal from Haris Rauf but the umpire says no.

23.21wd

Wide! Another one outside the leg stump, this time from a fuller length. Wide again.

23.21wd

Wide! That's wayward outside the leg stump from a shorter length. Mahmudullah lets it go, wide called.

23.10

On the leg stump line from over the wicket, hitting the good length. Mahmudullah flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 104/4

Al Hasan0 (8)

Mahmudullah48 (50)

I Ahmed5-0-19-1

22.60

Just short at the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket to end the over.

22.50

Tossed up outside the off stump and Shakib Al Hasan gets beaten as he looks to run it to covers off the front foot.

22.40

Just short at the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan pushes the ball back to the bowler from the crease.

22.30

Tossed up at the off stump. Shakib Al Hasan plays the front foot defence back to the bowler.

22.20

Just short and slow off the wicket. Shakib Al Hasan rocks back and blocks the ball back to the bowler.

22.11

Tossed up outside the off stump. Mahmudullah pushes the ball to the right of point and runs a single.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 103/4

Al Hasan0 (3)

Mahmudullah47 (49)

H Rauf4-0-20-1

21.60

Just hold back the length on top of the off stump this time. Shakib Al Hasan stays back and blocks the ball to end the over.

21.50

Another good length ball with a hint of in-swing from around the wicket to the left-hander. Shakib Al Hasan pushes the ball off the front foot straight to mid on.

21.41

On the pads from a good length this time. Mahmudullah walks in and flicks the ball to fine leg and runs a single.

21.30

Hits the good length hard on the stumps. Haris Rauf bringing in the pace. Mahmudullah stands tall and blocks the ball to mid-wicket.

21.20

Just a hint of reverse there as Haris Rauf bowls this one on a fullish length and outside off. Mahmudullah looks to play at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

21.10

Starts the new spell with a pitched-up delivery around off, nipping away. Mahmudullah stays back and keeps it out toward cover.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 102/4

Al Hasan0 (1)

Mahmudullah46 (45)

I Ahmed4-0-18-1

20.60

Comes from around the stumps and floats it up full around off. Shakib Al Hasan looks to lean on and blocks but gets it off the outside edge down to short third man.

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan walks out to bat now.

20.5W

OUT! CAUGHT! Soft dismissal for Litton Das. All the hardwork comes tumbling down in front of his eyes. A nothing ball by Iftikhar Ahmed, short on the leg stump with no pace on it at all. Litton Das rocks back on the crease and looks to flick the ball on the leg side, in turn gets a leading edge straight to Usama Mir standing at mid-wicket who takes a comfortable catch. Bangladesh pushed back on the back foot again and Das doesn't move from his crease in utter disappointment.

20.41

Just short on the stumps. Mahmudullah pushes the ball to long on for a single.

20.34

FOUR! A soft flick off the pads to the fine leg boundary! Iftikhar Ahmed bowls in short with pace on the pads of Mahmudullah who just rocks back and helps the ball on its way. Gets an inside edge on the ball and Mohammad Rizwan is not able to grab the ball after the edge. The ball races off to the fine leg boundary. Lucky for Mahmudullah and Bangladesh.

20.20

Tossed up slow on the off stump. Mahmudullah steps down and flicks the ball to mid-wicket but does not take the single.

20.11

Tossed up on the off stump. Litton Das pushes the ball to long on for a single.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 96/3

Mahmudullah41 (42)

L Das44 (62)

U Mir5-0-32-0

19.60

Nagging length, drifting into the pads and turning away, Mahmudullah stays back and blocks it out.

19.56

SIX! BANG! Poor bowling this from Usama Mir as he drags this one down around middle and leg. Mahmudullah has all the time in the world to rock back and muscle the pull over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Bangladesh getting a real move along now.

19.41

Good fielding! Shorter one around off, quicker too, Litton Das backs away and plays it off the face of the bat fine of short third man. Mohammad Wasim there puts in the dive and keeps it down to a single.

19.30

Quicker and flatter outside off, turning in, Litton Das puts a stride out and leaves it alone.

19.24

FOUR! Easy pickings! Looks to toss it up full but serves a juicy full toss around off. Litton Das picks it up and slog-sweeps it flat in front of mid-wicket for another boundary.

