After nine long years, Bangladesh finally claimed victory over Pakistan in T20 series, thanks to outstanding bowling by Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, followed by a match-winning knock from Parvez Hossain Emon.
In the first match of the three-game T20 series held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday, the Tigers sealed a commanding 7-wicket win to go 1–0 up in the series.
This was Bangladesh’s first win over Pakistan since 2016, and coincidentally, that match was also played in Mirpur. This time, history repeated itself with even greater composure and class.
After losing the toss, Pakistan were sent in to bat and found themselves under pressure right from the start. Without skipper Babar Azam, the batting collapsed under the fierce pace attack from Taskin and Mustafizur.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs. Only opener Fakhar Zaman showed resistance with 44 runs, while Abbas Afridi chipped in with 22.
Bangladesh’s bowling was electrifying. Taskin Ahmed claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs in just 3.3 overs. Mustafizur Rahman delivered one of the most economical spells in the country’s T20 history, picking up 2 wickets for just 6 runs in his 4 overs. Shariful Islam, Rishad Hossain, and Shakib Al Hasan also bowled tight lines to restrict the Pakistani batters.
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Chasing a modest target of 111, Bangladesh stumbled early. In the very first over, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for just 1 run, lofting a catch off the fifth ball. Then in the third over, captain Liton Das suffered a similar fate, also departing for 1 run.
With two wickets down for just 7 runs in 2.2 overs, Bangladesh were in a spot of bother. The team needed someone to steady the innings and that’s exactly what young stars Towhid Hridoy and opener Parvez Hossain Emon did.
Hridoy and Emon built a decisive 73-run partnership, rescuing the team from early trouble. Hridoy was eventually dismissed for 36 runs off 37 balls, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes. But Emon stood firm.
Showing incredible maturity, Emon remained unbeaten till the end, scoring 56 off 39 balls with 3 boundaries and 5 towering sixes. With Zakir Ali Anik by his side, Emon guided the team to victory with 28 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand.
This innings showed not only his talent but also his temperament under pressure a quality that bodes well for Bangladesh cricket’s future.
This win over Pakistan in T20 cricket — the first since 2016 — is not just a statistical milestone. It’s a psychological boost, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. The confidence gained from such a composed performance will energize the squad for the upcoming matches.
With the series now 1–0 in Bangladesh’s favor, the next match becomes even more crucial. For Bangladesh, it’s a chance to seal the series. For Pakistan, it’s a moment of reflection.
