logo
Jaker Ali's half-century guides Bangladesh to 133 against Pakistan

Jaker Ali's half-century guides Bangladesh to 133 against Pakistan

Faheem Ashraf strikes early in the second over, removing Mohammad Naim for just 3 runs. Photo: PCB/X
Listen to article
In a display of clinical pace and control, Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to just 133 in the second T20I in Mirpur, with Jaker Ali's fighting 55 standing out as the lone resistance against an attack that shared wickets evenly across the board.
Pakistan captain Agha Salman won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends as Bangladesh's top order crumbled under pressure.
The hosts lost their first wicket in the second over when Faheem Ashraf dismissed Mohammad Naim for just 3, caught behind while attempting a scoop. Parvez Hossain Emon and skipper Litton Das tried to steady the innings but could only take the score to 25 before Salman Mirza removed Das, continuing his impressive run from the first T20.
Terrific start from the Pakistan bowlers ⚡
Bangladesh are 4️⃣ down inside the Powerplay 🏏#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Nu8XJ3dlmX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 22, 2025
Panic soon followed. Towhid Hridoy was run out just two balls later, and Emon was dismissed by Mirza in the next over for 13 off 14 balls as Bangladesh were reduced to 28 for 4 inside the powerplay.
Ali then partnered with Mahedi Hasan in a much-needed recovery, stitching a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Just as the partnership began to give the hosts hope, Mohammad Nawaz struck to remove Mahedi for a well-played 33.
Pakistan pacer Ahmed Daniyal receives his T20I debut cap from team manager Naveed Akram Cheema 🧢✨#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/kiFezxoTyL — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 22, 2025
Pakistan's bowlers maintained their grip on the game, cleaning up the tail with disciplined bowling. Despite the collapse, Ali stood firm at one end, anchoring the innings with a gritty 55 off 48 deliveries, including five sixes.
He was the last man to fall — bowled off the final delivery of the innings — as Bangladesh were dismissed for 133, setting Pakistan a target of 134.
Salman Mirza, Abbas Afridi, and Zaman Khan shared the bowling honours, each claiming two wickets as eight Bangladeshi batters failed to reach double figures.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jaker Ali's half-century guides Bangladesh to 133 against Pakistan
Jaker Ali's half-century guides Bangladesh to 133 against Pakistan

Express Tribune

timea day ago

  • Express Tribune

Jaker Ali's half-century guides Bangladesh to 133 against Pakistan

Faheem Ashraf strikes early in the second over, removing Mohammad Naim for just 3 runs. Photo: PCB/X Listen to article In a display of clinical pace and control, Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to just 133 in the second T20I in Mirpur, with Jaker Ali's fighting 55 standing out as the lone resistance against an attack that shared wickets evenly across the board. Pakistan captain Agha Salman won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that paid early dividends as Bangladesh's top order crumbled under pressure. The hosts lost their first wicket in the second over when Faheem Ashraf dismissed Mohammad Naim for just 3, caught behind while attempting a scoop. Parvez Hossain Emon and skipper Litton Das tried to steady the innings but could only take the score to 25 before Salman Mirza removed Das, continuing his impressive run from the first T20. Terrific start from the Pakistan bowlers ⚡ Bangladesh are 4️⃣ down inside the Powerplay 🏏#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 22, 2025 Panic soon followed. Towhid Hridoy was run out just two balls later, and Emon was dismissed by Mirza in the next over for 13 off 14 balls as Bangladesh were reduced to 28 for 4 inside the powerplay. Ali then partnered with Mahedi Hasan in a much-needed recovery, stitching a 53-run stand for the fifth wicket. Just as the partnership began to give the hosts hope, Mohammad Nawaz struck to remove Mahedi for a well-played 33. Pakistan pacer Ahmed Daniyal receives his T20I debut cap from team manager Naveed Akram Cheema 🧢✨#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 22, 2025 Pakistan's bowlers maintained their grip on the game, cleaning up the tail with disciplined bowling. Despite the collapse, Ali stood firm at one end, anchoring the innings with a gritty 55 off 48 deliveries, including five sixes. He was the last man to fall — bowled off the final delivery of the innings — as Bangladesh were dismissed for 133, setting Pakistan a target of 134. Salman Mirza, Abbas Afridi, and Zaman Khan shared the bowling honours, each claiming two wickets as eight Bangladeshi batters failed to reach double figures.

