Afridi fires Pakistan into final

Mar 04, 2014

Bangladesh began their must-win match cautiously. Imrul Kayes survived a dropped catch and a close lbw decision in the early overs, but was more authoritative as the innings wore on•Associated Press

It was a tough day in the field for most of Pakistan's bowlers, who were reduced to making unsuccessful appeals. Abdur Rehman was taken out of the attack after bowling three successive beamers•Associated Press

Anamul could not find a boundary in his final 41 deliveries, but he went on to score a second ODI ton•AFP

Ahmed Shehzad began the chase steadily and played the anchoring role•AFP

Misbah-ul-Haq did not last long and was bowled for 4 by Shakib•AFP

But the hosts once again wrested the advantage by dismissing Shehzad and Abdur Rehman in quick succession, leaving Pakistan 102 to get off the last 52 deliveries•AFP

Afridi couldn't quite complete the job, but Umar Akmal hit the winning runs to finish Pakistan's highest chase and set up an Asia Cup finals clash against Sri Lanka•Associated Press

Anamul Haque was confident at the other end, hitting Mohammad Talha for 16 runs off his third over•AFP

Anamul eventually reached his fifty, and he and Kayes added 150 for the opening wicket•AFP

He eventually fell for 100, but fifties from Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim propelled the score•AFP

He added 97 for the opening wicket with Mohammad Hafeez, who continued his fine form with another half-century•AFP

When Sohaib Maqsood was caught behind in the 23rd over, all the signs pointed towards an easy Bangladesh win•AFP

Enter Shahid Afridi•AFP

Talha finally made the breakthrough in the 29th over, having Kayes caught behind with a slower delivery•Associated Press

Shakib Al Hasan blasted six fours and two sixes during a 16-ball 44 to lift Bangladesh to 326, their highest ODI total•AFP

But three wickets in successive overs hurt Pakistan. Hafeez was the first to go, caught by Kayes for 52•AFP

Fawad Alam led a recovery, scoring a quick 74, and added 105 for the fourth wicket with Shehzad•AFP

Pakistan's match-winner against India clubbed seven sixes, including three off an over from Shakib, to thump 59 off just 25 balls and set Pakistan up for a memorable victory•AFP