Bangladesh Seal Historic T20I Series Win Over Pakistan in Last-Over Thriller

Tue Jul 22 2025
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DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh scripted history on Tuesday as they defeated Pakistan by eight runs in a nail-biting second T20I at the Shere Bangla National Stadium to clinch their first-ever series victory over the visitors.

Chasing a modest target of 134, Pakistan were bowled out for 126 on the second delivery of the final over, despite a valiant half-century from Faheem Ashraf and late resistance from the lower order.

The Green Shirts got off to a disastrous start, losing five wickets for just 15 runs inside five overs.

Opener Saim Ayub was run out for one in the opening over, setting off a collapse that saw the Pakistani top order crumble against disciplined Bangladeshi bowling.

Captain Salman Ali Agha (9) and all-rounder Khushdil Shah (13) attempted to steady the innings but could only add 15 and 17 runs in brief partnerships before falling.

At 47 for 7, Pakistan appeared on the brink of collapse. However, Faheem Ashraf and Abbas Afridi launched a rear-guard action with a 41-run stand that brought Pakistan back into contention.

Abbas was eventually dismissed for 19 off 13 balls by Shoriful Islam in the 17th over.

Faheem continued the fight, adding another 33 runs with debutant Ahmed Daniyal.

He remained the top scorer with a brilliant 51 off 32 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and four sixes before falling to Rishad Hossain in the penultimate over.

Needing nine runs off the final over with one wicket in hand, Daniyal struck a boundary off the first ball to raise hopes, but was dismissed on the next delivery by Mustafizur Rahman. He contributed a crucial 17 off 11 balls.

Shoriful Islam was the standout performer for Bangladesh with figures of 3 for 17 in his four overs.

Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up two wickets each, while Rishad and Mustafizur chipped in with one apiece.

Earlier, after opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s bowlers put in a strong performance to restrict Bangladesh to 133.

Faheem Ashraf struck early, removing Mohammad Naim in the second over. The hosts were soon reduced to 28 for 4, but Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan revived the innings with a 53-run partnership.

Mahedi scored 33 off 25 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz. Jaker Ali held the innings together with a determined 55 off 48 balls, hitting one four and five sixes.

He guided Bangladesh past the 130-run mark with support from the tail.

Ahmed Daniyal, Abbas Afridi, and Salman Mirza claimed two wickets each for Pakistan, while Nawaz and Faheem took one apiece.

The win gave Bangladesh a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, following their seven-wicket victory in the opening match. The final T20I will be played on July 24.

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