ICC World Cup 2023, PAK vs BAN: Bengal Tigers set a target of 205 runs

Mahmudullah (Pic: AFP)

ICC World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and Bangladesh is underway in Kolkata at Eden Gardens. Bangladesh were the first to bat in the match. The 'Green Shirts' restricted Shakib Al Hasan's side for 204 runs.

Bangladesh lost three wickets in a quick session. After the dismissal of Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, two batters handled the innings. Liton Das and Mahmudullah smashed 45 runs and 56 runs, respectively.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023, PAK vs BAN: Pakistan bowlers create havoc in Kolkata

Pakistan's lead pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi struck the first wicket of opener Tanzid Hasan for a duck. Then he went on to take another two wickets of Shanto and Mahmudullah.

None of the Bangladesh players were able to score huge runs against the fierce bowling line up of Pakistan.

Later, skipper Shakib Al Hasan came in to bat in the middle and scored 43 runs before getting out in Haris Rauf's over. Bangladesh did not perform much well with the willow, the game is now in the hands of the bowlers.

Afridi displayed an exceptional show with the ball conceding just 23 runs in 9 overs and picking three wickets. Pakistan will not easily leave the chance of securing those two points in the points table which will keep their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign alive. Skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan will be the players eyed from Pakitan's perspective.

Both the teams will aggressively look for a win in today's clash as they are facing each other after the defeats in their previous matches. Pakistan still have chances to qualify for the semi finals of the ICC World Cup 2023 if they win all of their remaining matches.

Score summary:

Mahmudullah 56 (70)

Liton Das 45 (64)

Shakib Al Hasan 43 (64)

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Overs bowled (9), runs (23), wickets (4)

Haris Rauf: Overs bowled (8), runs (36), wickets (2)

Mohammad Wasim Jr.: Overs bowled (8.1), runs (31), wickets (3)