DHAKA: Bangladesh batsmen are chasing Pakistan-set 142-run target in the only Twenty20 (T20) at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium at Mirpur in city Friday.

Earlier, Bangladesh blowers restricted Pakistan batsmen in a moderate total of 141 runs. Pakistan lost five wickets, playing stipulated overs.

Mukhtar Ahmed’s 37 runs off 30 balls was most successful batsmen, followed by Haris Sohail 30 not out off 24 balls.

Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, who debuted international cricket on Friday, was the highest wicket takers, taking two.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and decided to bat first. The mach kicked off at 6:30pm.

Mukhtar began Pakistan’s innings with Ahmed Shehzad on the other end of the crease while Bangladesh debutant Mustafizur Rahman bowled the first over.

Bangladesh have begun with tight bowling, creating pressure on Pakistan bastmen

Taskin Ahmed hit first, sending Ahmed Shehzad (17 off 31) back to the pavilion when Pakistan scored was 50 in 8.6 overs.

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi (12 of 9) showed in the field then. But he failed to stay longer. Bangladesh debutant semear Mustafizur Rahman removed Afridi, being caught and behind by Mushfiqur Rahim.

At that time, the scoreboard was at 64 in 10.4 overs.

Two overs later, Bangladesh wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim stamped Mukhtar Ahmed (37 off 30). Arafat Sunny was in bowling then.

Mukhtar stepped away, Sunny sees it and darts it outside leg. The batsman wanted to swing over covers and misses. Mushfiq collected the ball in a flash and took the bails off.

Replays showed that Mukhtar had lost his balance and dragged his back foot out of the crease. And his foot was on the line when Mushfiq whipped the bails off. Sharp work behind the wicket!  The TV umpire gave Mukhtar the marching orders.

Mustafizur Rahman hit again. Mohammad Hafeez became victim of his lbw (leg before wicket).

Two players from both sides are making their debut in T20 international. Mustafizur Rahman and Soumya Sarkar are for Bangladesh while Mohammad Rizwan and Mukhtar Ahmed are for Pakistan.

Pakistan are among most successful in T20 matches. Pakistan won 50 out of 85 T20s, while Bangladesh only have 11 wins in 41 games. But, Pakistan are at bottom of their confidence as their tour against the Tigers is still at zero.

Team

Bangladesh
Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim†, Shakib Al Hasan, Sabbir Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Mashrafe Mortaza*, Arafat Sunny, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan
Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Shahid Afridi*, Mukhtar Ahmed, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal

Umpires - Anisur Rahman and Sharfuddoula
TV umpire - Enamul Haque
Match referee - JJ Crowe
Reserve umpire - Mahfuzur Rahman

Pakistan 101 for 3 (15 ov)
** Pakistan facing Bangladesh bowlers

BDST: 2025 HRS, APR 24, 2015
HB/AKA