Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 55 runs in their first World Twenty20 game on Wednesday, 19th March. Pakistan choose to bat first and superb batting effort by top order elevated them to 202, Chasing steep target Bangladesh failed to negotiate required rate and could only scored 146.
Shahid Afridi scored 49 runs of just 18 balls and took two wickets as Pakistan ease past Bangladesh in World T20 match. Yet another man of the match award for Afridi who put his critics in their places.
After terrible performances leading into the World Twenty20, Pakistan turned up against Bangladesh in their first Super 10 game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat first on what turned out to be a superb batting wicket. Pakistan openers set the tone specially Sharjeel Khan, who scored 18 runs of just 10 balls to provide a blistering start while Ahmad Shehzad (52 of 39 balls) and Muhammad Hafeez (64 of 42 balls) scored fifties at decent rate. Launching platform was set for Afridi, who promoted himself up the order and smashed 49 runs of just 18 balls to get pakistan to 202 runs.
Shahid Afridi was declared man of the match for his explosive batting and two important wickets. It was his 11th man of the match award in shorter format, more than anyone else in Twenty20 history.
Ahmad Shehzad 52 of just 39 balls provided a superb start for Pakistan alongside Hafeez who also went on to score 64 runs of 42 balls
It was always going to be a massive task for Bangladesh to turn things around against probably the best bowling lineup they are going face in World T20. Muhammad Amir provided the first break through in very first over with Soumya Sarkar bowled out without troubling the scorers.
Muhammad Amir picked up two wickets in another impressive bowling performance
It was 7th time when Amir took a wicket in very first over. Sabbir Rahman was promoted to no.3 and he looked in good touch but was dismissed having scored 25 runs by Afridi who also trapped Tamim Iqbal for 20 runs. Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim steady the sinking ship but fail to negotiate Pakistani bowlers at the required rate.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Scorecard: Pakistan scored 202 runs of their allotted 20 overs and this is how Pakistan innings unfolded.
Needing 203 runs, Bangladesh never looked in control and as the inning progress required rate jumped up which was always going to difficult. Bangladesh could only make 146 for 6 wickets and now just like India, they need to win all remaining three games to qualify for the semifinals.
Pakistan will be happy with the result specially considering they have been below par in the recent couple of series in UAE and Bangladesh. After winning the opening game it sets Pakistan up very nicely as they just need to win 2 of remaining three games to qualify for the semifinals. They play India on 19th March in the massive game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.