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Bangladesh started their three-match T20I series on a high note by comfortably defeating Pakistan by seven wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Sunday. The hosts chased down a modest target of 111 runs in just 15.3 overs, courtesy of a composed half-century from Parvez Hossain Emon and a clinical bowling display led by Taskin Ahmed.
Early Strikes Give Pakistan Brief Hope
Pakistan’s debutant pacer Salman Mirza made an immediate impact with the new ball, breathing life into the visitors’ defense of a low total. He dismissed Tanzid Hasan for just 1 run in the very first over and followed up with the big wicket of Bangladesh captain Litton Das, also for 1, in his second over. At 7-2 in just 2.2 overs, Bangladesh appeared vulnerable.
However, that glimmer of hope quickly faded as Emon, in fine touch, joined forces with Towhid Hridoy to rebuild the innings.
Emon and Hridoy Rebuild Steadily
Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy stitched together a crucial 73-run partnership for the third wicket that not only steadied the innings but also shifted the momentum entirely in Bangladesh’s favor. Emon took a calm and calculated approach, rotating the strike efficiently while punishing the occasional loose delivery. Hridoy provided valuable support, scoring 36 off 37 balls.
Their stand was finally broken by Abbas Afridi in the 13th over when he dismissed Hridoy with Bangladesh on the verge of victory at 80-3. But by then, the damage had been done.
Emon Guides Bangladesh to Victory
Unfazed by the fall of his partner, Emon continued to anchor the innings with maturity beyond his years. The left-hander brought up his second T20I fifty and stayed unbeaten on 56 off 39 balls, which included six boundaries and a six. His steady hand ensured that there were no further hiccups in the chase.
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Jaker Ali provided the finishing touch with a quick 15 off just 10 balls, hitting two boundaries to seal the win in the 16th over and give Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan’s Batting Falters Despite Fakhar Zaman’s Resistance
Earlier in the day, Pakistan opted to bat first but failed to capitalize on a decent start. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub began positively, but the innings unraveled rapidly after Saim was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for 6 in the second over. Mohammad Haris followed soon after, bowled by Mahedi Hasan after hitting a boundary.
Pakistan captain Agha Salman struggled to find rhythm and was dismissed for just 3, while debutant Hassan Nawaz was sent back for a duck by Mustafizur Rahman, leaving Pakistan in tatters at 41-4.
A run-out added to their misery as Mohammad Nawaz was caught short of the crease following a mix-up with Fakhar Zaman, reducing the visitors to 46-5 before the 8th over.
Fakhar Fights Alone, Lower Order Crumbles
Fakhar Zaman tried to hold the innings together with a fighting 44 off 34 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and a six. However, another miscommunication—this time with Khushdil Shah—led to his run-out, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of reaching a competitive total.
Abbas Afridi provided a brief spark with a quick 22, smashing three sixes, while Khushdil Shah scored 17 before falling to Mustafizur. The tail couldn’t resist long as Taskin Ahmed cleaned up the lower order, including a run-out of Salman Mirza and a wicket off Afridi to end the innings.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in 19.5 overs—their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.
Taskin and Mustafizur Lead Bowling Effort
Bangladesh’s bowlers were exceptional on the day, with Taskin Ahmed leading the charge. The right-arm pacer finished with impressive figures of 3/24 and was instrumental in both the early breakthroughs and cleaning up the tail. Mustafizur Rahman also played a vital role, picking up 2/29, while Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with a wicket each.
Looking Ahead: Second T20I on Tuesday
With a confident win under their belt, Bangladesh will look to seal the series in the second T20I, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Tuesday. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address their top-order vulnerabilities if they hope to stay alive in the series.