19.10

Flighted delivery around off stump, Litton Das eases it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 85/3

Mahmudullah35 (40)

L Das39 (58)

I Ahmed3-0-12-0

18.62

Nicely done! On the shorter side and on the stumps, Mahmudullah gets inside the line and scoops it over the keeper's head for a couple of runs more.

18.51

Fullish length around off, pushed out toward cover-point for a single.

18.40

Pushed through quicker, on a nagging length and turning in sharply. Litton Das plays it late off the back foot and dabs it down to backward point.

18.31

Another slower one sitting up around off and middle, Mahmudullah backs away and pushes it down to long on for a single.

18.20

Slower and shorter, turning into the stumps, Mahmudullah gets across and nudges it to square leg.

18.10

Gives it a lot more air and floats it outside off, Mahmudullah pushes it out to backward point.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 81/3

L Das38 (56)

Mahmudullah32 (36)

U Mir4-0-21-0

17.60

Drifted on to middle and getting it to turn away a bit, Litton Das gets a big stride forward to block.

17.54

FOUR! Cuts and cuts well! Short and outside off, Litton Das rocks back and latches onto the ball before cutting it in between backward point and short third man for a boundary.

17.41

Slower through the air and nicely flighted on off stump, Mahmudullah plays it late and with soft hands past point for one more.

17.31

Tossed up full on off, driven with a straight bat down to long off for a single.

17.20

Nicely flighted on off stump, Litton Das leans on and negates the turn before defending it out.

17.10

Pushed through flatter around off, Litton Das plays it late and dabs it toward backward point.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 75/3

L Das33 (51)

Mahmudullah31 (35)

M Wasim4-1-22-0

16.61

Another bumper over middle and leg, Litton Das swivels and gets on top of the bounce before pulling it down to fine leg for a single.

16.51

Good running! Back of a length over middle and angling in, Mahmudullah hops back and fends it away past short leg for a quick single.

16.40

A well-directed short ball, over the left shoulder and angling in. Mahmudullah gets inside the line and just lets it through to the keeper.

16.30

On a hard length in the channel, punched away toward cover.

16.24

FOUR! Gets the width and puts it away! Short and wide, Mahmudullah rocks back and cuts it firmly to the left of the diving man at point for a boundary. The 50-run stand is also up between these two.

16.11

Back of a length outside off, Litton Das stays back and pushes it down toward cover for a single.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 68/3

Mahmudullah26 (31)

L Das31 (49)

U Mir3-0-15-0

15.60

Nagging length around middle, a hint of turn away, Mahmudullah stays solid in defense.

15.50

Floated up on the stumps, this is tucked away to mid-wicket.

15.40

Flatter one around off, Mahmudullah keeps it out on the off side.

15.30

Gets away with it! A juicy full toss on middle and leg, Mahmudullah just eases it away to mid on.

15.21

In the air...lands short! Gives it a lot more flight and gets it to dip around off. Litton Das stays back and looks to whack this one straight down the ground but due to the turn, the ball gets sliced up high over wide mid off. Haris Rauf gets sprinting in from the deep and dives in but can't get to it. A single is taken.

15.11

Tossed up outside off, this is driven away nicely along with the turn to sweeper cover for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 66/3

L Das30 (48)

Mahmudullah25 (26)

M Wasim3-1-15-0

14.60

A maiden! Goes wide of the crease and bowls it a touch fuller outside off, gets the ball to swing back in a long way. Litton Das shoulders his arms at it.

14.50

Shorter this time and outside off, Litton Das slaps it without much timing and into covers.

14.40

Good length angling on the pads, flicked away to square leg for a fourth dot on the trot.

14.30

Hits the length hard and in the channel, Litton Das stands tall and keeps it down on the off side.

14.20

Good length around middle, swinging back into the legs, Litton Das gets his hands out in front and tucks it toward mid-wicket.

14.10

Slightly back of a length around off, Litton Das is on the front foot and just drops it in front of cover-point with soft hands.

