ZCZC
BSP-26
CRICKET-BD-PAK-1ST-T20
Tigers suffer five-wicket defeat to Pakistan
DHAKA, Jan 24, 2020 (BSS)- Bangladesh paid the price of their lackluster
batting to taste a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the first T20
International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday.
The Tigers who opted to bat first piled up 141-5, which never looked enough
despite the wickets, was bit slower. Pakistan faced a hiccup initially before
experienced campaigner Shoaib Malik struck an unbeaten 58 to help the side
overhaul the target with three balls to spare.
By virtue of the win, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Opener Naim Sheikh was the highest scorer for Bangladesh with 43 while his
senior opener Tamim Iqbal made 39.
The duo, however, added 71 runs for the opening stand but that came at such
slower pace that it created an adverse impact on the middle order.
None of them could take any initiative to go after the Pakistan bowlers
even in the first powerplay. Lack of their anticipation and over cautious
batting led Bangladesh to score just 35 runs in first six overs.
The openers then tried to accelerate the innings but simply couldn’t
execute their plan well.
However, the run-out dismissal of Tamim Iqbal brought an end to the 71-run
partnership that came off 11 overs. Tamim played 34 balls to score 39,
including four fours and one six.
The pressure to score swiftly with too many wickets at hands got the better
of both Naim and Liton who came to bat at No.3 position.
While Liton was trapped run-out like Tamim after scoring 12, Naim holed out
one, trying for a big shot. Naim struck three fours and two sixes in his 43
off 41.
Likes of Afif Hossain and Soumya Sarkar later fell, also to score runs in
quick fashion.
However, captain Mahmudullah was not out on 19 of 14 with two fours and the
knock enabled Bangladesh past 140, which looked meager, considering the
nature of the wicket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan picked up one wickets
apiece for Pakistan.
Pakistan might seal the deal in the last over but never it looked the
target was beyond their reach.
Seasoned campaigner Shoaib Malik, who was in superb form in the recently
concluded Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL), led Pakistan’s
victory with 58 (not out) off 45, hitting five fours.
Opener Ahsan Ali who made his T20 debut scored 36 off 32 with four fours.
Pakistan received a huge setback when Shafiul Islam removed Babar Azam for
second ball-duck, making his captaincy debut a forgettable one.
The fall of early wicket slowed them down but veteran Mohammad Hafeez who
was recalled after long days, tried to pace the innings. Mustafizur Rahman
cut short his stay in the crease, dismissing him for 17.
Shoaib Malik then showed the value of experience and the form as he held
together the innings, quelling any hope of Bangladesh’s comeback in the
match.
Firstly he shared 46-run with Ahsan to steady the ship before guiding the
lower middle order astutely to sail the side home.
Shafiul Islam claimed 2-27 for Bangladesh while Mustafizur Rahman, AL-Amin
Hossain and Aminul Islam Biplob grabbed one wicket apiece. BSS/SMP/SSS/1855
hrs