Imran blasts Pakistan into Super Eights

Published on 26/09/2012 02:55

IMRAN Nazir powered Pakistan as they became the final team to qualify for the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eights with an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Pakistan could afford to lose by 35 runs or fewer in last night’s last Group D match at Pallekele and still make it through to the next stage and knock out their opponents.

There were perhaps some doubts when Bangladesh piled up 175 for six, and Pakistan therefore had to make a minimum 140 to progress on run rate – even in defeat. But Nazir (72) made a nonsense of those concerns with the fastest half-century in this tournament from just 25 balls.

Bangladesh appeared to have been given a chance by Shakib Al Hasan’s boundary-laden 84. But, on a batsman’s pitch, Bangladesh’s attempted defence of their useful total began badly as Abul Hasan put Nazir down at mid-on off Shafiul Islam when the opener had just one run to his name. It proved costly as Nazir eventually banked nine fours and three sixes.

Captain Mohammad Hafeez batted in his first-wicket partner’s slipstream in a stand of 124, before both fell in the same over from Hasan. Pakistan nonetheless completed their task with eight balls to spare.

Bangladesh earlier needed Shakib to carry their innings, after he had been part of a mix-up which saw their dangerman Tamim Iqbal run out towards the end of a powerplay containing 61 runs. After Mushfiqur Rahim had chosen to bat first, Tamim gave Bangladesh a promising start as Umar Gul suffered most – one early over cost 17.

But it was Shakib who ensured the innings had legs, hitting 11 fours and two sixes from just 54 balls. He departed only in the 20th over to Yasir Arafat (three for 25).

But it never looked likely to be enough once Pakistan’s batsmen got started.