Samad’s Explosive Knock Sends Pakistan Into Asian Games Gold-Medal Clash

Abdul Samad produced a stunning late assault as Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to secure a place in the Asian Games gold-medal match.

Chasing a revised target in a 13-over contest because of a wet outfield, Pakistan reached 112 for four with nine balls to spare. Samad remained unbeaten on 30 off just 15 deliveries, smashing five fours and a six.

Hasan Nawaz provided valuable support with an unbeaten 27 from 22 balls as the pair added 59 runs for the fifth wicket to guide Pakistan home.

Bangladesh had earlier posted 111 for seven after being asked to bat. Towhid Hridoy top-scored with 42, while Pakistan's Moqim claimed three wickets for 26 runs and Minhas took two for 23.

Bangladesh Strike Early

Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start when captain Sahibzada Farhan was caught at long-on off Mahedi Hasan in the opening over.

Maaz Sadaqat briefly threatened to accelerate the innings, hitting Nasum Ahmed for a straight six and a swept four. However, Nasum responded by dismissing Sadaqat in the second over.

Saim Ayub followed a similar pattern. He attacked Mustafizur Rahman with two sixes and further boundaries, but was dismissed at the end of the fourth over after handing a catch to deep midwicket.

Usman Khan also failed to convert his start, falling to Rishad Hossain in the seventh over while attempting a reverse sweep.

Samad Takes Control

With Pakistan needing momentum, Hasan Nawaz finally found his range, striking Nasum for two sixes late in the eighth over.

Samad then took charge of the chase.

The left-hander launched Mustafizur over long-on for his first six before finding the boundary repeatedly through point, midwicket and fine leg. An inside edge also raced away for four as Pakistan's required rate quickly became manageable.

Samad completed the victory in the 12th over, smashing his fifth boundary straight down the ground to finish an unbeaten 30 from 15 balls.

His explosive innings, combined with Nawaz's composed support, ensured Pakistan advanced to the Asian Games gold-medal match after a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh.