Dhaka (Web Desk): Bangladesh set a target of 134 runs for Pakistan in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka on Tuesday.
After Winning the toss, Pakistan decided to field first against Bangladesh.
The decision to bowl first by skipper Salman Ali Agha proved a tactical masterstroke, with the visiting bowlers dominating from the outset.
Faheem Ashraf sparked the early collapse, sending back Mohammad Naim for just three in the second over, caught behind with only five runs on the board. Bangladesh’s top order faltered under pressure, with wickets tumbling rapidly. Captain Litton Das tried to settle the innings alongside Parvez Hossain Emon, but their brief resistance added only 20 runs before Litton was dismissed in the fifth over, managing just eight.
Pakistan tightened their grip as Bangladesh stumbled to 28 for 4 in under six overs, with little room to breathe. It was then that Mahedi Hasan and Jaker Ali attempted to stitch the innings back together. The pair displayed resilience with a steady 53-run stand, giving the home crowd something to cheer. Mahedi, in particular, looked in good touch, striking two boundaries and clearing the rope twice on his way to 33 off 25 balls.
The partnership, however, was broken by Mohammad Nawaz in the 14th over, when he removed Mahedi to halt the momentum. From there, Jaker Ali carried the lower order on his shoulders.
Displaying maturity beyond his years, the wicketkeeper-batter held firm, crafting a fighting knock of 55 off 48 balls, featuring one boundary and five maximums. His efforts lifted Bangladesh from a dire position to a somewhat defendable total, but the lack of support from the other end meant the innings concluded at 133 with one delivery to spare.
Pakistan’s bowling was a collective showcase of discipline and control. Debutant Ahmed Daniyal impressed with two wickets, matched by Abbas Afridi and Salman Mirza, both of whom also claimed a brace. Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one apiece, maintaining consistent pressure throughout.
Despite their struggles with the bat, Bangladesh entered the match with confidence, having claimed a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the first T20I. They’ll be hoping their bowlers can defend the under-par total and seal the series, while Pakistan will eye this chase as a prime opportunity to level things heading into the decider.
Teams
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha(C), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal
Bangladesh: 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