KARACHI: Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 79-65 in the semi-final of the five-nation basketball tournament on Tuesday in Maldives.
Bangladesh secured a place in the final with a victory over Pakistan.
Bangladesh started to dominate Pakistan from the very first quarter, which they won by nine points and continued to do so till the fourth and last quarter.
Pakistan showed a fighting spirit in the second quarter and managed to finish it just four points behind.
Bangladesh took complete advantage of the chances missed by the forward line of Pakistan team and finished the game with a 14-point lead. They also showed a great defensive display.
Earlier, before losing to Nepal in the first game of the tournament by a close margin of 66-62, Pakistan managed to win three consecutive games against Maldives, Bhutan and Bangladesh 65-63, 76-53 and 84-64 respectively.
The final of the event will be played between Bangladesh and the winner of the second semi-final between Nepal and Bhutan on June 22.
It must be noted here that Pakistan are participating in an international event after seven years.
Squad
Mohammad Shahbaz Ali, Abdul Wahab, Mohammad Umair Jan, Zain-ul-Hassan Khan, Mohammad Shahid, Imad Ahmad, Zia-ur-Rehman, Saqibullah Mehsood, Mehtab Akram, Shiraz Aslam
Team officials: Malik Mohammad Riaz (head coach), Umar Mahmood (coach), Ahmad Ali Tipu (manager).
Atique ur Rehman Atique ur Rehman is a senior reporter for Geo News.