Pakistan KO Bangladesh

KOLKATA, India (AP):

Shaheen Afridi's record-breaking haul of three for 23 helped Pakistan end their four-match losing streak at the Cricket World Cup and eliminate Bangladesh from semi-final contention with a seven-wicket win yesterday.

Another woeful batting display by Bangladesh saw them bowled out for 204 as Afridi became the fastest bowler in ODI history to grab 100 wickets, doing it in his 51st game. The left-arm Pakistan pacer surpassed Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who achieved the feat in 52 games.

Fit-again Fakhar Zaman, one of the three changes Pakistan made, had a triumphant return from his knee injury and made 81 off 74 as Pakistan cruised to 205 for three in 32.3 overs.

Zaman and Abdullah Shafique (68) combined in a 128-run opening wicket stand before Shafique fell leg before wicket to offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3-60).

Babar's below-par World Cup continued when he scored only nine and Zaman missed out on his century while going for another big shot against Miraz.

Zaman had to sit out the last five games due to a knee injury, but dominated Bangladesh's timid spin and pace with his powerful hitting as he smashed seven sixes and three boundaries, with one of his sixes measured at 95 metres.

Pakistan's third win in seven games lifted them to No. 5 in the points table. However, Pakistan not only need to win the remaining two league games against New Zealand and England, but their hopes of finishing in the top four still depends on favourable results in other games.