Pakistan narrowly edges out Bangladesh to secure a spot in the semifinals in a thrilling finish
PAKISTAN TOUR OF BANGLADESH
Pakistan secured a spot in the semifinals with a thrilling five-run victory over Bangladesh in Benoni.
The standout performer, Ubaid Shah, played a pivotal role in defending a modest total of 155 by claiming a fiery five-wicket haul.
Bangladesh, with an impressive bowling display on a fresh pitch, bowled out Pakistan for 155 in 40.4 overs.
Despite a steady 37-run opening stand between Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan, the wickets fell consistently, with Rohanat Doullah Borson and Sheikh Paevez Jibon both finishing with identical figures of 4 for 24.
A crucial 43-run partnership for the seventh wicket between top-scorer Arafat Minhas (34) and Ali Asfand contributed significantly to Pakistan’s total.
In pursuit of the target, Bangladesh needed to chase it down within 38.1 overs to improve their net run rate over Pakistan.
However, their batters struggled with shot selection.
Ubaid Shah’s early breakthroughs, dismissing both openers and later adding the wickets of Ahrar Amin, Sheikh Paevez Jibon, and Mohammad Shihab James, played a crucial role.
Despite a dropped catch opportunity on 24, Ali Raza contributed with 3 for 44 as Bangladesh eventually folded for 150 in 35.5 overs.
ENGLAND TOUR OF ZIMBABWE
Tazeem Ali’s exceptional seven-wicket haul propelled England to a commanding 146-run victory over Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom, concluding their campaign with a notable performance.
However, the match was not without controversy as Hamza Shaikh was controversially given out for obstructing the field when he picked up a ball that was still in play.
England faced a challenging phase, finding themselves at 77/4, but managed to recover, posting a competitive total of 237/7.
Significant contributions from Charlie Allison (76), Haydon Mustard (41), and Sebastian Morgan (22*) in the lower order played a crucial role in England’s revival.
In response, Zimbabwe struggled in the chase, being bowled out for 91 in 24.5 overs.
Panashe Taruvinga (38) and Campbell Macmillan (10) were the only batters to reach double digits.
Notably, Tazeem Ali came into the bowling attack in the 11th over and made an immediate impact, claiming six of his seven wickets in pairs as he dismantled the middle and lower order, guiding England to a comprehensive victory.
NEW ZEALAND TOUR OF IRELAND
Ireland concluded their campaign with a 41-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected contest in Bloemfontein.
Opting to bat, Ireland witnessed a brisk start from Jordan Neill and Ryan Hunter.
Following the dismissal of both openers, Gavin Roulston (82) and Kian Hilton (72) seized control, guiding Ireland to a commendable total of 267/9.
Despite Ewald Schreuder and Matt Rowe’s combined effort, Ireland managed to set a challenging target.
New Zealand’s pursuit began with a 21-run opening partnership before Oliver Riley claimed the initial breakthrough, securing three wickets in total on the day.
By the 32nd over, New Zealand found themselves at 131/5 when rain intervened, marking the end of the match with Snehith Reddy stumped off the final delivery.
Falling behind the DLS par score, New Zealand conceded the game to Ireland.
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