Pakistan captain Babar Azam is happy with the way his troops played in the must-win game against Bangladesh at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
The Men in Green bagged a seven-wicket win over the Tigers and their hope of qualifying for the semi-final of the World Cup relies heavily on New Zealand just as much as it is dependent on them.
The 29-year-old, after the game, said the win in this game will provide them confidence while appreciating Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi
"Credit to the boys, the way they played in all three departments. We know how well Fakhar plays when he's going. Good to see him do it. We are trying to win our remaining matches and see where we stand. This win hopefully gives confidence in the coming matches," Babar said.
"Shaheen started well with the ball. After 15-20 overs, they built a partnership. But our main bowlers struck. The main thing was our bowlers hit good lengths and took wickets. Thanks to the fans for supporting me and my team," he added.
Fakhar Zaman made his comeback after five matches and made sure that he made the most of it as the left-handed batter scored 81 runs off 74 deliveries with three fours and seven sixes — with one of them being a 99-metre maximum.
Abdullah Shafique also scored 68 runs as he combined forces with Zaman to build a 128-run opening partnership that put the Green Shirts in a dominating position.
Batting first, Bangladesh met with Shaheen Afridi's first-over magic as Tanzid Hasan was removed for a duck in the first over by the left-handed pacer.
Problems continued for the Tigers as Najmul Hossain Shanto (4) and the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim (5) were removed by Afridi and Haris Rauf respectively in the next five overs, leaving Bangladesh at 23-3 in 6 overs.
However, Littos Das and Mahmudullah formed a 79-run partnership, helping their side to post crucial runs against the deadly pace attack of Pakistan.
However, Das lost his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed as he was getting closer to his fifty. Mahmudullah followed his counterpart soon enough as he was bowled out by Afridi for 56 runs.
Skipper Shakib Al Hasan contributed 43 runs while Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 25 but their efforts at the lower order were not enough to take their side to a completive total as the entire Bangladeshi team were all out for just 204 runs.
- Babar Azam