Bangladesh dominate Pakistan to take a 1-0 lead in the series

Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman dismantled Pakistan for just 110 runs, paving the way for Bangladesh’s seven-wicket victory in the first T20I in Dhaka on Sunday.

Taskin returned figures of 3 for 22, while Mustafizur was even more economical, taking 2 for 6 in his four overs, as Pakistan were bowled out in 19.3 overs — their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh.

Opener Parvez Hossain then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls, smashing five sixes and three fours. Bangladesh chased down the modest target in just 15.3 overs, going 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Debutant Pakistan pacer Salman Mirza impressed with 2 for 23, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das for one run each. But Parvez, along with Towhid Hridoy (36), shared a crucial 73-run stand for the third wicket to steady the innings and seal the win.

This marks Bangladesh’s fourth win in 23 T20Is against Pakistan.

For the visitors, Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 44 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Abbas Afridi added 22, while Khushdil Shah chipped in with 17.

Pakistan’s innings faltered early after being sent in to bat, losing half their side for just 46 by the eighth over. Saim Ayub (6), Mohammad Haris (4), and captain Salman Agha (3) fell cheaply. Hasan Nawaz was out for a duck, and Mohammad Nawaz managed only 3.

Zaman, who was dropped twice on 4 and 30, added 24 for the sixth wicket before being run out. Shah and Abbas briefly revived the innings with a 33-run stand for the seventh wicket, helping Pakistan cross the 100-run mark.

The remaining two matches of the series will also be held in Dhaka, on Tuesday and Thursday.