Bangladesh lost to Pakistan by 6 wickets [Source: AFP]Bangladesh were toppled by Pakistan in the first semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 on Thursday morning in Nisshin. In a rain-affected match, Bangladesh took time to gauge conditions, which led to a slow start and a below-par score.Having previously clinched a Gold and two Bronze medals in the Asian Games, Bangladesh captain Litton Das had spoken about his Gold aspirations in 2026. However, after missing out on the final, he said his side lacked preparation time for the semi-final on Thursday.Litton Das reacts to Asian Games semifinal loss vs PakistanIn the lead-up to the semi-final clash against Pakistan, Bangladesh had their rain-curtailed quarter-final against Malaysia abandoned without a ball bowled. As a higher-seeded team, they progressed to the final four without any match practice on the Nisshin pitch.This, according to Litton Das proved detrimental to their aspirations at the tournament. They managed to score only 111/7 in 13 overs, and Pakistan chased the target in 11.3 overs. Towhid Hridoy's 42 off 25 with two fours and four sixes were saving grace, as they bounced back from 45/5 in 6.3 overs.Also Read: Who Is Sahan Arachchige, Sri Lankan Nemesis Of Sooryavanshi and Abhishek In Asian Games?"Once a 20-over game is played on a wicket, you get an idea about how it behaves. We had no idea because we hadn't watched any game here in the last few days and we didn't have the opportunity to practise on the wicket," said Litton."So we played the first few overs without an idea. Gradually, the batters got an idea. Credit goes to Hridoy for bringing the team back from that position. The partnership between Mosaddek and Hridoy was very good," he added.Bangladesh's medal hopes aliveBangladesh have always finished the Asian Games on the podium. Their best result came in Guangzhou 2010, when they beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets for the gold.In Incheon 2014 and Hangzhou 2023, they finished third and grabbed the Bronze medal. Despite their loss to Pakistan, Bangladesh can replicate their 2014 and 2022 campaigns and end up on the podium again.They will face Sri Lanka in the Bronze Medal tie at 5:30 AM (IST) on October 3 at the same venue. This time around, they will have some game time under their belt and Litton Das' men would look to make the most of it.Also Read: India Book Date With Pakistan In Asian Games 2026 Final For Gold
