DHAKA: Shahid Afridi and Fawad Alam stunned thousands of Banglasehi cricket fans on Tuesday by bludgeoning half-centuries and blasting defending champion Pakistan into the Asia Cup final with a record rundown win against the hosts.

Bangladesh posted 326-3, its highest score in one-day internationals, but couldn’t prevent Pakistan from achieving its biggest run chase in one-day internationals, reaching 329-7 with a ball to spare.

Bangladesh appeared to be choking Pakistan to defeat until Afridi smashed seven sixes and two fours in a 25-ball 59. Then Alam cut loose to finish with 74 off 70 balls, falling with one run needed and two balls left.

Umar Akmal hit the winning runs straightaway, a four to the midwicket boundary, to set up a final against Sri Lanka on the same ground on Saturday.

“I tried my level best to perform well ... it’s my type of situation and I had the licence,” Afridi said after Bangladeshi hearts were broken at Sher-i-Bangla Stadium .

“I was confident that 10-10 1/2 an over was possible, and I knew if I slog I will hit it because it was a very good pitch.”

The record chase surpassed Pakistan’s previous best of 322-6 in 2007 against India at Mohali.—AP