- Match scorecard available here
Dhaka, 19 November 2021: All-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz added 36 runs off 15 balls to ensure a thrilling four-wicket win in the first match of the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka on Friday.
Set a 128-run target, Pakistan went past the target with four balls to spare with Shadab hitting a six off Amin-ul-Islam, the visitors needed two runs off the final over.
Pakistan lost their prolific opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan (11) and captain Babar Azam (7) cheaply while Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik fell for ducks.
After six overs Pakistan were precariously placed at 24 for four, left-handers Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah led the recovery with 56-run stand for the fifth-wicket.
Fakhar was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed for 34 off 36 balls (four fours). Khushdil was sent packing by Shoriful Islam for 35 (35 balls, three fours, one six) with the score at 96.
Shadab hit two sixes and one four in his 21 off 10 balls while Nawaz contributed 18 off eight with the help of two sixes and one four to seal Pakistan’s win.
Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Pakistan made early inroads as openers Mohammad Naim (1) and Saif Hassan (1) fell cheaply. The hosts were reduced to 15 for three in the fifth over when Mohammad Wasim Jnr accounted for Najmul Hossain Shanto (7).
Captain Mahmudullah fell to Mohammad Nawaz for six with the score at 40 in nine overs. Afif Hossain top-scored for the hosts with 36 off 34 balls (two fours, two sixes) he was the fifth batter dismissed with the total at 61 in the 13th over.
Bangladesh fought back through their lower-order of Mahedi Hasan (30 not out, 20 balls, one four, two sixes) and wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan (28 off 22 balls, two sixes) to post a competitive total on a challenging pitch that offered assistance to spinners.
The hosts finished their 20 overs at 127 for seven. For Pakistan Hasan Ali who was later adjudged player of the match captured three wickets for 22 in four overs, Wasim Jnr took two wickets for 24 runs.
Scores in Brief:
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by four wickets
Bangladesh 127 for 7, 20 overs (Afif Hossain 36, Mahedi Hasan 30 not out, Nurul Hasan 28; Hasan Ali 3-22, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-24)
Pakistan 132 for 6, 19.2 overs (Khushdil Shah 34, Fakhar Zaman 34, Shadab Khan 21 not out; Taskin Ahmed 2-31)
Player of the match: Hasan Ali
