Bangladesh sealed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan with an eight-run victory in the second match at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Tuesday. The win, which came with a game to spare, was built on solid contributions with both ball and bat, as Pakistan’s chase fell short despite a fighting half-century from Faheem Ashraf.
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first initially seemed promising, as their pace attack quickly gained control over Bangladesh’s batting lineup. The early breakthroughs were led by fast-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who struck in the second over to dismiss opener Mohammad Naim for just three runs, reducing Bangladesh to a fragile 5/1.
Source: NDTV Sports.
Skipper Litton Das joined Parvez Hossain Emon, but their brief partnership of 20 runs was soon interrupted with Litton’s dismissal in the fifth over. Bangladesh’s struggles continued as they lost two more quick wickets, plunging to 28/4 in just over five overs.
However, a resilient recovery effort from all-rounder Mahedi Hasan and wicketkeeper Jaker Ali brought stability. The pair combined for a 53-run partnership that anchored Bangladesh’s innings. Mahedi Hasan played a key role, contributing 33 off 25 balls, before falling to Mohammad Nawaz in the 14th over. Jaker Ali, however, remained steadfast, anchoring the innings with a gritty knock of 55 from 48 balls, including five sixes and one four.
Despite a collapse at the tail end of the innings, Bangladesh managed to set a challenging target of 134 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers—Debutant Ahmed Daniyal, Abbas Afridi, and Salman Mirza—each claimed two wickets, while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz contributed with one wicket each.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase was hampered by early setbacks, including three batters returning to the pavilion without scoring a single run. Despite Faheem Ashraf’s commendable 50, which included a maiden T20I half-century, Pakistan’s middle order could not find a foothold, falling eight runs short of the target. Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, delivered a tight bowling performance to seal the win.
This victory gives Bangladesh an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, after their dominant seven-wicket win in the series opener.
