MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Bangladesh posted a modest total of 133 runs against Pakistan in the second T20 International of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision was quickly vindicated as the visiting side’s pace attack put the hosts under early pressure.
Fast-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf provided the initial breakthrough in the second over, dismissing opener Mohammad Naim for just three, with only five runs on the board.
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das joined Parvez Hossain Emon in the middle, but the duo could add only 20 runs before Das fell in the fifth over for eight.
A quick collapse followed, and the home side slumped to 28 for four by the end of the sixth over.
A recovery was staged by Mahedi Hasan and wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali, who built a stabilising 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
However, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz broke the stand in the 14th over, removing Hasan for 33 off 25 balls, which included two boundaries and two sixes.
Jaker Ali remained resilient at the crease and carried the innings with support from the lower order.
He top-scored for Bangladesh with a well-composed 55 off 48 deliveries, striking one four and five sixes. Despite his efforts, Bangladesh were bowled out for 133.
Pakistan’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with debutant Ahmed Daniyal, Abbas Afridi, and Salman Mirza taking two wickets apiece. Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf claimed one wicket each.
Pakistan will now chase a 134-run target to level the series, after losing the first match by seven wickets. Bangladesh currently lead the series 1-0.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c/wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman.
