Wicketkeeper-batter Jaker Ali’s composed half-century and a clinical bowling display helped Bangladesh script history on Tuesday securing their first-ever T20I series victory over Pakistan.
Chasing a modest 134-run target, Pakistan's top-order crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 126 in 19.2 overs, handing the home side an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The Green Shirts suffered a dismal start as opener Saim Ayub was run out in the first over with only four runs on the board.
The early blow triggered a major collapse, with the visitors reduced to a staggering 15 for 5 in just 4.4 overs, thanks to incisive bowling from Bangladesh's seamers.
Captain Salman Ali Agha (9) and Khushdil Shah (13) attempted to steady the innings with brief partnerships, but their efforts proved insufficient. Pakistan looked down and out at 47 for 7 in the 12th over, still needing 87 runs from 49 deliveries.
Faheem Ashraf then launched a spirited counterattack, crafting a vital 51-run knock off 32 balls, including four boundaries and four sixes. He was supported first by Abbas Afridi (19 off 13) in a 41-run stand and later by debutant Ahmed Daniyal (17 off 11) in a 33-run ninth-wicket partnership that briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers held their nerve. Shoriful Islam returned to dismiss Abbas and finish with impressive figures of 3 for 17, while Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman cleaned up the tail in the final overs to deny Pakistan a comeback.
Earlier, Bangladesh were also in trouble after being asked to bat first. Pakistan’s pace attack, led by debutant Ahmed Daniyal, Abbas Afridi, and Salman Mirza — all of whom took two wickets each — reduced the hosts to 28 for 4 inside six overs.
But Jaker Ali stood tall amid the collapse, anchoring the innings with a gritty 55 off 48 deliveries, featuring one four and five sixes. He shared a crucial 53-run partnership with Mahedi Hasan (33 off 25), lifting Bangladesh to a competitive total of 133 before being dismissed in the final over.
Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf picked up one wicket apiece in an otherwise disciplined bowling effort by Pakistan.
Bangladesh's maiden series triumph over Pakistan in the shortest format adds to their growing credentials in white-ball cricket and signals a significant morale boost ahead of future tournaments.
The third and final T20I of the series will be played later this week.
