Emon, Taskin sparkle as Bangladesh draw first blood

DHAKA (Agencies): Bangladesh registered a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International of the series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday, dismissing the visitors for a paltry 110 before chasing down the target with ease. After opting to bowl on a tacky surface, Bangladesh found success early when Saim Ayub flicked one straight to deep fine leg in the second over. Mohammad Haris followed shortly after, falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had earlier conceded a few boundaries but made a key breakthrough. Skipper Agha Salman and debutant Hasan Nawaz failed to make an impact, while Mohammad Nawaz was run out after a mix-up in the middle. Fakhar Zaman, dropped twice during his stay, tried to anchor the innings with a 44-run knock, but his dismissal once again stalled momentum. Fakhar Zaman top-scores with 44 as Pakistan are all out for 110 in the first innings.

Khushdil Shah (17) and Abbas Afridi (22) added a valuable 33-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help Pakistan cross the 100-run mark. However, the visitors were bowled out for 110 in the final over. Taskin Ahmed was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, finishing with 3 for 22, while Mustafizur Rahman delivered a tidy spell, picking up two wickets for just six runs in four overs. Bangladesh’s chase began shakily, losing Tanzid Hasan and captain Litton Das with only seven runs on the board. However, a composed 73-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings and turned the tide. Hridoy scored 36 before falling, but Emon carried his bat, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls. He was named Player of the Match for his efforts. Jaker Ali remained not out on 15 as Bangladesh crossed the finish line with 27 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Tuesday.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 112 for 3 (Parvez 56 not out, Hridoy 36, Mirza 2-17) beat Pakistan 110 (Fakhar 44, Afridi 22, Taskin 3-22) by seven wickets.