Sohaib Maqsood hit an unbeaten 93 to lead Pakistan to a three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a warm-up match on Monday, ahead of the World Cup 2015.
Chasing Bangladesh’s 246 in Sydney, Pakistan lost their openers before they reached double figures, but Younis Khan (25) and Haris Sohail (39) tried to steady the ship.
Bangladesh bowlers picked up wickets every now and then, but Maqsood stood strong, duly helped by Umar Akmal’s 39 and Shahid Afridi’s 24 in 20 balls.
Maqsood’s 90-ball innings featured nine fours and two sixes as the 1992 World Cup champions successfully chased the target with 11 balls to spare.
Bangladesh earlier posted 246 runs losing all the wickets after choosing to bat first.
Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah hit commanding half centuries, but lack of help from other quarters and a late rally from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Irfan meant the Tigers could only manage 246.
Bangladesh lost opener Anamul Haque in the very first over. One-down Mominul Haque also failed to reach double figures. But Mahmudullah (83) and Tamim (81) then added 168 in the third wicket partnership to bring Bangladesh back to the match.
Shakib Al Hasan scored just over a run a ball 31, but the tail-enders failed to offer any resistance against Irfan, who grabbed five Bangladesh wickets in total.
Yasir Shah took two wickets while Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz bagged one each for Pakistan.
Source: Prothom Alo
