Tigers in Asia Cup final

Hats off to the young Bangladeshi cricketers on their reaching the much-expected final of this year's Asia Cup. They defeated Pakistan by 37 runs in a pulsating match on September 26. They will play against India on September 28. Wednesday's win was an impressive and historical one against the two times Asia Cup champions Pakistan.
The Tigers' batting maestro Musfiqur Rahim top-scored with 99 runs and incidentally became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to be out on 99 in international matches. Middle-order batsman Mithun played a superb knock of 60 runs. The Mushfiq-Mithun duo added a fourth-wicket partnership of 144 runs.
Like the previous matches in the tournament, Bangladesh openers' woes continued as both of them got out in quick succession. At one stage, Bangladesh's score was 12/3 and they finally managed to set a winning target of 240 for Pakistan. Though the Tigers' innings total initially looked 20-30 runs short of the target, ultimately it mattered little as the bowlers stood up on the occasion to stamp their authority in the match and roar into the final.
Pakistani batsmen also lost their first three wickets pretty early even before scoring 20 and managed to post 202/9 in the stipulated 50 overs. This was Bangladesh's fourth consecutive win against Pakistan in ODIs. Fans are now waiting for the Bangladesh national team to be crowned as Asia Cup champions.
Md. Zillur Rahaman
Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd.
Lalmohan Branch, Bhola.
[email protected]