Pakistan makes 236-9 vs Bangladesh

Sarfraz Ahmed top-scored with 46 not out on Thursday as Pakistan was restricted to 236-9 by Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final. Opener Mohammad Hafeez made 40, Shahid Afridi 32, while Umar Akmal and Hammad Azam both hit 30. Pakistan made a slow start and was reduced to 55-3 due to some tight bowling and fielding by Bangladesh, but a final over of 19 runs helped the team post a defendable total. The sloppy final over came from Shahadat Hossain, who conceded 63 runs from nine overs and failed to bowl a maiden or take a wicket. His spell was a gift for struggling Pakistan as it also included three no balls and two wides. Abdur Razzak led the bowling attack by taking 2-26 from 10 overs, including three maidens. Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe bin Mortaza each took two wickets after Bangladesh won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat. Nazmul Hossain and Mahmudullah also took one wicket each. Host Bangladesh is playing in the final of the continental limited-overs championship for the first time. Pakistan has won the title once. World Cup champion India and runner-up Sri Lanka were eliminated in the round-robin stage after losses to Bangladesh. Pakistan made one change from its previous game against India, including Sarfraz Ahmed in place of Wahab Riaz. Bangladesh retained the same team that beat Sri Lanka to reach the final.