DHAKA: In what turned out to be a low-scoring encounter, Pakistan just managed to beat Bangladesh by four wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series, played here on Friday. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first.
Pakistan were brilliant with the ball and struck early reducing the hosts to three down for just 15 on the board in the fifth over. Mahmudullah worked on the rebuilding process until he lost his wicket in the ninth over of the innings with Bangladesh at 40.
Afif Hossain was joined by Nurul Hasan at the crease, both of whom along with Mahedi Hasan played key roles in getting Bangladesh to a respectable total. Bangladesh scored 127 at the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs.
Pakistan, in reply, began tentatively and almost paid the price for it, having been reduced to 24 for four in the fifth over. Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah brought calm in an, otherwise, nervous Pakistan camp and took the visitors to 80 in the 15th over before Fakhar lost his wicket.
Khushdil departed shortly with Pakistan still needing 32 off the last 18 balls. The duo of Shabad Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, however, slammed the 18th and 19th over and took Pakistan to victory with an over to spare. Hasan Ali was declared the player of the match for picking three wickets for 22 in his four overs.
The two sides will play the second T20I tomorrow.
