Bangladesh bowlers held their nerve to secure an eight-run victory in the second game of the three-match Twenty20 series, sealing a historic series win over Pakistan in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Tuesday.
From the outset, Bangladesh bowlers and fielders were dominant while defending a modest total of 133, striking early breakthroughs.
Saim Ayub was run out on the last ball of the first over, thanks to an all-round effort from the Tigers’ fielders.
Shoriful Islam then dismissed Mohammad Haris (nought) and in-form Fakhar Zaman (eight) in the second and fourth over respectively, putting Pakistan under pressure.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib struck twice in the fifth over in back-to-back deliveries, putting Bangladesh firmly on top as Pakistan struggled with just 15 runs on the board after the powerplay, having lost half their side.
Faheem Ashraf was the lone warrior for Pakistan, holding the innings together and bringing the game close.
At one stage, Pakistan needed 28 runs off the last two overs.
Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain came on to bowl, and Ahmed Daniyal struck two boundaries off the first and third ball of the 19th over.
Faheem then smashed a six off the fifth delivery to keep Pakistan very much in the contest, with just 13 runs required from seven deliveries.
However, Rishad took the crucial wicket of Faheem on the last ball of the 19th over, bowling him clean as he missed the line.
Mustafizur Rahman came on to bowl the final over, with Pakistan needing 13 runs from six balls.
A boundary off the first ball from Daniyal gave Pakistan hope, reducing the target to nine runs from five balls, which still seemed achievable.
But Daniyal failed to clear the fence off the next delivery and was caught at deep midwicket by Towhid Hridoy, who held a clean catch under pressure to seal victory for Bangladesh.
Earlier, Bangladesh managed to score 133 runs on a tricky wicket.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Bangladesh made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Mohammad Naim and Shoriful in place of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Taskin Ahmed.
The toss took place amid a cloud of grief following a tragic fighter jet crash Monday at Milestone School and College that claimed the lives of students, teachers, and officials.
Bangladesh captain Liton Das said the team were playing with heavy hearts.
"We all know what happened yesterday. It’s not easy to accept. We’re playing with heavy hearts," Liton said after the toss.
"I am a parent myself, so I understand the feelings. The whole team are very sad and emotional at this stage. We are praying for everyone affected," he added.
A minute's silence was observed before the match, with both teams and officials wearing black armbands.
No music was played throughout the evening as a mark of respect.
During the innings, Bangladesh lost early wickets in the powerplay and found themselves under pressure, reaching 29/4 after six overs.
Jaker Ali Anik and Mahedi Hasan then put together a crucial 53-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Mahedi was dismissed for 33 off 25 balls in the 14th over.
Jaker played an outstanding innings, scoring 55 runs off 48 balls with five sixes and one boundary, helping Bangladesh post 133 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Jaker was later adjudged player of the match.
After the match, Bangladesh skipper Liton dedicated the series win to the victims and their families affected by the jet crash in Uttara.
The third and final match of the series will be played Thursday at the same venue.
