Dhaka
Pakistan on Friday recovered from early losses in a run-chase that looked smooth in beginning but proved to be nerve-wrecking, to beat Bangladesh in the first of the three T20I matches at Sher-e-Bangla national stadium Mirpur.
Pakistan reached a target of 128 runs at a loss of 6 wickets, with only four balls to spare.
Pakistani skipper Babar Azam managed to score eight runs while Mohammad Rizwan hit 11 runs. Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik were unable to score any run in the match.
Match entered a tense phase when Pakistan’s top and middle order scrambled but late fireworks from Khushdil Shah and Muhammad Nawaz took Pakistan home.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh also got off to a shaky start, losing their first three wickets for 15 runs, before Afif Hossain steadied the hosts with 36 off 34 balls. Nurul Hasan made 28 off 22 balls while Mahedi Hasan added an unbeaten 30 off 17 balls.
Right-arm pacer Mohammad Wasim claimed 2-24 for the tourists.
Pakistan are resting star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and have brought in Mohammad Wasim Jr for the first game of the three-match series. Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz and Khushdil Shah have also been included in the starting line-up.
Pakistan’s Hassan Ali was named man of the match for his excellent spell of 3-22 from his four overs.
Second match will be played today (Saturday) at the same Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka.
