In a rain-interrupted clash that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Bangladesh emerged victorious against Pakistan in the Bronze medal match of the T20 Men’s cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou on Saturday, October 7. Despite the persistent downpour, both teams displayed remarkable effort, but it was the Bangla Tigers who triumphed, winning by 6 wickets via the DLS Method.

The match was marred by rain right from the start, leading to a delayed start. However, once play began, Pakistan was sent into bat and managed to post a score of 48 runs in five overs. The rain gods, however, had other plans, and the game was once again interrupted, resulting in a further reduction of overs, this time to a mere 5 overs per side. Bangladesh was then set a revised target of 65 runs for victory.

Brilliant batting performance by Bangladesh

The chase for Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, as they lost 2 wickets in the very first over. But the Bangla Tigers refused to back down, staging a remarkable comeback by scoring 31 runs off the next two overs. Arshad Iqbal, with his brilliant bowling in the penultimate over, kept Pakistan’s hopes alive by conceding just 5 runs and taking the crucial wicket of Afif Hossain. 

With 20 runs needed off the final over, Yasir Ali delivered a breathtaking performance, hitting a sequence of 6, 2, 6, 2 before being dismissed off the penultimate ball. The tension was palpable as a boundary was required off the final delivery, and it was Rakibul Hasan who held his nerves and delivered the glory shot, sealing Bangladesh‘s victory.

Had the match been washed out entirely, Pakistan, as the higher-ranked side, would have secured the bronze medal by default. However, fate had other plans as the weather miraculously cleared just in time for the contest to reach a thrilling conclusion, ultimately crowning Bangladesh as the deserving victors of the Bronze medal. However, now, India and Afghanistan will clash against each other for the Gold Medal.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sharmnaak

— Ashok Rajpurohit (@ashok_apna_AK) October 7, 2023

Its getting worst and worst for Pakistan.

— Piyush Cricket (@kayptalks) October 7, 2023

Pakistan ko har koi asani se hara deta hai har games me.

— Ankit Verma (@TechyWicket) October 7, 2023

Kya haal ho gaya hai Pakistan cricket ka 3rd pe bhi aa sake

— Hussain (@imhussy92) October 7, 2023

https://twitter.com/imShubh95Thakur/status/1710521351398945191

When Bangladesh beats Pakistan in the bronze medal match at the Asian Games, you know it's time to upgrade your cricket memes! pic.twitter.com/hVO5ocqWtm

— RisingTiranga👁️👁️ (@alpsrules) October 7, 2023

Abhi to inhe world cup me bhi zaleel hona hai 🫠🫠😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/jpNr43WrC1

— Bored_biotechnologist (@imbb_vhc) October 7, 2023

Ye log sharm nahi kar rahe abhi bhi, kal se bol raha hu sare sports se naam nikalwa lo 😭🤣🤣

— Dennis🕸 (@DenissForReal) October 7, 2023