DHAKA: A pair of fifties by Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman helped Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the only Twenty20 international (T20I) in city’s at Mirpur Friday night.

Chasing Pakistan-set a 142-run target, Bangladesh reached victory in 16.2 overs, losing three wickets only.

Shakib hit his fifth T20I half-century and Sabbir hit his maiden fifty, scoring 57 and 51 respectively.

Tamim Iqbal (14 off 10 balls) began Bangladesh’s innings with Soumya Sarkar on the end while Mohammad Hafeez bowled the first over.

Tamim started explosively. But Soumya walked to pavilion in the first over before opening his score. He became victim of run out by Saeed Ajmal.

Shakib Al Hasan came to the crease then, began batting with Tamin, who stayed awhile. Umar Gul stopped Tamim when Bangladesh scored 17 in 2.2 overs.

Mushfiqur Rahim (19 off 15) showed then, began batting with Shakib. Wahab Riaz sent Mushfiqur back to the pavilion. But Shakib had been continuing then.

Sabbir Rahman came in and began batting with Shakib. Both hit fifty, staying not out. Together, the pair took the team to the victory.

Sabbir scored 51 off 32 balls with and outstanding strike of 159.37, hitting seven fours and a six. Shakib scored 57 off 41 balls. He built his innings with nine boundaries with a strike rate of 139.02.

Pakistan’s Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz took one wicket each.

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

Mukhtar Ahmed (37 off 30 balls) was most successful batsman, 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.

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).

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

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.

Sabbir Rahman, who became Man of the Match, said: “I enjoyed batting and I am very happy. This is my first fifty and I dedicate it to my family. Credit to our coaching-staff. Hopefully, we win the Test series.”

Defeated Pakistan  Shahid Afridi said: “I want to congratulate Bangladesh. They have great momentum, especially in home conditions. I think our team is balanced in Test cricket. Misbah and Younis will be back for Tests. I would love to come back to Bangladesh.”

Wining Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said: “Nice moment for us. We have been waiting for this for the past 6-7 months. We have been working hard. I am sure that the boys will deliver in Tests too. I am going alright [on his fitness].”

With this match, Bangladesh secured the 12th wins in 42 games. Both side faced each other for eight times where Bangladesh won only Friday’s match.


BDST: 2135 HRS, APR 24, 2015
HB/

** Bangladesh chasing 142