Pakistan secured a crucial seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023 match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This win significantly improved Pakistan’s net run rate (NRR) and elevated them to the fifth position in the points table. The victory keeps Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, but their fate depends on both their performance and New Zealand’s outcomes.
Pakistan currently has eight points from six games, and they ideally need New Zealand to lose their remaining matches. If New Zealand loses their next three matches, both teams would finish the group stage with eight points each. Pakistan’s qualification for the knockout stage hinges on them collecting 10 points by winning their next three matches.
In this match, Fakhar Zaman made a remarkable comeback, scoring 81 runs, and Abdullah Shafique contributed with 68 runs, establishing a dominant 128-run opening partnership.
Bangladesh, batting first, struggled against Pakistan’s pace attack. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf took early wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 23-3. Liton Das and Mahmudullah’s partnership contributed significantly, but Pakistan’s bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi, kept taking crucial wickets.
In the end, Bangladesh posted 204 runs, a target that Pakistan comfortably chased down in 32.3 overs. This win has breathed new life into Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, as they look ahead to their crucial clash against New Zealand, which will play a decisive role in their semi-final aspirations.
