At the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou, China, on Friday, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by four wickets in the second semifinal match of the men’s cricket competition for the 2023 Asian Games.
Afghanistan reach Asian Games final: Pakistan was knocked out for 115 in 18 overs after being given the opportunity to bat first. Afghanistan reached the goal in 17.5 overs.
Omair Yousuf (24, 19b, 2x4s, 16) was the top scorer for Pakistan, followed by Aamir Jamal (14, 11b, 14, 16), Arafat Minhas (13, 14b, 14), and Rohail Nazir (10, 15b, 16).
Fareed Ahmed, a pace bowler, finished his three overs with three wickets and 15 runs conceded. Zahir Khan and Qais Ahmed, both spinners, each claimed two wickets.
Afghanistan earned the final spot in the 19th Asian Games in exchange thanks to Noor Ali Zadran’s (39, 33b, 4x4s, 2x6s) and Gulbadin Naib’s (26 not out, 19b, 14, 3x6s) performances.
While Usman Qadir and Arafat returned with two wickets each, Qasim Akram and Sufiyan each took one during the Pakistan spin attack’s successful run throughout the innings.
Tilak Verma’s undefeated half-century and a combined bowling effort helped India defeat Bangladesh by nine wickets with 64 balls remaining in the inaugural Asian Games 2023 semi-final.
When given the opportunity to bat first, Bangladesh could only muster a modest total of 96/9.
In their poor performance with the bat, Bangladesh’s wicketkeeper Jaker Ali (24 not out) and openers Parvez Hossain Emon (23) and Rakibul Hasan (14) both scored more runs than rest of their batters combined.
As a result of an unbroken 97-run partnership between Ruturaj and Verma, India easily scored the winning runs.
Verma continued to lead India in scoring with an undefeated 55 off just 26 deliveries, while Gaikwad added a 40-not-out effort in the same amount of balls.
However, Tomorrow at the same location, Pakistan will play Bangladesh for the bronze medal in the Asian Games 2023. The game will commence at 6:00 local time.