Pakistan Beat Bangladesh by Six Wickets to Reach Asian Games Cricket Final

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six wickets in the first men’s cricket semi-final of the 2026 Asian Games in Nishin, Japan, securing a place in the final.

The match was reduced to 13 overs per side because of a wet outfield. Bangladesh were asked to bat after Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan won the toss and posted 111 for seven.

Towhid Hridoy top-scored for Bangladesh with 42 off 25 balls, hitting four sixes and two fours. Saif Hassan made 19, while Mosaddek Hossain contributed 11.

Sufiyan Muqeem was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs in three overs. Arafat Minhas claimed two wickets and Saim Ayub took one.

Pakistan suffered an early setback in the chase when captain Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for one. Muaz Sadaqat scored a quick 15 before departing, while Saim Ayub made 21 from 12 balls.

Usman Khan was the fourth Pakistan batter to fall, leaving the team at 53 for four.

Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz then took control of the chase, putting together an unbeaten 59-run partnership from 32 balls.

Samad finished unbeaten on 30 from 15 deliveries, including five fours and a six, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 27 from 22 balls.

Pakistan reached 112 for four with nine balls remaining to seal their place in the final.

Pakistan will now face the winner of the second semi-final between India and Sri Lanka in the gold-medal match.