KOLKATA, India. — Former champions Pakistan kept alive their slender chances of making the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh, who were eliminated from the tournament yesterday.
Electing to bat, Bangladesh never recovered from a top order collapse and posted a modest 204 before being all out in the 46th over at Eden Gardens.
Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack impressed with the new ball and were equally effective in the death overs with only Mahmudullah (56) managing a half-century for Bangladesh. Openers Fakhar Zaman (81) and Abdullah Shafique (68) combined in a 128-run stand to set up the victory that came with 17.3 overs to spare in a major net run-rate boost for them. Babar Azam’s men moved into fifth place after their third win in seven matches, while Bangladesh became the first team to drop out of contention.
Reuters
