T20 World Cup 2022, Match 41: Pakistan vs Bangladesh - Talking points and Who Said What?

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in a close encounter in Adelaide to storm into the semi-finals of the ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia. Babar Azam's side were handed a big boost after South Africa's exit from the competition earlier in the day and restricted fellow contenders Bangladesh to a paltry score of 127 runs on the back of Shaheen Afridi's heroics. The Pakistani batters did enough to secure a decisive victory against Shakib Al Hasan's Bangladesh.

Before listening to comments of the skippers from both sides, we look at the talking points from the game:

The Eagle is back

Pakistani fast bowling sensation Shaheen Afridi was under the scanner after going wicketless in his first two outings in the World Cup. Experts reckoned that the pacer might have been rushed into the eleven after coming off a lengthy injury layoff. But the left-arm pacer put all the speculations to bed with career-best bowling figures of 4/22 against Bangladesh to make it eight wickets in his last three outings.

Shakib's turbulent relationship with officials

Veteran Bangladeshi skipper Shakib Al Hasan is renowned to make his feelings known to the umpires every now and then. It was the case on Sunday in the decisive clash against Pakistan when the mercurial all-rounder was adjudged LBW after a controversial call. Shakib stood his ground and had a few words of wisdom for the umpires before leaving the pitch. He was in the spotlight once again in the second innings when he threw his cap on the ground in disgust after an unfavorable umpiring decision.

Back from the dead

Pakistan were done for after blanking in their first two matches. Although a win against the Netherlands saved them from an early exit, a commanding performance against the Proteas kept their hopes alive for the semis. However, South Africa's shock exit from the competition earlier in the day put them in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals, and the Men in Green grabbed the opportunity with both hands defeating fellow Asian side Bangladesh.

Player of the match, Shaheen Afridi said: 

I have improved. Not easy to come back from injury and bowl 140ks but I'm trying my best. As a team, we are very happy. We've played great. Bowl in the right areas and fast was the plan. (On if they're looking forward to the semis) Now, we are looking forward to the final (laughs).

Losing skipper, Shakib Al Hasan said: 

At the halfway stage we were 70/1. Wanted to get somewhere around 145-150 - would've been a reasonable total on that pitch. Knew it was going to be difficult for the new batters so wanted set batters to carry through to the end which didn't happen. In terms of results, this is the best performance we had in T20 World Cups. Could've done better. But having said that, with the new guys coming in, with the changes, this is the best we could expect. On my own performance - I could've done better. As long as I'm fit and performing, I'd love to play.

Winning Skipper, Babar Azam said:

It's a team game. Cricket is a funny game. Appreciate all my team the way they played all matches. Pitch wasn't easy to bat on. Little bit two-paced. Me and Rizwan decided to go long, but unfortunately didn't work out. Haris showed aggression, good to see him play. Looking forward to the semifinals. All of us are excited to play.