Asian Games 2023: Rakibul Hasan's last-ball four sets Bronze Medal for Bangladesh

Rakibul Hasan's last-ball four allowed Bangladesh to outplay Pakistan to win the bronze medal at the Asian Games on October 7 at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou. After DLS changed the target, Bangladesh had to score 65 runs in five overs to win the match which was interrupted by rain. After a delayed start, Pakistan had already reached 48 for 1, but after five overs, a second downpour ended their innings.

Speaking about the match, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first. After rain delayed the start, Khushdil Shah and Mirza Baig put Pakistan's innings on the board with a 47-run stand. The duo's partnership lasted 4.4 overs with Baig scoring an unbeaten 32 off 18 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Rakibul was the key bowler of Bangladesh who picked up one wicket and conceded 12 runs in his two-over spell.

Pakistan had the early upper hand during Bangladesh's chase after Arshad Iqbal's double-wicket blow in the first over. However, Bangladesh steadied their innings, thanks to Afif Hossain's 11-ball 20 runs and Yasir Ali's 16-ball 34.

Sufiyan Muqeem failed to defend 20 off the last over, with Yasir scoring 34 runs which included two sixes off the first four balls. The Bangladesh batter very nearly took Bangladesh home, but his dismissal in the penultimate ball of the game made it a do-or-die final delivery for the next batter Rakibul. However, the latter came in and hit a boundary to win the game.

India-Afghanistan lock horns in final

The final of the men’s cricket event in the Asian Games between India and Afghanistan finally got underway at the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field in Hangzhou on October 7. 

India skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to field first. Afghanistan got off to the worst possible start as their top order was collapsed by the Indian bowlers. However, Shahidullah came in and steadied the Afghanistan innings. Rain played spoilsport as Bangladesh were 112/5 in 18.2 overs.