Bangladesh fall to Pakistan in Super Over in the final

The painful memories of 2019 resurfaced in Doha, Qatar. Six years ago, Bangladesh lost to Pakistan in the Emerging Asia Cup final. This time, despite the tournament being renamed the Rising Stars Asia Cup, Bangladesh’s luck did not change. Chasing a modest target of 126, the Bangladesh ‘A’ side managed to tie the match from a near-certain defeat, only to lose again in the lottery of the Super Over.

On Sunday, after both teams finished on 125 in the regulation 20 overs, the match went to a Super Over, where Bangladesh faltered under pressure. Akbar Ali’s side managed only 6 runs off Ahmed Daniyal’s over. In reply, the Pakistan Shaheens reached the target in just 4 balls to secure their third title in this competition.

Habibur Rahman Sohan and Abdul Gaffar Saklain came out to bat for Bangladesh in the Super Over. They scored a single off the first ball, but Saklain was caught off the second. A wide delivered 5 runs, but Jisan Alam was bowled on the third legal delivery, leaving Bangladesh with just 6 runs. Chasing 7, Pakistan finished the match within 4 balls off Ripon Mondol.

Earlier, chasing 126, Bangladesh were in trouble early. Although Jisan (6) and Sohan (26) provided a decent start, the team slumped to 44 for 4. National T20 call-up Mahidul Islam Ankon was dismissed for a duck in the final. Captain Akbar Ali (2) and Yasir Ali Rabbi (8) also failed, putting Bangladesh under severe pressure.

In the final two overs, Bangladesh needed 27 runs. Saklain and Ripon revived hopes by smashing three sixes off Pakistani bowler Shahid Aziz in a 20-run 19th over. With 7 required from the final over, Bangladesh managed to level the match but failed to seal victory. Saklain remained unbeaten on 16, and Ripon on 11, but it was not enough.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to 125 after being asked to bowl first. On the very first ball of the innings, Yasir Khan was run out by a direct hit from Saklain. Ripon Mondol (3 wickets) and Rakibul Hasan (2 wickets) kept Pakistan from posting a large total. Saad Masood top-scored with 38, taking Pakistan to 125.