Samad's rapid 30 lifts Pakistan into Asian Games cricket final
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by six wickets in a rain-shortened semi-final, securing a place in the Asian Games gold-medal match.
In a rain-affected semi-final at Korogi Sports Park, Pakistan chased down a reduced total of 112 runs in 13 overs, edging Bangladesh by six wickets. After slipping to 53-4, Abdul Samad exploded for an unbeaten 30 from 15 balls, hitting five fours and a six, and partnered with Hasan Nawaz for an unbeaten 59-run stand. Bangladesh managed 111-7, with Towhid Hridoy scoring 42, but their innings was curtailed by disciplined Pakistani spin. The win sends Pakistan to the gold-medal match on Saturday, where they will meet the victor of the India-Sri Lanka semi-final, while Bangladesh prepares for the bronze-medal contest.
Why it matters
The result determines which nation will compete for the Asian Games cricket gold medal.
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