Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz steer Pakistan home after early wobble in rain-shortened semi-final

NISSHIN, Japan (Nazrana Times) — Pakistan advanced to the gold-medal match of the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket competition after defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semi-final at Korogi Sports Park on Thursday.

Chasing 112 in a match reduced to 13 overs per side, Pakistan recovered from 53 for four to reach 112 for four in 11.3 overs, sealing victory with nine balls to spare.

Abdul Samad led the late charge with an unbeaten 30 from 15 deliveries, while Hasan Nawaz contributed an unbeaten 27. Their unbroken 59-run fifth-wicket partnership transformed a potentially difficult chase into a convincing victory.

Bangladesh Recover to Post 111/7

Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan won the toss and elected to field after wet conditions forced the contest to be shortened.

Bangladesh struggled early as Pakistan’s bowlers made regular breakthroughs, but Towhid Hridoy led the recovery with 42 from 25 balls.

Hridoy’s counter-attacking innings helped Bangladesh reach 111 for seven from their 13 overs.

Sufyan Moqim was Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with three for 26, while Arafat Minhas claimed two for 23.

Samad and Nawaz Turn the Chase Around

Pakistan also encountered trouble during the chase, losing four wickets for 53 runs and giving Bangladesh an opportunity to take control of the semi-final.

Samad and Nawaz, however, responded with an aggressive and composed partnership.

The decisive shift came against Mustafizur Rahman in the 10th over. With Pakistan needing 36 runs from the final four overs, Samad attacked the Bangladesh pacer, hitting a six followed by four consecutive fours. The over produced 23 runs and reduced the equation to 13 from the final three overs.

Pakistan completed the chase in 11.3 overs without losing another wicket.

Samad finished on 30 not out from 15 balls, including five fours and a six, while Nawaz remained unbeaten on 27.

Scores: Bangladesh 111/7 in 13 overs; Pakistan 112/4 in 11.3 overs.

Result: Pakistan won by six wickets with nine balls remaining.

Pakistan Into Gold-Medal Match

The victory sends Pakistan into the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket gold-medal match, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, at Korogi Sports Park.

Pakistan will face the winner of Thursday’s second semi-final between defending champions India and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will contest the bronze-medal match against the losing side from the India-Sri Lanka semi-final.

Pakistan had earlier reached the semi-finals after their quarter-final against Hong Kong was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain. Pakistan progressed on the basis of their higher ICC ranking under the tournament playing conditions.

The weather has caused significant disruption to the knockout stage, with several matches abandoned because of rain.

Pakistan will now wait for the outcome of the India-Sri Lanka semi-final to learn their opponent for Saturday’s gold-medal contest