Pakistan beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the second T20 international to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series; Shaheen Shah Afridi took 2-15 as Bangaldesh were restricted before Fakhar Zaman's unbeaten 57 got Pakistan over the line with 11 balls to spare
Saturday 20 November 2021 12:48, UK
Fakhar Zaman hit 57 not out to guide Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh that clinched the three-match Twenty20 series 2-0 on Saturday.
Zaman and opener Mohammad Rizwan (39 from 35 balls) put on an 85-run stand that was instrumental in overhauling Bangladesh's paltry 108-7 with 11 balls to spare.
Zaman was watchful after captain Babar Azam (5) dragged fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman's (1-12) delivery on to his stump in the third over, similar to his dismissal in the first match.
He paced the innings, especially after being reprieved on 26 when Saif Hassan dropped his catch in deep midwicket off legspinner Aminul Islam (1-30).
Zaman brought up his seventh half-century off 40 balls and then finished the game off on his own, as Pakistan got to 109-2.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-15) and Shadab Khan (2-22) caused the damage to Bangladesh amid Najmul Hossain's resistance after captain Mahmudullah opted to bat first. Najmul struck 40 off 34, hitting five fours.
Afridi, replacing Hasan Ali, continued his habit to strike in the first over as he trapped Saif Hassan leg-before for duck.
Naim Sheikh edged Mohammad Wasim's delivery to first slip for two in the second over, leaving Bangladesh at 5-2.
Afif Hossain flicked Afridi to six over backward square leg in the first ball he faced. He also cut Wasim past point for a boundary as Bangladesh appeared to be in control.
Najmul Hossain Shanto at the other end recovered from his vulnerable start to dominate bowlers. But Shadab Khan stifled the innings and brought an end to the 46-run partnership when Afif's premeditated reverse paddle cost his wicket for 20.
Najmul chipped in the air to give Shadab, who dived to his left to take an excellent catch, his second wicket.
Haris Rauf in between took the wicket of Mahmudullah, edging to wicket-keeper for 12, as the home team was 82-5 in 14th over.
Afridi and Wasim came back to their second spells to torment Bangladesh further, allowing them to score just 23 runs in the last five overs.
