DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the opening T20 International of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday, with Parvez Hossain Emon starring with a match-winning half-century.
Chasing a modest target of 111, the hosts recovered from an early setback to seal victory in 15.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Bangladesh were rattled early by Pakistani debutant Salman Mirza, who struck twice in quick succession.
He removed Tanzid Hasan for one in the first over and then dismissed skipper Litton Das—also for one—in his second, leaving the home side struggling at 7 for 2 inside the third over.
However, opener Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy stabilised the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership for the third wicket.
The stand laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s chase after the early collapse. Abbas Afridi broke the partnership in the 13th over by dismissing Hridoy for 36 off 37 deliveries.
Emon remained firm at one end, reaching his second T20I half-century. He finished unbeaten on 56 off 39 balls, guiding his team to a comfortable win.
Jaker Ali contributed a quick 15 not out off 10 balls to help complete the chase with 27 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s Salman Mirza impressed on debut with figures of 2 for 23 in 3.3 overs, while Abbas Afridi picked up one wicket.
Pakistan’s batting collapse
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 19.3 overs after being put in to bat.
Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a fluent 44 off 34 balls, but his effort lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.
The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals, starting with opener Saim Ayub, who was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for six in the second over.
Mohammad Haris managed only four before being bowled by Mahedi Hasan.
Captain Agha Salman was next to fall, edging a short ball from Tanzim Hasan Sakib to the keeper after scoring just three.
Hassan Nawaz was removed for a duck by Mustafizur Rahman, and Mohammad Nawaz was run out after a mix-up, leaving Pakistan reeling at 46 for 5 by the eighth over.
Fakhar Zaman’s resistance ended in the 12th over when he was run out after another miscommunication with Khushdil Shah.
Khushdil then partnered with Abbas Afridi to add 33 runs for the seventh wicket, providing brief hope of a recovery.
Mustafizur broke the stand by dismissing Khushdil for 17, after which Pakistan’s lower order collapsed.
Taskin Ahmed cleaned up Faheem Ashraf (5) and Abbas Afridi (22), while debutant Salman Mirza was run out for nought.
Taskin finished with figures of 3 for 24, while Mustafizur took 2 for 29. Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan’s total of 110 was their lowest T20I score against Bangladesh to date. The second match of the series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Tuesday.
Bangladesh squad
1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt, wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Mahedi Hasan, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan squad
1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Mohammad Haris (wk), 4 Hasan Nawaz, 5 Salman Agha (capt), 6 Mohammad Nawaz, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Abbas Afridi, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed
