Bangladesh knocked Pakistan out of the Asia Cup 2018 and booked final berth against India with an emphatic 37-run victory in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
After opting to bat first in the virtual semi-final, Bangladesh registered 239 in 48.5 overs, courtesy sublime 99 from wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Junaid Khan was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed figures of 4-19.
In reply, the Men in Green never get going and eventually managed to score just 202 in their full quota of 50 overs.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq was the top-scorer for Pakistan with 83 runs (105 balls), whereas left-armer Mustafizur Rahman claimed figures of 4/43 for Bangladesh.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:
No one is an underdog. Not quite what fans would have wanted, many had anticipated an India vs Pak final but Bangladesh were just superb on the day, The 5 M’s Mushfiqur, Mithun, Mustafizur ,Mahmudullah & Mehidy had brilliant performances and hard luck to Pakistan.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
Congratulations Bangladesh! Mustafizur with 4 wickets and Mushfiqur with 99 runs, excellent game!.. we're in for a very exciting finals !
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)
Congratulations Bangladesh🇧🇩Disappointed by Pakistani team’s overall performance. Lacked attacking play of cricket in all fields. Its a young side who performed well in the last tournaments&set r expectations high.More focus n practice is needed4a stronger comeback
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial)
Congratulations to on reaching the finals. In the absence of Shakib and Tamim Iqbal the way they have competed and fought , reflects the character of the side.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281)
Congratulation to on making it to the Asia Cup Final. Excellent performance despite the absence of two major players – Tamim and Shakib. Have to admire Mashrafe's leadership skills too. He is a tactical genius.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad)
A great win for over . Congratulations to the Bangladesh team and my team mate for making it into the finals of the .
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar)
What a superb cricketer Mehidy Hasan is! Packed with all round talent & self confidence to boot. 👏👏🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar)
Brilliant team performance by Bangladesh to reach the finals. They have shown great character to win 2 must-win matches in a row.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif)
Asghar and Sarfaraz captaincy leaving a lot to be desired. Arguably the main reason their teams arent playing the Asia Cup final vs India. Congrats Bangladesh
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris)
Digest this—since 2015, Bangladesh have played Pakistan in 4 ODI and defeated them every single time. This time without their two pillars—Tamim and Shakib. Wow.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
He might have just missed out on a century, but Mushiqur Rahim still claimed the Player of the Match award and also helped Bangladesh claim a place in the Asia Cup final.
— ICC (@ICC)
Pakistan last 4 ODIs versus Bangladesh:
Lost by 37 runs
Lost by 8 wickets
Lost by 7 wickets
Lost by 79 runs— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)
Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 37 runs to move into the final
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Great effort by Imam-ul-Haq but reality check for Pak leading into the Wc next year!
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial)
This is what happens when you play with Zimbabwe the whole year.
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm)
They were Heroes in and we praised them.
They played badly in but we need to support the young team and Captain
But
Selection must be based on Specialist for ODIs and also Saife must put focus on his batting and play in top order.
— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews)
