In a display of clinical pace and control, Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to just 133 in the second T20I in Mirpur, with Jaker Ali’s fighting 55 standing out as the lone resistance against an attack that shared wickets evenly across the board.
Pakistan captain Agha Salman won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends as Bangladesh’s top order crumbled under pressure.
The hosts lost their first wicket in the second over when Faheem Ashraf dismissed Mohammad Naim for just 3, caught behind while attempting a scoop. Parvez Hossain Emon and skipper Litton Das tried to steady the innings but could only take the score to 25 before Salman Mirza removed Das, continuing his impressive run from the first T20.
Panic soon followed. Towhid Hridoy was run out just two balls later, and Emon was dismissed by debutant Ahmed Daniytal in the next over for 13 off 14 balls as Bangladesh were reduced to 28 for 4 inside the powerplay.
Ali then partnered with Mahedi Hasan in a much-needed recovery, stitching a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Just as the partnership began to give the hosts hope, Mohammad Nawaz struck to remove Mahedi for a well-played 33.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained their grip on the game, cleaning up the tail with disciplined bowling. Despite the collapse, Ali stood firm at one end, anchoring the innings with a gritty 55 off 48 deliveries, including five sixes.
He was the last man to fall — bowled off the final delivery of the innings — as Bangladesh were dismissed for 133, setting Pakistan a target of 134.
Mirza, Abbas Afridi, and Daniyal shared the bowling honours, each claiming two wickets as eight Bangladeshi batters failed to reach double figures.
