Shoaib Malik shines as Pakistan stuns Bangladesh in first T20

Author: Web Desk

Shoaib Malik made a powerful come back and pushed Pakistan towards victory in first T20 International between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Malik’s 45-ball 58 not out for his eighth Twenty20 fifty as Pakistan overhauled a modest 142-run target in 19.3 over to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Bangladesh had managed 141-5 in their 20 overs with openers Mohammad Naim scoring 41-ball 43 and Tamim Iqbal hit 34-ball 39 as Pakistan’s three-man pace attack kept them in check on a flat Gaddafi stadium pitch.

For Pakistan, debutante pacer and Big Bash League (BBL) hero Haris Rauf bagged one wicket. Shaheen Afridi was the other wicket-taker with one from his four overs, while Shadab bowled four over for 26 runs and one wicket too.

The win further consolidated Pakistan’s chances of hanging on to their world number one ranking in the shortest format. If they lose any of the remaining matches — on Saturday (today) and Monday, also in Lahore, Australia will replace them at the top.

Bangladesh could not put a reasonable fight as Pakistan won their first match after losing six of their last seven T20 matches with one washed out.

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