Another Pakistan collapse gives Bangladesh series victory

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Bangladesh sealed a T20I series victory over Pakistan with an eight-run triumph in Mirpur, as the tourists' batting order collapsed for the second time in three days.

Having been bowled out for 110 in the first of three 20-over matches on Sunday, Pakistan were hampered by a dismal showing in the powerplay as they fell short of a target of 134 on Tuesday (July 22).

The tourists might have been hopeful of edging another low-scoring affair when they held eight of Bangladesh's batters to single figures.

Only Jaker Ali (55 off 48) and Mahedi Hasan (33 off 25) did any real damage for the hosts, teaming up for a 53-run fifth-wicket stand before the latter was caught off Mohammad Nawaz's bowling.

Salman Mirza (2-17), Ahmed Daniyal (2-23) and Abbas Afridi (2-37) all took multiple wickets for Pakistan, seemingly setting the stage for a comfortable chase.

But Pakistan's innings unravelled from the off as they were dropped to 15-5 before the end of the fifth over.

After Saim Ayub (one) was run out following some superb fielding from Rishad Hossain in the first over, Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib scalped two apiece, the latter having Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz caught for back-to-back ducks.

Pakistan were 88-8 when Shoriful bowled Afridi early in the 16th over, but Faheem Ashraf continued to plug away as the tourists made things interesting.

He reached 51 off 32 deliveries before being cleaned up by Rishad, leaving Pakistan requiring 13 runs off the final over with only one wicket remaining.

Daniyal (17) slammed a four off the first ball to inspire hope, but his next heave was well taken by Shamim Hossain to clinch a memorable series win for Bangladesh.

Data Debrief: First for Bangladesh

With a third and final T20I meeting to come on Thursday, Bangladesh have already achieved a piece of history.

This is their first win in a multi-game T20I series against Pakistan. Their only previous series success over Pakistan in the format came in a one-off match in 2015.

It was only thanks to Faheem that Pakistan made things close. His score of 51 was his best in any T20I, with his previous high being a knock of 31 versus New Zealand in December 2020.