Asia Cup 2018: Virender Sehwag lauds Bangladesh for clinical win over Pakistan

Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag was all praises for Bangladesh after they registered a convincing victory over Pakistan to advance to the Asia Cup final. Bangladesh had posted 239 in the first innings, their wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim once again dropping anchor with a gutsy 99. Rahim was unlucky to not have got to his century as pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi found his edge when the batsman tried to steer one down to third man and take a single.

Mushfiqur was clearly dejected, but in retrospect, his innings was a match-winning one. In the chase, Pakistan also found themselves reeling at 18 for 3, as did Bangladesh in the first innings when they were reduced to 12 for 3. Opener Imam ul-Haq, however, stood his ground, keeping the Pakistanis in the hunt.

But once Mahmudullah got the left-hander stumped, the scoreboard read 167 for 7 – victory was in sight for the Bangla Tigers. Mustafizur Rahman stepped up to the plate at the death overs and ensured that Pakistan didn’t come anywhere close to the target. Sarfraz Ahmed and Co. could only get to 202, handing Bangladesh a sizable victory of 37 runs.

Virender Sehwag lauds the five Ms

Mustafizur Rahman finished with figures of 4 for 43 from his quota of 10 overs, which also included 2 maidens. Virender Sehwag was pleased by the performance Bangladesh put up, particularly by the five Ms: Mithun, Mustafizur, Mahmudullah, Mehidy and of course Mushfiqur. He took to Twitter to write, “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. #BANvPAK”

Like in 2016, Bangladesh have sealed their spot in an Asia Cup final and will once again face off against India. The final is scheduled to take place on Friday in Dubai. Bangladesh have already suffered a defeat against the defending champions in this edition of the tournament. India would perhaps go into the match with an advantage of getting the extra day of rest.

Moreover, the Men in Blue also rested many of their players from their first choice eleven against Afghanistan, including skipper Rohit Sharma and opener Shikhar Dhawan, both of whom have been instrumental in India sailing to the final.

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