Shenyang Aerospace University, 7 October 2016: Pakistan blasted their way to a comfortable 5-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the 2016 SAU Cup cricket final.

On a damp and gloomy autumn day, Bangladesh’s 134 for eight should have been a very defendable total, but Pakistan’s batsmen powered their way to victory with nine balls to spare.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Bangladesh captain Noor Mohammad Saleh and opening partner Mehede Hasan, had made a promising start, putting on 38 for the first wicket but, when both fell in the space of six balls, Saleh to an excellent boundary catch by Pakistan substitute Saad Swati, the pressure began to mount. Saikat, cautiously at first, and then with increasing fluency, built an impressive innings of 40, but wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. Bangladesh’s final total of 134 was respectable, but not quite the daunting target they had set in previous games.

In increasingly difficult conditions – a persistent drizzle which made life difficult the bowlers – Pakistan decided to roll the dice, sending power hitter Omair Fida to the top of the order in the hope of putting Bangladesh under the cosh. The plan worked brilliantly and, when Omair finally departed, in the ninth over, Pakistan were 81 for two and there was no way back for the devastated Bangladesh side.

Earlier in the tournament, both China and Zimbabwe had played some bright cricket, but had been unable to overcome Asia’s big four: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The semi-finals saw Pakistan overcome India in a tense battle, whilst Bangladesh powered past Sri Lanka.

On sealing victory, Asad Ali, captain of an ecstatic Pakistan side, and predecessor Junaid Siddiq, jointly received the trophy from SAU International Education College Party Secretary Henry Shi.

2016 SAU Cup Cricket

Champions: Pakistan

Runners up: Bangladesh

Batsman of the Tournament: Noor Mohammad Saleh (Bangladesh)

Bowler of the tournament: Islam Zazizul (Bangladesh)