DRINKS! At the end of 14 overs, Bangladesh is recovering from the top-order stumble at 66/3 with Mahmudullah and Litton Das putting up a fight. Pakistan looking for another breakthrough to break the batting line up wide open. Let's see what happens after the break.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 66/3

Mahmudullah25 (26)

L Das30 (42)

U Mir2-0-13-0

13.60

Tossed up full on the base of the stumps, Mahmudullah digs it out on the off side.

13.50

Nagging length on middle, this one grips and turns away nicely. Mahmudullah watches it closely and opens the bat face late to dab it toward backward point.

13.40

Flatter this time outside off, Mahmudullah backs away to open up the off side but gets a thick outside edge to the left of short third.

13.41wd

Wide! A bit quicker and shorter down leg, Mahmudullah looks to go after it but misses and a wide is called.

13.34

FOUR! Poor line! This is dragged down on the pads, Mahmudullah gets a fine tickle on it and the ball runs away to the fine leg fence.

13.20

Slowed up and drifted onto the leg stump, this one grips and turns away and Mahmudullah gets squared up. The ball takes the leading edge and goes to the off side.

13.10

Flighted up, full and outside off, inviting the drive. Mahmudullah obliges and gets an outside edge toward point.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 61/3

L Das30 (42)

Mahmudullah21 (20)

M Wasim2-0-15-0

12.60

A dot to end the over. This is bowled on a good length around the top of off, Litton Das punches it away to cover-point.

12.51

Five singles in five deliveries so far. Length ball on the pads, flicked away down to fine leg for one more.

12.41

Back of a length outside off, Litton Das stays back and punches it down through backward point for a single.

12.31

Perfect length, getting the ball to tail back in as well, Mahmudullah gets an inside edge on the leg side and pick up a single.

12.21

Banged in very short now around off, Litton Das does well to get on top of the bounce and pull it down behind square leg for one more.

12.11

Bowled back of a length and over middle, Mahmudullah hops on the back foot and nudges it away toward deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 56/3

Mahmudullah18 (17)

L Das28 (39)

U Mir1-0-8-0

11.61

Drops it short now on the stumps, tucked away off the back foot through square leg for a run.

11.54

FOUR! A valiant effort but goes in vain and the fightback from Bangladesh continues. Floated up, very full and outside off, a genuine half-volley. Mahmudullah hits it hard and past the diving man at covers and the fielder in the deep slides to his right and gets a hand on it but his body is in contact with the ropes when that happens. Four more!

11.40

Pushed through a bit quicker and on off, Mahmudullah punches it to extra cover.

11.31

Nicely tossed up, full and on off stump, Litton Das caresses it toward deep cover and turns the strike over.

11.20

Loops this one up, full and getting it to dip on middle. Litton Das stays leg side and jams it out on the off side.

11.12

Starts with a shorter delivery on middle, this one turns away a touch. Litton Das gets on the back foot and pushes it away square through covers for a brace. The 50 comes up for Bangladesh.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 48/3

Mahmudullah13 (14)

L Das25 (36)

M Wasim1-0-10-0

10.64

FOUR! Put away with disdain! Overpitched outside off and begging to be hit. Mahmudullah doesn't let it go unpunished and hammers it through extra cover for a boundary.

10.51lb

Leg bye! Shorter one at the body, Litton Das tries to get inside the line and pull but the ball goes off the thigh pad behind square leg and they pick up a leg bye.

10.40

Just drags the length back and tries to angle it in from around off, Litton Das gets back behind the line and pats it back to the bowler.

10.30

Goes back to the fuller length and keeps it in line with the stumps, Litton Das blocks it off the front foot.

10.24

FOUR! Sublime timing on this occasion! Banged in hard on a shorter length outside off, not too wide either. Litton Das just hops back and thumps it down past point and wide of third man for a boundary.

10.12

Starts with a fullish length around middle, angling it into the pads. Litton Das leans on, gets his hands out in front and flicks it away down to deep backward square leg for a brace.

Powerplay 2! Fielding restrictions are now eased and more than for the bowling team, Bangladesh will breathe easier as they will now look to find those easy singles.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 37/3

Mahmudullah9 (13)

L Das19 (31)

H Rauf3-0-19-1

9.60

Hits the good length hard on top of the off stump. Mahmudullah blocks the ball off the front foot to end the over. End of the first Powerplay for Bangladesh.

