Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, who returned to the team after an injury, made a stunning impact against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 31 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Initially, Fakhar Zaman took it slow, scoring only three runs from his first 11 deliveries. But in the fifth over, he unleashed a spectacular stroke against Taskin Ahmed, sending the ball soaring a whopping 99 meters towards deep mid-wicket. The powerful connection between bat and ball left commentators and spectators amazed.
See ICC World Cup Points Table 2023 Update
This impressive display by Fakhar, along with a remarkable 128-run opening partnership between him and Abdullah Shafique, set Pakistan on the path to victory. Fakhar contributed 81 runs, while Abdullah added 68 to their total.
On the bowling front, Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was exceptional, taking three wickets and limiting Bangladesh to a total of 204 all out. Shaheen ended with figures of 3-23, with support from Mohammad Wasim’s 3-31 and Haris Rauf’s 2-36.
Bangladesh, who had won the toss and chose to bat, struggled on the dry and slow pitch at Eden Gardens. They managed to cross the 204-run mark mainly due to Mahmudullah’s solid 56 off 70 balls, Liton Das’s 45, and skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s 43 off 64 balls.
To keep their hopes alive in the World Cup 2023, Pakistan must win their remaining two matches against New Zealand on November 4 and England on November 12.
pak vs ban playing XI
Pakistan playing XI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam(c)
- Mohammad Rizwan(w)
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Agha Salman
- Shaheen Afridi
- Usama Mir
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Haris Rauf
Bangladesh Playing XI:
- Litton Das
- Tanzid Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Shakib Al Hasan(c)
- Mushfiqur Rahim(w)
- Mahmudullah
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taskin Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam