Pakistan bludgeoned Bangladesh out of the World Twenty20 and successfully reached the Super Eights round with a ruthless batting display on Tuesday.
Imran Nazir’s brilliant 72 and skipper Mohammad Hafeez’s 45 helped take Pakistan past Bangladesh’s challenging 175-6 in Pallekele, after already overhauling the target needed to go through on net run-rate.
Shakib Al Hasan had smashed a record 84 for Bangladesh, who needed to win by 36 runs to go through, raising the prospect of a shock upset against the former champions.
But those hopes were quickly dashed by opener Nazir’s career-best knock, including nine boundaries and three sixes in 36 balls, which made up the bulk of Pakistan’s 124 for the opening wicket with Hafeez.
Even when both fell in one Abul Hasan over, Nasir Jamshed (29 not out) and Kamran Akmal (22 not out) ensured the win was achieved with eight balls to spare as Pakistan wrapped it up with 178-2, joining New Zealand in the next round.
“It’s a great team effort, the boys have shown the right attitude so far in this tournament,” said Hafeez.
“Our bowlers tried well but there is a little bit of a concern about the fast bowlers, still I am very happy as captain because the team are responding to me,” said Hafeez, whose pace trio conceded 93 in nine overs.