Dhaka: In one of the most historic moments in Bangladesh cricket, the Tigers clinched their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan, defeating the visitors by eight runs in the second match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday. The victory gave Bangladesh an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series and marked a new low for Pakistan in the shortest format.
Bangladesh Hold Nerve In Low-Scoring Thriller
After posting a modest total of 133, Bangladesh delivered a spirited bowling performance, led by left-arm pacers Mustafizur Rahman and Shoriful Islam, who helped restrict Pakistan to 125 all out. Tanzim Hasan Sakib also chipped in with crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. From 61/1, they lost five wickets for just 15 runs, leaving the lower order with too much to do. Despite a late counterattack by Faheem Ashraf—who scored his maiden T20I fifty (51 off 32 balls)—Pakistan fell short, failing to chase a target that would usually be considered within reach.
Record-Breaking Series For Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s performance across the series has been lauded as clinical and disciplined. In the first T20I, the hosts bowled out Pakistan for just 110, the lowest total ever recorded by the Men in Green against Bangladesh in T20Is. That match saw Jaker Ali anchor the chase with an unbeaten 34, giving the Tigers a comfortable five-wicket win.
Mustafizur Rahman also etched his name in the record books by surpassing Jasprit Bumrah’s record for most maiden overs in T20I history—a milestone that further highlighted his world-class caliber.
Pakistan Face Mounting Pressure
This series defeat adds to the growing concerns surrounding Pakistan’s T20I setup. Captain Shan Masood’s leadership is under intense scrutiny after back-to-back losses marked by poor batting decisions and inconsistent bowling. The middle order—featuring experienced names—collapsed under pressure in both matches, leading to widespread criticism from fans and former players alike.
The debut of young pacer Ahmed Daniyal offered a rare bright spot. The 20-year-old impressed with raw pace, clocking 146 km/h in his first over and earning comparisons to Shoaib Akhtar. However, his emergence wasn’t enough to change Pakistan’s fortunes.
What’s Next?
Third T20I: Scheduled for July 24 in Dhaka, where Bangladesh will eye a clean sweep and Pakistan will look to avoid a whitewash.
Bangladesh Outlook: With this win, Bangladesh solidifies its momentum ahead of major tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s Road Ahead: Urgent introspection is needed as they return home to reassess strategies and possibly reshuffle the squad before upcoming tours.
Series Summary
Match Result Notable Performers
1st T20I Bangladesh won by 5 wickets Jaker Ali 34*, Mustafizur 3-18
2nd T20I Bangladesh won by 8 runs Faheem Ashraf 51, Shoriful Islam 3-17
Final Word:
This historic series win is more than just a stat for Bangladesh—it represents the growing maturity and confidence of a side long seen as underdogs. For Pakistan, it is a sobering wake-up call and a reminder that pedigree alone doesn’t win matches.
Discussion about this post