DHAKA: Bangladesh made history on Tuesday by defeating Pakistan by eight runs in the second T20I, sealing their first-ever T20I series victory over the Green Shirts. The home side now leads the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.
The match turned in Bangladesh’s favor thanks to a composed half-century from Jaker Ali and a well-executed bowling performance that defended a seemingly modest target of 134 runs.
Pakistan’s chase started on a disastrous note as Saim Ayub was run out in the first over, setting off a dramatic collapse. Within 5 overs, the visitors found themselves reeling at 15 for 5, with the top and middle order offering little resistance.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah tried to rebuild with a short 15-run stand, but momentum never truly shifted. After Salman fell for 9, Khushdil managed 13 before being dismissed in the 12th over, leaving Pakistan at 47/7 and still needing 87 runs off 49 balls.
The lower order, however, sparked some hope. Faheem Ashraf led the fight with a powerful 51 off 32 balls, including four sixes and four fours. He formed a crucial 41-run partnership with Abbas Afridi, who chipped in with 19 off 13, followed by another 33-run stand with debutant Daniyal Ahmed (17 off 11). Despite the efforts, Pakistan were bowled out for 126 in the final over.
Shoriful Islam was outstanding with the ball for Bangladesh, finishing with 3 wickets for 17 runs, while Mahedi Hasan and Tanzim Sakib picked up two each. Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman also contributed with a wicket apiece.
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Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Bangladesh also faced early trouble. Faheem Ashraf removed Mohammad Naim early, and by the end of the sixth over, the hosts were struggling at 28/4.
The recovery was led by Mahedi Hasan and Jaker Ali, who added 53 runs for the fifth wicket. Hasan played a brisk knock of 33 off 25 balls, while Ali carried the innings with a composed 55 off 48 deliveries, featuring five sixes.
For Pakistan, three bowlers — Abbas Afridi, Daniyal Ahmed, and Salman Mirza — took two wickets each, while Nawaz and Faheem grabbed one each.