Pakistan booked their place in the final of Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2017 on April 3 against Sri Lanka after they overwhelmed Afghanistan by 124 runs in the second semi-final at the MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong today.

Afghanistan won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first. Pakistan piled up 267 for 5 in 50 overs thanks to Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 105 from 99 balls. Haris Sohail chipped in with 68. Gulbadin Naib was the most successful bowler for Afghanistan with 3-51 in 10 overs.

Chasing 268, Afghanistan were never in the contest as they lost early wickets, and afterwards in regular intervals as Pakistan bowlers denied them any substantial partnerships. Afghans were all out for 144 inside 32 overs.

Bilal Asif ripped out the heart of Afghanistan’s middle order with five wickets for 40 runs in 8.4 overs. Hussain Talat took 2-19.

In the first semi-final match, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. (TDS)