Bangladesh outclass Pakistan in T20I series opener

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

The home side chased down Pakistan’s modest target of 111 runs with ease, completing the win in just 15.5 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Pakistan, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, managed to score only 110 runs in 19.3 overs in a disappointing display with the bat.

Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 44 runs, followed by Abbas Afridi, who added a fighting 22* towards the end.

Khushdil Shah was the only other batter to reach double figures with 17 runs.

The rest of the batting lineup collapsed under the disciplined bowling from the Bangladesh attack.

Taskin Ahmed led the charge for the hosts, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs, while Mustafizur Rahman delivered a masterclass, conceding just 6 runs in his four overs and taking two crucial wickets.

Tanzim Hasan and Mehidy Hasan chipped in with one wicket each.

In response, Pakistan made an early impact with the ball, removing both Bangladesh openers for just 7 runs on the board.

However, a match-winning partnership between Parvez Hossain and Towhid Hridoy turned the game around.

The pair added 73 runs for the third wicket, deflating Pakistan's hopes of a comeback.

Towhid Hridoy was dismissed after scoring 36, but Parvez Hossain stood firm, anchoring the chase with a commanding 56* off the bat. Jaker Ali then added 15* to ensure a comfortable finish for Bangladesh.

With this win, Bangladesh takes a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.