Bangladesh lose to Pakistan by six wickets in Asian Games semi-final

Bangladesh's aspiration to secure an Asian Games gold was shattered after suffering a six-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the first semifinal at the Korogi Sports Park in Nagoya, Japan today.

The rain-affected match was reduced to 13 overs per side as Bangladesh posted 111-7 after being sent to bat first.

Pakistan chased down the target in 11.3 overs, reaching 112-4 with nine balls to spare to secure their place in the final.

Bangladesh made a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 21 runs. Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for seven, while captain Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon contributed only two and one respectively.

Saif Hasan added 19 off 17 balls before departing, leaving Bangladesh in further trouble.

Towhid Hridoy, however, kept Bangladesh in the contest with an aggressive 42 off 25 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours.

Mosaddek Hossain made 11 off 16 balls, while Sheikh Mahedi Hasan remained unbeaten on eight off four balls.

Bangladesh also benefited from 19 extras, including 15 wides, to finish on 111 for seven in their allotted 13 overs.

Sufiyan Muqeem was Pakistan's most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs in his three overs, while Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets.

Pakistan also suffered an early setback in the chase, losing Sahibzada Farhan for one to Mahedi Hasan with the score on six.

Nasum Ahmed then dismissed Sadaqat for 15 as Pakistan slipped to 16 for two.

Saim Ayub hit 21 off 12 balls before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, while Usman Khan was dismissed for 14 off nine balls by Rishad Hossain, leaving Pakistan in trouble at 53 for four.

But Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad steadied the innings with an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership to take Pakistan home.

Hasan Nawaz scored 27 off 22 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes, while Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 30 off just 15 balls, with five fours and a six.

Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain took one wicket apiece for Bangladesh.

Pakistan will face the winner of the second semi-final between Sri Lanka and India in the final.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, will take on the loser of the second semifinal for bronze medal.