After a disappointing whitewash on their last tour of Pakistan, Bangladesh have rediscovered their confidence on home soil, starting the T20I series with a statement win at Mirpur. Liton Das’ side showed renewed energy and tactical discipline, overpowering Pakistan by seven wickets in the first match.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan collapsed for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs. Fakhar Zaman was the only notable contributor with a valiant 44, but the rest of the lineup faltered against disciplined Bangladeshi bowling. Mustafizur Rahman turned back the clock with a sensational spell, taking 2 wickets for only 6 runs in his 4 overs. Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanjim Shakib chipped in with one each.
Pakistan’s innings never gained momentum. Early breakthroughs set the tone Sayim Ayub fell for 6 in the second over to Taskin, while Mohammad Haris managed just 4 before being caught off Mehidy. Salman Ali Agha, attempting an ambitious scoop, was caught behind off Tanjim Shakib for just 2. Mustafizur’s clever cutters also proved too difficult for the visitors, with Hasan Nawaz caught off a top edge.
Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Despite Fakhar’s resistance, Pakistan’s middle order offered little. Mohammad Nawaz was run out, and Fakhar himself was dismissed on 46 after another run-out. A brief partnership between Khushdil Shah and Abbas Afridi added 33 runs, but Mustafizur ended that stand and the tail crumbled, with Pakistan losing their final three wickets for just 7 runs.
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh had a shaky start. Tanjid Tamim departed in the first over for just 1, while captain Liton Das also fell early, managing only 1 run. With the score at 7/2, pressure began to mount.
But Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy stabilized the innings with a composed 73-run stand for the third wicket. Hridoy played a steady hand with 36 off 37 balls, while Emon impressed with a calm and unbeaten 56 from 39 balls, reaching his half-century in just 34 deliveries. Zaker Ali added a finishing touch with 15* to guide Bangladesh to victory in 15.3 overs.
This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the series and sets the tone for the remaining matches, with the Tigers clearly motivated to exact revenge for their previous tour’s struggles.