Bangladesh wins the series by defeating Pakistan

Sports Desk

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 8 runs in the second T20I in Mirpur to seal the series 2-0. The hosts held their nerve in the final moments of a low-scoring thriller, with Zakar Ali’s impeccable batting and a combined effort from the bowlers being key to the victory.

Bangladesh, who won the toss and opted to bat first, did not start well. They lost wickets at regular intervals and came under pressure. Mohammad Naeem (3), Liton Das (8), Touhid Hridoy (0) and Parvez Hossain Emon (13) quickly returned to the dressing room. At one stage, Bangladesh were reeling after losing 4 wickets for 28 runs. From there, Zaker Ali took charge of the team. He played a responsible innings of 55 runs off 48 balls with 7 fours and 1 six. He was well supported by Mehedi Hasan, who was dismissed for 33 runs off 25 balls. In the end, Bangladesh posted a respectable score of 133 runs with short but important innings from Shariful Islam (12) and Rishad Hossain (8). Salman Mirza and Abbas Afridi took 2 wickets each for Pakistan.

Chasing a modest target of 134 runs, Pakistan had a shaky start, just like Bangladesh. They lost wickets one after another to the pace bowling of Shariful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Shakib. Saim Ayub (1), Mohammad Haris (0), Fakhar Zaman (8) and captain Salman Agha (9) were dismissed quickly. Pakistan’s middle order also failed. Hasan Nawaz (0) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) departed before opening the score. Khushdil Shah scored 13 runs. Pakistan lost 7 wickets for 47 runs.

Faheem Ashraf (51) and Ahmed Daniel (17) put up some resistance towards the end, but it was not enough to win. Pakistan needed 13 runs in the last over, but Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Ahmed Daniel for just 4 runs to ensure Bangladesh’s victory. Pakistan were all out for 125 in 19.2 overs.

For Bangladesh, Shariful Islam shattered Pakistan’s batting lineup by taking 3 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs. Mehedi Hasan also took 2 wickets for 25 runs and Tanjim Hasan took 2 wickets for Shakib for 23 runs.

Zaker Ali was adjudged the man of the match for his outstanding batting.