After an impressive run in the group stage, claiming three consecutive victories to reach the semifinals, Bangladesh looked entirely unrecognisable in their clash against Pakistan. Under the leadership of captain Azizul Haque Tamim, the team found themselves struggling from the outset, unable to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined and meticulously controlled bowling attack. Misjudged lines and lengths, combined with a series of poorly executed big shots, resulted in a rapid loss of wickets and an unravelled batting order.
The match, originally scheduled to commence at 11:00 am local time at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, was delayed due to morning rain and eventually began at 3:00 pm in a shortened 27-over format. Having lost the toss and sent in to bat first, Bangladesh were unable to complete their allotted overs, being bowled out for a modest total of 121 runs.
Pakistan’s consistent and precise bowling saw Bangladesh lose two early wickets within just 5.1 overs, reaching 24 runs. Openers were dismissed swiftly, with Rifat Beg scoring 14 runs from 16 balls, including a four and a six, while his opening partner, Jawad Abrar, added only nine runs. Following this, captain Tamim and Kalam Siddiqui attempted to rebuild the innings, forming a 31-run partnership over 43 deliveries. Their resistance was broken by Abdul Subhan on the first ball of the 13th over, with Tamim contributing 20 runs off 26 balls, including a four and a six.
After Tamim’s dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals as Bangladesh struggled to maintain composure. Attempts at aggressive strokeplay by Abrar and Sheikh Parvez ended in simple catches for the Pakistani fielders. The innings concluded in the 26.3rd over at 121 runs, with the highest individual score coming from Samiun Bashir Ratul, who managed 33 runs off 37 balls, including a four and a six.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated, with Subhan claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs in six overs, including a maiden. Huzaifa took two wickets, while Mohammad Sayem, Ahmed Hossain, and Ali Raza picked up one each. The innings was brought to an end when Ratul was run out on the third ball of the 27th over.
Bangladesh’s lack of coherent batting strategy, combined with poorly judged shot selection, left them vulnerable to Pakistan’s controlled bowling. This result dealt a significant blow to their semifinal aspirations, exposing their inability to handle disciplined attacks on the international stage.