Tigers restricted to 108-7 in 2nd T20 against Pakistan
A yet another abysmal batting show led Bangladesh’s collapse as they were restricted to 108-7 in the second T20 of three-match series against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Coming off a four-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the first match, Bangladesh were aiming to level the series but the intent was nowhere seen after captain Mahmudullah won the toss for the consecutive second time and decided to bat first.
Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored the side with 40 off 34, hitting five boundaries while Afif was the other notable scorer with 20.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi who came back to the side, replacing Hasan Ali, broke through to continue his romance with ‘first over wicket’ as he had Saif Hassan leg-before for duck in the fifth ball of the innings.
On field umpire though ruled ‘not out’ Shaheen overturned the decision with a review.
His opening partner Naim Sheikh could score just 2 before edging to first slip off pacer Mohammad Wasim.
Afif flicked Afridi to hit six over backward square in the first ball he faced but needed a medical attention in the next ball when the bowler who thought Afif left the crease threw directly to hit him on the back of his foot.
Afif recovered to resume the game and cut Mohammad Wasim past point for four as Bangladesh looked to regain the control.
At the other end, Najmul Hossain Shanto recovered from his shaky start to take the Pakistani bowlers with disdain.
But leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who claimed 2-22 in economical bowling, denied Bangladesh keeping the nose in front.
Bangladeshi batters helped his cause with Afif, after scoring 20, trying a reverse paddle which cost his wicket. Shadab then struck in crucial moments as Shanto who looked in complete control, chipped a delivery in the air and Shadab divided his left to take an excellent catch.
In between Haris Rauf extended Mahmudullah Riyad’s lean batting, undoing him with a back of length delivery that the captain edged to the wicket-keeper for 12.
Shaheen Afridi and Wasim then came back to their second spell to torment Bangladesh further and prevented them from pulling off any blitz at the death overs.
Afridi also ended up with 2-15 in his four overs quota while Wasim, Nawaz and Rauf picked up one wicket apiece.
BSS
