Shaheen Afridi’s record-breaking haul of 3-23 on Tuesday helped Pakistan end their four-match losing streak at the Cricket World Cup and eliminate Bangladesh from semi-final contention with a seven-wicket win.
Another woeful batting display by Bangladesh saw them bowled out for 204 as Afridi became the fastest bowler in one-day international history to grab 100 wickets, doing it in his 51st game. The left-arm Pakistan pacer surpassed Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who achieved the feat in 52 games.
Fit-again Fakhar Zaman, one of the three changes Pakistan made, made a triumphant return from his knee injury and made 81 off 74 as Pakistan cruised to 205-3 in 32.3 overs.
Photo: AFP
“Credit to the boys, the way they played in all three departments,” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said. “We know how well Fakhar plays when he’s going. Good to see him do it. We are trying to win our remaining matches and see where we stand. This win hopefully gives confidence in the coming matches.”
Pakistan’s third win in seven games lifted them to No. 5 in the points table.
However, they not only need to win the remaining two league games against New Zealand and England, but their hopes of finishing in the top four still depend on favorable results in other games.
A sixth successive loss left Bangladesh just ahead of defending championd England at the bottom of standings on net run-rate with only two points, which also puts yheir qualification for the 2025 Champions Trophy in danger. The top seven teams at the World Cup plus hosts Pakistan are to qualify for the eight-team event.
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