Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-curtailed semifinal at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin on 1 October, chasing down 112 in 11.3 overs to advance to the Asian Games men's cricket gold medal match. The win marks Pakistan's first men's cricket final at the Asiad — the country had claimed only a bronze at the 2010 edition.

How the Match Unfolded

Persistent rains had already washed out all four quarterfinals in the tournament, leaving the outfield slushy and forcing officials to delay the toss. Although the skies cleared by match time, conditions still dictated a 13-over-per-side format. A cracked pitch offered generous turn, handing spin bowlers the decisive role throughout the contest.

Bangladesh batted first and were in early trouble, losing Tanzid Hasan Tamim (7), captain Litton Das (2), and Parvez Hossain Emon (1) all inside the powerplay. Saif Hassan made 19 off 17 balls before being dismissed LBW by Sufyan Moqim, leaving Bangladesh at 45/4 in 6.3 overs.

The innings was rescued by Towhid Hridoy, whose stroke-filled 42 off 25 balls — laced with four sixes and two fours — provided the muscle Bangladesh needed in the middle overs. Mosaddek Hossain chipped in with 11 off 16 balls, and Bangladesh eventually posted 111/7 in their 13 overs.

Pakistan's Bowling Effort

Pakistan's spinners controlled the innings with precision. Sufyan Moqim was the standout with figures of 3 for 26, while Arafat Minhas claimed 2 for 23. Saim Ayub was particularly economical, conceding just three runs across his two overs while also taking a wicket — an effort that helped strangle Bangladesh's scoring options in the back half of the innings.

Pakistan's Chase and the Match-Winning Moment

Pakistan's reply had an early scare when Mahedi Hasan removed Sahibzada Farhan in the second over. However, cameos from Maaz Sadaqat (15 off 7 balls), Usman Khan (14 off 9 balls), and Saim Ayub (21 off 12 balls) kept Pakistan's run rate well ahead of the requirement. At 76/4, Pakistan still needed work to be done.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 10th over, bowled by Mustafizur Rahman, when Abdul Samad plundered 22 runs off it — part of a 23-run over shared with Hasan Nawaz. Needing just 13 runs from 18 balls, Pakistan were firmly in control. Nawaz sealed the victory with a boundary in the 12th over, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 22 balls. Samad remained not out on 30 off 15 balls.

Historical Context and What Is Next

Notably, Bangladesh were the inaugural Asian Games cricket champions and have now finished third in both the 2014 and 2022 editions — this semifinal exit continues that pattern of falling just short of a final return. Pakistan, meanwhile, face a gold medal clash that represents their highest finish in Asiad cricket history.

The final will determine which nation claims the top prize at the Korogi Sports Park, with Pakistan riding strong momentum after their composed chase under difficult, spin-friendly conditions.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 112/4 (Abdul Samad 30* off 15 balls, Hasan Nawaz 27* off 22 balls; Rishad Hossain 1-12, Mahedi Hasan 1-17) beat Bangladesh 111/7 (Towhid Hridoy 42 off 25 balls, Saif Hassan 19 off 17 balls; Sufyan Moqim 3-26, Arafat Minhas 2-23) by six wickets.