Dhaka: A disciplined bowling effort helped Bangladesh bundle Pakistan out for a paltry 110 in 19.3 overs in the first T20 of the three-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed ended with figures of 3-22 while his fellow pacer Mustafizur Rahman caused significant damage with economical bowling, taking two wickets for just six runs in four overs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the pitch offered favorable conditions for bowlers, allowing all of Bangladesh’s bowlers to effectively stifle the Pakistan batters. Opener Fakhar Zaman, who survived two chances, made a team-best 44 off 34 balls with six fours and one six. Abbas Afridi contributed 22, and Khushdil Shah added 17 for Pakistan.
Five of the top six Pakistan batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, greatly hindering their ability to post a competitive total in the bowling-friendly conditions. Fakhar Zaman could have been dismissed in the first over, but Taskin Ahmed missed a straightforward cat
ch at long-on off Mahedi Hasan’s bowling. However, Taskin provided the breakthrough in the subsequent over by dismissing Saim Ayub with a back-of-length delivery, and Mahedi was rewarded in the next over by taking the wicket of Mohammad Haris.
Captain Salman Agha lost his wicket due to a rash shot, while Mustafizur Rahman baffled Hasan Nawaz with a well-executed cutter. Pakistan faced further setbacks when Mohammad Nawaz was run out. Despite the flurry of wickets, Fakhar Zaman managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, but his run-out left Pakistan at 70-6 in the 12th over.
Abbas Afridi and Khushdil Shah managed to hit some big shots, with Afridi striking back-to-back sixes off Tanzim Hasan Sakib to push the total past 100. Mustafizur Rahman conceded just two runs in his final two overs, preventing Pakistan from capitalizing on the last powerplay.
Taskin Ahmed subsequently claimed two wickets in the final over as Pakistan were bowled out three balls before completing their 20-over quota.