At the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh scripted a new chapter in their cricketing history by sealing their maiden T20I series win against Pakistan. The Tigers defeated the visitors in back-to-back matches, with the second game ending in a thrilling 8-run victory. Shoriful Islam was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling, while Jaker Ali Anik played a key role in stabilizing the innings.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat, but the start was nothing short of disastrous. The team slumped to 28 for 4, losing key wickets early. Under pressure, Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan came to the rescue, stitching together a crucial 53-run stand for the fifth wicket and lifting the team from the brink.
Mahedi scored a quick 33 off 25 balls before being dismissed. Jaker, who began his innings cautiously, switched gears later with an aggressive display. He brought up his fifty with five sixes and a four, eventually scoring 55 runs. Thanks to his power hitting at the death, Bangladesh reached a competitive total of 133—a score that would prove to be match-winning.
From the very first over, Bangladesh’s bowlers applied pressure. Saim Ayub was run out following a mix-up, and Shoriful Islam struck twice soon after—trapping Haris lbw with a sharp inswinger and then dismissing Fakhar Zaman with a leg-side catch.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib added to Pakistan’s misery by removing both Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz in consecutive deliveries, both dismissed for ducks. Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 15 for 5. The bowlers maintained tight lines and an aggressive mindset, laying the foundation for victory.
With Pakistan reeling at 47 for 7, Faheem Ashraf staged a valiant fightback. He hammered 20 runs in a single over off Rishad Hossain, keeping the chase alive. Pakistan needed 52 runs from the last five overs.
Ashraf brought up his fifty with a six off Shoriful, but was bowled the very next ball by a delivery that stayed low. In the final over, Pakistan needed 13 runs. Although debutant Daniyal hit a boundary off the first ball, Mustafizur Rahman’s tight bowling and Shamim Hossain’s clutch catch ended Pakistan’s hopes and confirmed Bangladesh’s historic win.
📊 Score Summary:
Bangladesh: 133 all out (Jaker 55, Mahedi 33, Mirza 2-17)
Pakistan: 125 all out (Ashraf 51, Afridi 19, Shoriful 3-17)
Result: Bangladesh won by 8 runs
Series: Bangladesh won the series 2–0
Source :ESPNCricinfo