9.50

Pitched up on the off stump this time. Mahmudullah pushes the ball off the front foot with good timing but straight to the man at short covers.

9.41

Bowls a bit up on the leg stump with pace. Litton Das taps the ball from the crease to the right of mid on and runs a quick single.

9.30

Just short on top of the off stump with pace this time. Litton Das stands back and blocks the ball from the crease back to the bowler.

9.20

Pulls back the length outside the off stump. Litton Das looks to play it late from the crease but finds the hands of point.

9.10

Pitched up outside the off stump. Litton Das pushes the ball straight to covers.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 36/3

Mahmudullah9 (11)

L Das18 (27)

S Afridi5-1-10-2

8.60

On the pads, pitched up. Mahmudullah gets his bat down in just the time to block the ball straight to mid-wicket from the crease.

8.50

Good length ball again outside the off stump. Left alone by Mahmudullah.

8.44

FOUR! Mahmudullah wont leave it anymore. Too full, too easy for the man in form for Bangladesh. Pitched up outside the off stump and Mahmudullah plays a perfect cover drive through the cover region with superb timing.

8.30

Same line, same length, same result, left alone by Mahmudullah after covering his stumps.

8.20

Bowls the good length from around the wicket outside the off stump. Mahmudullah raises his arms and lets the ball go through.

8.10

Fuller in length and outside off, going straight through and Mahmudullah leaves it alone.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 32/3

L Das18 (27)

Mahmudullah5 (5)

H Rauf2-0-18-1

7.60

Back of a length on a tight line around off, Litton Das hops back and punches it out toward cover.

7.53

Pitched further up on the off stump line. Mahmudullah pushes the ball off the front foot into the gap at covers and picks up three runs. Good running by the batters.

7.40

Good length ball again on the off stump. Mahmudullah offers the front foot defence to covers.

7.30

Hits the good length with pace on top of the leg stump. Mahmudullah gets hit high on the front leg as he looks to run it down to fine leg. Haris Rauf appeals hard but the umpire says no. Babar Azam takes a review after a lot of appeasing from Rauf and it is seen that the ball misses the bat on UltraEdge, pitches in line, the impact looks in line as well but the ball misses the stumps. In the end a review lost for Pakistan.

7.20

Bowled up again on the off stump. Mahmudullah pushes the ball straight to covers off the front foot.

7.12

Pitched up on the off stump. Mahmudullah gets a thick outside edge of the bat as he looks to block it. The ball beats point to his left and the batters pick up a couple from third man.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 27/3

L Das18 (26)

Mahmudullah0 (0)

S Afridi4-1-6-2

6.60

Another cutter from a good length on the off stump. Litton Das offers a perfect front foot defence straight to covers.

6.50

Good length ball outside off, left alone by Litton Das.

6.40

Ohh, that is just short of the man at short mid-wicket. Short ball at the batter by Shaheen Afridi and Litton Das pulls thye ball away to the right of mid-wicket. The ball falls just short of Usama Mir who does get a hand behind it and Litton Das survives.

6.30

Another good length ball outside the off stump. Litton Das lets the ball go through.

6.20

Afridi brings out the off cutter now, bowls it outside off and gets it to grip as well. Litton Das leaves it alone as the ball dies on its way to the keeper who gets a bad bounce but manages to get behind it.

6.14

FOUR! Beautifully played and amidst all the chaos, Litton Das is playing a top knock here. Just back of a length outside off, angling away, Das does well to get on top of the bounce and just strokes it past the point region for a boundary.

Mahmudullah walks out to bat now.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 23/3

M Rahim5 (8)

L Das14 (20)

H Rauf1-0-13-1

5.6W

OUT! CAUGHT! What a comeback by Haris Rauf and Pakistan, getting the dangerous Mushfiqur Rahim this time. Haris Rauf hits the good length just outside the off stump with pace and leaves Mushfiqur Rahim hanging on the crease with no foot movement. All Mushfiqur Rahim could do was poke his bat at it and gets a faint outside edge through to Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps.

