Pakistan Beats Bangladesh in ICC Men's World Cup, Keeping Semi-final Hopes Alive

Fakhar Zaman's rapid 81 off 74 and Shaheen Afridi's milestone 100th ODI wicket bolster Pakistan's convincing victory; Bangladesh's loss confirming their exit from the tournament.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the ICC Men's World Cup, bolstering their semi-final prospects. Fakhar Zaman, making a comeback, achieved a rapid 81 off 74 balls, while Shaheen Afridi claimed his 100th ODI wicket.
With Bangladesh setting a target of 205, Pakistan reached the goal in 32.3 overs, mainly thanks to a 128-run partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique.
Bangladesh struggled against Pakistan's pace attack, with only Mahmudullah achieving a half-century. Their defeat, their sixth consecutively, confirmed their exit from the World Cup tournament.
Pakistan's significant net run-rate boost could be a tiebreaker advantage in their semi-final hopes. They are currently fifth in the table, level on points with Afghanistan.
In the remaining group matches, Pakistan will face 2019 runners-up New Zealand and holders England. To keep their slim semi-final hopes alive, they need to win these matches and hope other results favour them.