Bangladesh once again failed to close out a match as they lost the first Twenty20 international of their three-match series against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday by four wickets.
Batting first, Bangladesh managed to put up 127-7 as they struggled with their batting. Only three batsmen managed to reach double figures- Afif Hossain (36), Nurul Hasan Sohan (28) and Mahedi Hasan (30*). Mahedi’s cameo at the end of 20 deliveries was what took Bangladesh past 120.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali picked up three wickets with Mohammad Wasim picking up a couple.
In reply, Bangladesh had Pakistan on the ropes as they picked up four wickets in the poweplay. Mustafizur Rahman sent back Mohammad Rizwan with a brilliant inswinger before Taskin Ahmed sent Pakistan skipper Babar Azam back.
Mahedi managed to dismiss Haider Ali and some quick thinking from Sohan saw Shoaib Malik back for a duck.
But a 56-run stand between Fakhar Zaman and Khushidil Shah brought Pakistan back in the game. Mustafiz and Shoriful Islam then struck to dismiss them both.
But Mustafiz and Shoriful gave away 15 runs each in the 18th and 19th over, killing Bangladesh’s chances to go 1-0 up in the series.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh were in trouble immediately as they lost three wickets within the powerplay. Saif Hassan (1) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (7), brought in for this series, failed to capitalise on their opportunity.
Afif’s innings gave Bangladesh some space to breathe and Sohan’s innings took them near 100 before Mahedi’s cameo took them beyond 120.
And a last delivery six from Taskin Ahmed took Bangladesh to 127-7.