5.54

FOUR! Another one for the over and this time its Mushfiqur Rahim with a superb push through the covers. Haris Rauf gets punished for pitching the ball up again outside the off stump this time. Mushfiqur Rahim takes his front foot to the line of the ball and times the ball to perfection between covers and point to find the third boundary of the over.

5.41

A touch fuller and in the channel around off, Litton Das is able to get on the front foot and eases it away wide of third man for a single.

5.30

Much better! Hits the deck hard over 143 clicks and bowls it over off. Litton Das stays back to defend.

5.24

FOUR! Even better than the previous one. Litton Das showing his brilliance again. Haris Rauf pitches the ball up again on the leg stump line this time and Litton Das plays an even better on drive with a mere extension of the elbows. The ball beats the bowler and races away to the long on boundary.

5.14

FOUR! What a welcome in the game for Haris Rauf by Litton Das. Plays a perfect straight drive to the long off boundary. Haris Rauf pitches the ball up on the off stump and Litton Das says thank you very much, takes the front foot out and pushes the ball with exquisite timing to the right of mid off, beating him to the boundary off the first ball of the over.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 10/2

M Rahim1 (6)

L Das5 (16)

S Afridi3-1-2-2

4.60

Pitched further up outside the off stump again. Mushfiqur Rahim is not interested in playing at that one. Ends the over with a dot ball.

4.50

Creates the angle again from over the wicket to outside the off stump. Mushfiqur Rahim lets the ball go through.

4.40

On the stumps, pitched up. Mushfiqur Rahim blocks the ball off the front foot back to the bowler.

4.31

Pitched up outside the off stump, creating the angle from over the stumps. Litton Das takes his front foot out and pushes the ball between covers and mid off and runs a single. Good fielding at extra cover to keep it to a single.

4.20

Pitches the ball just short on the middle stump line from over the stumps. Litton Das stands tall on the crease and offers a defence back to the bowler.

4.10

Hits the deck outside the off stump from over the wicket angle. Litton Das raises his arms and lets the ball go on its way.

A slight delay in proceedings as the advertisement on the sightscreen doesn't go away and creates an issue for the batter. It takes a few minutes to get sorted but play can now resume.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 9/2

L Das4 (13)

M Rahim1 (3)

I Ahmed2-0-8-0

3.61

On the pads, tossed up and Litton Das flicks the ball to the left of short fine leg to take a single off the last ball and keep strike.

3.50

Pitched short on the off stump, flat. Litton Das stays back and blocks the ball straight to point.

3.41

Pitched up on the pads to Mushfiqur Rahim and he flicks the ball to the right of mid on and runs a single.

3.31

Just short and slow on the off stump. Litton Das stands back, pushes the ball between mid off and covers and takes a run.

3.20

On the pads, pitched up. Litton Das flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

3.10

Tossed up outside the off stump. Litton Das takes the front leg out and pushes the ball straight to mid off.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 6/2

M Rahim0 (2)

L Das2 (8)

S Afridi2-1-1-2

2.60

Good length outside off, angling across as well, Mushfiqur Rahim makes another leave. Just one run and a wicket off it as well, excellent start from Shaheen Afridi.

2.50

Excellent leave! Perfect length, tighter on off stump and moving a bit in the air. Mushfiqur Rahim trusts the movement and the bounce before shouldering arms and the ball goes over the wickets through to the keeper.

Mushfiqur Rahim is the new man in.

2.4W

OUT! CAUGHT! Pakistan and Shaheen Afridi on absolute fire here at the Eden Gardens, calling authority in the second over itself. Pitches the ball up to the baller on the leg stump line this time. Najmul Hossain Shanto stays on the crease and looks to flick the ball through the leg side, even gets good timing on the ball but the placement is where he missed out, hits the ball straight into the hands of Usama Mir standing at mid-wicket who takes a good low catch diving to his right. Bangladesh in huge trouble as Shaheen Afridi still looks hungry for more.

2.31

Another good length ball, Litton Das pushes the ball into the gap and runs a single.

2.20

Hits the good length again on the stumps. Litton Das punches the ball to mid on off the front foot.

2.10

Short and wide to start. Litton Das looks to cut it but gets beaten in the process.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 5/1

Hossain Shanto4 (2)

L Das1 (5)

I Ahmed1-0-5-0

1.64

FOUR! That is misfielded and the ball runs away to the backward point boundary. Iftikhar Ahmed pitches the ball up to the left hander on the off stump. Najmul Hossain Shanto takes his foot out and plays the ball with soft hands to the right of point. The fielder dives over the ball and misses it completely. The ball races onto the outfield and Najmul Hossain Shanto picks up his first boundary of the innings.

1.51

Pitched up on the leg stump. Litton Das flicks the ball towards square leg and runs a single.

1.40

Another dot ball as Litton Das plays a front foot defence to a tossed up ball back to the bowler.

1.30

Slow and tossed on the middle stump line. Litton Das takes a foot out and plays the defence.

1.20

Flat but on the stumps. Litton Das takes a foot out and blocks it off.

1.10

Tossed up on the stumps. Litton Das offers a front foot defence.

Iftikhar Ahmed to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 0/1

Hossain Shanto0 (1)

L Das0 (0)

S Afridi1-1-0-1

0.60

Pitched up at the off stump. Najmul Hossain Shanto blocks the ball off the front foot. What a start by Shaheen Afridi, a wicket-maiden!

Najmul Hossain Shanto is in at number 3.

0.5W

OUT! LBW! That is very well set up by Shaheen Afridi who is picking up his 100th ODI wicket and this time its a big one. Shaheen Afridi bowls 4 outswingers from the good length outside the off stump and gets this ball to nip back in from the off stump line. The ball hits Tanzid Hasan on the front leg as he looks to block it from the crease. There is a huge shout for LBW and the umpire raises his finger. Tanzid Hasan takes a review and its seen that there is no bat involved on UltraEdge. The ball is pitching in line, the impact is on the line of middle stump and is just clipping the leg stump. The decision stays out and Bangladesh lose their first in the first over itself.

0.40

Another good length ball by Shaheen Afridi on the off stump. Tanzid Hasan watchfully blocks the ball off the front foot towards point.

0.30

Pitched up this time, keeping the ball on the off stump line. Tanzid Hasan takes a foot forward and gently pushes the ball towards mid on.

0.20

Hits the deck hard on top of the off stump. Tanzid Hasan stays on the crease and blocks the ball back to the bowler with soft hands.

0.10

Starts off with a fuller delivery outside the off stump. He is swinging the ball away from the left-hander. Tanzid Hasan gets beaten while looking to push it through covers. Good start for Shaheen Afridi.

Done with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to play! The umpires are out in the middle as the Pakistan team is seen in a huddle before striding out to the middle. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das will open the innings for Bangladesh. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and will look to get some early purchase here. A couple of slips in place, let's go...

Just a few minutes left now for the game to get underway, but first, the two sets of players along with their mascots will line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Bangladesh first, followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

Pakistani speedster, Shaheen Afridi is down for a quick chat. On being on the cusp of 100 ODI wickets, he says that he still remembers his debut and to be so close to this achievement feels amazing. Adds that you win and lose as a team and they can only give it their all, the rest is not in their hands. Mentions that they still lost and will look to get over the line in the remaining games. Adds that there won't be much swing here and the length will be crucial and they were trying to bowl on a hard length in practice. On Mohammad Wasim, he says that early on he was erratic but has worked hard in the nets and it is good to see him get a chance to play.

The Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam says that they would have batted first as well because the wicket looks very dry but will now look to make good use of the early conditions. Adds that in the last game, they were good in all departments but failed to cross the line and will look to get the job done here. On not being able to convert fifties in hundreds, he says that he is also disappointed with that and will look to get to that three-figure mark. Adds that there are three changes in the team with Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan all missing out and Fakhar Zaman, Agha Salman and Usama Mir have replaced them.

