NAGOYA, JAPAN: In the first semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 cricket tournament, Bangladesh has given Pakistan a target of 112 runs to win and qualify for the final.
The match, being played in Japan, was affected by weather conditions. Due to a wet outfield after overnight rain, the umpires decided to reduce the game to 13 overs per side.
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that seemed to suit the conditions. Bangladesh started cautiously but managed to post a competitive total of 111 for 7 in their 13 overs. Middle-order batsman Towhid Hridoy was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring a crucial 42 runs to take his team past the 100-run mark.
Pakistan’s bowlers performed well to restrict Bangladesh. Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while all-rounder Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets.
Pakistan has fielded a strong eleven for this important semi-final clash, featuring captain Sahibzada Farhan, Muaz Sadaqat, wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Hassan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. Pakistan now needs 112 runs in 13 overs to book their place in the gold medal match of the Asian Games.
Read also: Pakistan Climbs to Fourth in Latest ICC ODI Rankings
