MALE: In a highly anticipated match at the five-nation basketball tournament held in Maldives, Bangladesh emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan with a score of 79-65 in the semi-final clash on Tuesday.
Right from the beginning, Bangladesh showcased their dominance over Pakistan, securing a lead in the first quarter, which they maintained throughout the game. Despite Pakistan’s efforts to bridge the gap, Bangladesh’s solid performance and defensive display proved to be too strong for the Pakistani team.
Pakistan exhibited resilience during the second quarter, managing to close the gap to just four points. However, Bangladesh capitalized on missed opportunities by Pakistan’s forward line, ultimately clinching a comfortable 14-point lead by the end of the game.
Pakistan’s Promising Start in Tournament
Prior to the semi-final defeat, Pakistan had a promising start in the tournament. They achieved three consecutive victories against Maldives, Bhutan, and Bangladesh with scores of 65-63, 76-53, and 84-64 respectively. Unfortunately, they suffered a narrow loss against Nepal in the tournament’s opening match, with a close margin of 66-62.
With their victory over Pakistan, Bangladesh secured their spot in the final. The title match will be contested between Bangladesh and the winner of the second semi-final clash between Nepal and Bhutan, scheduled to take place on June 22.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan’s participation in this international event marks their return after a hiatus of seven years. The team, led by head coach Malik Mohammad Riaz and supported by coach Umar Mahmood and manager Ahmad Ali Tipu, showcased determination and talent throughout the tournament.
