Samad special books Pakistan’s spot in gold-medal clash

Abdul Samad led Pakistan into the Asian Games gold-medal match with an unbeaten 30 off 15 balls, securing a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Nisshin. In a contest reduced to 13 overs due to a wet outfield, Pakistan chased down Bangladesh's total of 111 for 7, reaching 112 for 4 with nine balls remaining.

Bangladesh had posted their total behind Towhid Hridoy's 42, despite Sufyan Moqim taking 3 for 26. Pakistan stumbled early in the chase to 53 for 4, but Samad combined with Hasan Nawaz, who scored 27 not out, in an unbroken 59-run fifth-wicket partnership to seal the win.