Bangladesh in Asia Cup final

MUSHFIQUR RAHIM scored a fighting 99 to guide Bangladesh into the Asia Cup final with a convincing 37-run win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

The former skipper missed out a deserving century but still lifted Bangladesh from a precarious 12-3 to 239 all out in 49.5 overs before they kept Pakistan down to 202-9 in 50 overs at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Mashrafe Mortaza’s team will now face defending champions India in the final in Dubai today, with an opportuntiy to win the continental title for the first time.

Bangladesh’s victory will upset millions of fans around the world who wanted another Indo-Pak clash as the two matches in the first and second round failed to live up to their billing, with India winning both in one-sided affairs.

Bangladesh bowled with discipline with left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman leading the pack with 4-43 as Pakistan yet again batted poorly with only opener Imam-ulHaq fighting hard through a laborious 105-ball 82.

Imam, who hit two fours and a six, held the innings together and added 67 for the fourth wicket with Shoaib Malik (30) and another 71 for the seventh wicket with Asif Ali (31).

“The bowlers did a good job, especially when we didn’t get the runs,” said Mashrafe.

“But Mushi and Mithun batted really well and got us to a fighting total.

“We are proud of our fielding today. For a long time we haven’t seen this quality of fielding in our team, so hopefully the boys can understand the value of good fielding.” – AFP