DHAKA: Bangladesh secured a nail-biting 8-run victory over Pakistan in the second T20 International of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Defending a modest total of 133, Bangladesh’s bowlers showcased nerves of steel as they bowled out Pakistan for 125 in 19.2 overs, despite a late resurgence from Khushdil Shah and the lower order. The match, filled with dramatic momentum shifts, saw both teams battle hard, but it was the hosts who held their nerve in the closing stages.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start, collapsing to 15 for 5 in just 5 overs. The top order crumbled under pressure with Fakhar Zaman (8), Saim Ayub (1), Mohammad Haris (0), Mohammad Nawaz (0), and Hasan Nawaz (0) all falling cheaply, putting the visitors on the back foot immediately.
However, Khushdil Shah mounted a valiant fightback with a gritty 51 off 42 balls, including timely boundaries that kept Pakistan in the hunt. He found late support from Abbas Afridi (19 off 13) and Ahmed Daniyal (17 off 13), who pushed the game into the final over. But Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling prevailed, wrapping up the innings with four deliveries to spare.
Earlier, Bangladesh posted 133 runs in their 20 overs, with Jaker Ali top-scoring with 55 off 48 balls and Mahedi Hasan contributing 33 off 25. Pakistan’s bowling was led by Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, and Abbas Afridi—each taking two wickets—while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with one apiece.
With this victory, Bangladesh has sealed the series and will look for a clean sweep in the final T20I. Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to salvage pride and address their batting collapse before the series finale.
