Pakistan stretched by Bangladesh in Asia Cup opener

Mirpur : Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Gul starred in Pakistan’s 14-run win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup opener at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here Sunday.

Openers Hafeez (89) and Nasir Ahmed (54) helped Pakistan get 262 for eight with Umar Gul (39) providing the late burst. Pace spearhead Gul then picked up three wickets in Bangladesh’s 241 all out as Shakib Al Hasan’s valiant 64 went in vain.

Bangladesh skipper Hasan ran out of partners as his team lost the last five wickets for 17 runs, bowled out with 11 balls to spare. Hasan shared 89 runs for the sixth wicket with Nassir Hossain after Tamim Iqbal struck a gritty 64 at the top of the order.

Earlier, Pakistan collapsed to 198 for seven from 160 for one before Gul’s 25-ball cameo saved them the blushes.

Hafeez and Ahmed forged 135 runs for the opening wicket after Bangladesh put the opposition in.

All-rounder Hasan (2/41) and medium pacer Shahadat Hussain (3/53) triggered the Pakistan collapse.

India face Sri Lanka in the second match here Tuesday.