Hridoy’s 42 lifts Bangladesh to 111 against Pakistan in Asian Games semi-final

Towhid Hridoy struck 42 off 25 balls to lift Bangladesh to 111/7 in their rain-shortened 13-over Asian Games semi-final against Pakistan in Nisshin on Thursday.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to field at Korogi Sports Park, where the match was reduced because of a wet outfield.

Bangladesh were in early trouble after losing Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon inside the first four overs, slipping to 21/3.

Saif Hassan and Hridoy briefly steadied the innings, taking 15 from an Abrar Ahmed over with a six apiece, before Saif was trapped lbw by Sufyan Moqim for 19 off 17 balls.

That left Bangladesh 45/4 in the seventh over.

Hridoy then led the recovery, adding 53 for the fifth wicket with Mosaddek Hossain.

He hit two fours and four sixes in a 25-ball innings before Sufyan had him caught by Saim Ayub near the boundary for 42.

Mosaddek followed two balls later for 11 off 16, but Mahedi Hasan struck two fours in an unbeaten eight off four balls to help Bangladesh reach 111.

Bangladesh scored 58 runs from their final five overs after struggling through the early part of the innings.

Sufyan was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3/26 from three overs, while Arafat Minhas took 2/23. Saim Ayub returned 1/3 from two overs.

Pakistan also conceded 19 extras, including 15 wides.

The surface offered considerable turn, prompting Bangladesh to go into the match with several spin options alongside Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam.

Pakistan need 112 from 13 overs to reach the final.

Bangladesh had advanced to the semi-finals without playing their quarter-final against Malaysia after persistent rain left the ground unplayable. They went through as the higher-ranked side under the competition rules. Pakistan also progressed from their quarter-final against Hong Kong without a ball being bowled.

Bangladesh are without Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was ruled out through illness.