DUBAI: In the semi-final held at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium on Friday, Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for 121 in 26.3 overs, with pacer Abdul Subhan claiming four wickets. Pakistan, who chose to bowl after winning the toss, benefitted from the rain-affected match, which was reduced to 27 overs per side.
Bangladesh’s openers, Rifat Beg and Zawad Akbar, provided a steady start, adding 24 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession. Captain Azizul Hakim then anchored the innings with a 26-ball 20, but his dismissal in the 13th over, courtesy of Abdul Subhan, triggered a collapse. Abdul Subhan continued to trouble Bangladesh’s batsmen, taking two more wickets in quick succession, reducing Bangladesh to 65/5.
Sheikh Parvez Jibon (nine) was dismissed by Ahmed Hussain, further denting Bangladesh’s batting lineup, which eventually fell to 73/6. Bangladesh’s resistance was led by all-rounder Samiun Basir, who scored 33 off 37 balls, including a six and a four, providing some stability for the side.
Pakistani bowler Abdul Subhan was exceptional, finishing with figures of four wickets for 20 runs in his six overs, supported by Huzaifa Ahsan with two wickets, while Ali Raza, Mohammad Sayyam, and Ahmed Hussain all took one wicket each.Chasing a target of 122, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Hamza Zahoor was dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan then steadied the innings, forging a rapid 85-run partnership for the second wicket off just 57 balls.
The partnership was broken in the 11th over when Samiun Basir dismissed Usman Khan lbw for 27, which included two sixes and two fours. Following this, Sameer partnered with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed 11 not out from 14 balls, to comfortably guide Pakistan to victory with an unbeaten 69 off 57 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.
Pakistan reached the target with two wickets remaining and 69 balls to spare, booking their place in the final against India in the tournament.