Shakib Al Hasan, the captain of Bangladesh decides to bat first. Says that it looks like a dry wicket and they played on such a wicket a few days back and it starts to turn in the second half. He says that they don't have anything to lose from here on and will look to play better cricket. He also says that the culture here is pretty similar to back home and expects a good turnout of the crowd here at Kolkata and hopes to give them a good win tonight. Ends by informing that Mahedi Hasan is out and Towhid Hridoy comes in for him.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (C), Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Towhid Hridoy (In for Mahedi Hasan), Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman (In for Imam-ul-Haq), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman (In for Mohammad Nawaz), Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir (In for Shadab Khan), Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.

TOSS - Up goes the flip of the coin and it is Shakib Al Hasan who calls it correctly. Bangladesh have opted to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Naseer Hussain is pitchside. He says that the weather is 33 degrees and it is hot and humid. Says that they have moved one pitch and the off side is short at 59 meters and the leg side looks around 69 meters. Shane Watson joins him and adds that the wicket looks very dry and the spinners will have a very good day out it looks a little concerning for the batters, but that is what the World Cup is all about, adapting the situation and playing accordingly.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, were thumped by the Netherlands which would have dented their confidence. Their batting has been really disappointing with their experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah scoring the bulk of the runs. The talented young players like Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto haven't had much impact but still have some games to leave a mark. Their pace attack consists of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman who have been really good throughout while Mehidy Hasan and Shakib have also bowled well. They know that they haven't played anywhere near their potential but will want to give their best to get the better of Pakistan to spread some joy over the faces of their fans. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Pakistan suffered heartbreak against South Africa in the last game where they gave their everything to win the game but just couldn't get over the line. Their bowling was brilliant with Shaheen Afridi leading from the front and Haris Rauf also showing his class. Hasan Ali was injured and Mohammad Wasim came in for him and performed really well and may have kept his place. Their batting has been a major issue and they will expect a lot more from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan while their middle order also needs to step up big time. Historically, they have the upper hand in this fixture and will look to maintain that and finally get another win.

Hello and welcome to our coverage of match number 31 of the World Cup between two Asian rivals wearing green, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This is essentially a straight knockout game as both sides have struggled throughout the tournament. The qualification to the knockouts is not entirely in the hands of these two teams but a win here will at least keep their hopes alive for some time.

... MATCH DAY ...

We have arrived at round 31 of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. In this game, Pakistan will go up against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Both teams are coming into this match riding on the back of recent losses. Bangladesh looked strong in their first match where they clinched a win over Afghanistan but it has been nothing but a series of losses for this team in the rest of their matches. Their last match was against the Netherlands where they failed to chase the target and lost by 87 runs. Their bowlers did a good job by restricting the Dutch to a low total of 229 with Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Mahedi Hasan taking 2 wickets each. Shakib Al Hasan who was back with the team clinched one wicket to seal the innings. It was their batting unit that let them down. Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan both have them are both expected to give a strong start but they are not able to do so. Mehidy Hasan tried to stabilize the innings but he too was dismissed. None of the batters kept the partnership going and gave away their wickets to the opposition. They failed to perform under pressure which put them on a 5-match losing streak. This match is a good opportunity for them to gain some confidence towards the end of the league stages. Pakistan also started their campaign well by winning their opening two games against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. After their loss against India, this team had to face a series of defeats. This Pakistani team carried a lot of expectations from their fans and the experts rated it as a team to be feared and capable of finishing in the top 4 on the points table but their performance hasn't been up to the mark. Their last game against South Africa was a nail-biter with the Proteas taking the win after fighting brutally. Pakistan put up a good score but the openers again failed to score big and got out early. It was the middle and lower order who helped to put up a competitive score on the board. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan put up a good stand with Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan handling the innings in the later stages. Their bowling unit also managed to take timely wickets and didn't allow the opposition batters to score big except for Markram who changed the tide against Pakistan. Shaheen Afridi clinched three important wickets while Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, and Mohammad Wasim got two each. Mohammad Nawaz and Iftikhar Ahmed leaked some runs. The absence of a full-time spinner from the squad is turning out to be a great disadvantage for Pakistan as they are struggling in those middle overs. In the end, the Proteas managed to chase down the total with only a wicket left. It was a close match but Pakistan was on the losing end of it. This match is expected to be an exciting one as one of them will end their losing streak and get back to winning ways. This match is very crucial for Pakistan in order to have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament. Which team are you supporting?