Bangladesh continued to heap more misery upon Pakistan as the home side coasted to a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the lone Twenty20 international at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
Pakistan began the series with a defeat in the practice match and their fortunes refused to improve in the following three-match ODI series with the hosts strolling to a series sweep over their hapless opponent.
Yesterday’s T20I pretty much followed the same script with the Tigers romping to yet another convincing victory with 22 balls in hand. Mashrafe bin Mortaza’s side chased down their modest target of 142 with majestic all-rounder Shakib al Hasan unbeaten on 57 off 41 balls while Sabbir Rahman was undefeated, having blasted a whirlwind 32-ball 51.
Shakib, who earlier gave away just 17 runs in four overs, was the stand-out performer in a T20I yet again to lead the Tigers to their maiden T20 win over Pakistan in eight attempts and 12th overall victory in 42 matches.
Youngster Sabbir Rahman provided valuable support to Shakib and helped his side wrap up proceedings earlier than anticipated.
Bangladesh, however, were in a spot of bother in the powerplay overs after being reduced to 3/38. The fourth wicket pair of Shakib and Sabbir then put on an unbroken 105-run partnership to inflict more pain on the visitors.
Shakib struck his fifth T20 half-century while Sabbir smashed his maiden.
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi earlier decided to take first strike and posted a modest 141/5. The Pakistan openers found run-scoring difficult in the face of some early pressure from debutant paceman Mustafizur Rahman. The 19-year-old left-arm quickie made a terrific start to his international career and bowled a tight line and length, finishing with impressive bowling figures of 2/20 from four overs.
Pakistan debutant Mukhtar Ahmed scored the highest 37 for his side, his 30-ball knock featuring five fours and a six, before being stumped off the bowling of Arafat Sunny. Mukhtar, however, could have departed earlier on 16 as Mushfiqur Rahim missed an easy stumping opportunity off Shakib.
Pakistan struggled past the 50-run mark in the ninth over as opener Ahmed Shehzad took 31 deliveries for his 17. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed brought an end to Shehzad’s painstaking innings as the right-hander was caught brilliantly by Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe at the long-off region.
“Boom Boom” Afridi promoted himself up the order at No 3 but made just 12 off nine balls before becoming Mustafizur’s maiden T20 scalp.
The Tigers continued to put pressure on the opposition batsmen with Shakib leading from the front. Even though the ace all-rounder remained wicket-less, he conceded only 17 runs from his four overs.
Haris Sohail remained undefeated on 30 off 24 balls while Mohammad Hafeez chipped in with a quick 26 off 18 balls before falling to Mustafizur.
Despite having wickets in hand, Pakistan added only 40 runs in their last five overs.