Hasan and Shadab bowled splendidly to restrict Canada to a modest total of 178 which Pakistani batsmen comfortably reached to register their second win on the trot. PHOTO COURTESY: ICC
After Canada won the toss and elected to bat, Bhavindu Adhihetty (51) and Abraash Khan (44) were the only batsmen to come out with their heads held high as Hasan Khan took three wickets while Shadab Khan claimed two to restrict Canada to 178.
Apart from Adhihetty and Abraash, only Amish Taploo (28) and Arslan Khan (14) managed to reach double figures.
In reply, man of the match Zeeshan smashed nine boundaries and one six, while Saif Badar made 44 to reach the target in 40.5 overs.
Pakistan captain Gohar Hafeez said he was satisfied with the way the tournament was progressing for his team.
“We are batting and bowling well and that is a good sign,” said Gohar. “We will be well prepared for the Sri Lanka game because we want to win and top the group.”
India, Nepal, Sri Lanka also register wins
Apart from Pakistan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka also booked their place in the Super League quarter-finals by defeating their respective opponents — New Zealand, Ireland and Afghanistan. India, sent into bat by New Zealand in Mirpur, piled up 258-8 with Sarfaraz Khan top-scoring with 74 for the second time in the competition. Rishabh Pant made 57 and Armaan Jaffer scored 46.
But Mahipal Lomror stood out with a fine all-round display as he followed up his 45 with the bat with 5-47, which bundled New Zealand out for 138 in the 32nd over.
Nepal rode on a five-wicket haul by leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, which included the first hat-trick in the tournament, to defeat Ireland by eight wickets and confirm its maiden appearance in the quarter-finals.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, survived a tense run-chase by Afghanistan before clinching victory and a place in the quarter-finals.
Skipper Charith Asalanka top-scored with 71 in Sri Lanka’s modest 184 all out, but Afghanistan was itself bowled out for 151 despite opener Karim Janat’s 40 and Waheedullah Shafaq’s 47.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2016.
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