Pak coach Hesson slams Dhaka pitch
Pak coach Hesson slams Dhaka pitch

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Pak coach Hesson slams Dhaka pitch

Mike Hesson says teams are trying to prepare for the Asia Cup or the (T20) World Cup and It is not acceptable. Photo: AFP/File White-ball head coach of the Pakistan team Mike Hesson has criticised the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium following his side's defeat in the first T20I against Bangladesh, branding it "unacceptable" for international cricket. Pakistan were bundled out for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs, struggling to adapt to the conditions. Speaking after the match, Hesson admitted his batters misread the surface but expressed concern over its suitability at the international level. "I think (the pitch) is not ideal for anybody," Hesson said. "Teams are trying to prepare for the Asia Cup or the (T20) World Cup. It is not acceptable. It is still no excuse for some of the decisions we made with the bat. But this pitch is not up to international standards," he added. The Men in Green found themselves in deep trouble early, slumping to 46 for 5 by the eighth over. Several batters fell attempting big shots, and three run-outs further derailed their innings. "We got off to a little bit of a flyer with Fakhar Zaman playing a few aggressive shots, which gave us a false indication of how the pitch was behaving," he explained. "We didn't help ourselves in the middle overs with poor shot selection. When the ball started to nip through and bounce steeply, we failed to assess the risk. A couple of run-outs didn't help either," he further stated. Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who struck a match-winning half-century, disagreed with Hesson's assessment. "We didn't feel (it was a bad pitch) as we chased it down in less than 16 overs," Emon said. "We could have scored 150-160 runs if we batted the full 20 overs. It may be so that they couldn't adjust to the pitch. We adjusted better than them. The Dhaka pitch usually benefits the bowlers. We tried to assess the wicket quickly. It was our first plan," he added. Despite the result, Hesson remained firm in his criticism of the surface, warning that such pitches do little to help either side prepare for tougher international assignments. "You need good cricket wickets to develop cricketers. There was some good wickets during the BPL, to be fair. It is not up to the standard when international cricket is being played," he said. "I don't think it helps them when they leave Bangladesh. But I think also batting first in these situations is challenging. When you aren't quite sure whether 100 or 130 or 150 is good enough. I don't think (the pitch) is good for anybody. It still doesn't take away the fact that you have to perform better in any surface. We will look at it as a team," he concluded. It is pertinent to mention that the hosts currently lead the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20I set to be played at the same venue on Tuesday. Disappointed Akhtar Former Pakistan pace maestro Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his disappointment following the national team's underwhelming performance in the first T20I against Bangladesh, which ended in a low-scoring defeat on Sunday at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Appearing on a local show, Akhtar strongly criticised the team's approach and mindset, questioning their inability to capitalise on promising starts and adapt tactically during crucial moments. "Pakistan is still stuck in an era where they fail to capitalise on a good start. Apart from Fakhar [Zaman], there was no resistance," Akhtar lamented. "We felt the absence of Shaheen [Afridi] and Naseem [Shah] - I mean, they are specialist T20 bowlers and could have turned the game in our favour. But, as you know, the score was just too low this time, and Bangladesh delivered a clinical and dominant performance," he added.

Azhar Mahmood's contract poses major challenge for PCB
Azhar Mahmood's contract poses major challenge for PCB

Express Tribune

time4 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Azhar Mahmood's contract poses major challenge for PCB

Azhar Mahmood's contract has become a major hurdle for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as terminating him before the end of the agreement would require paying him six months' salary. As a result, he has been appointed interim head coach of the Test team. According to details, Azhar Mahmood was recently appointed by PCB as the interim coach of the red-ball (Test) team. The official press release had stated that he would continue until the completion of his contract. However, sources indicate that the situation is more complicated than it appears. Reportedly, PCB's white ball head coach, Mike Hesson, had outright refused to include Azhar Mahmood in his coaching setup. Sources close to Azhar claim that during the tenures of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, he was told to continue grooming himself as an assistant coach with the promise of becoming head coach later. When that did not happen, Azhar became disappointed. At one point, he was informally told by an official that he would be given the Test team responsibility, but when no formal announcement was made, he grew concerned and even considered legal options. The main issue for PCB is a contract signed by the previous administration with Azhar Mahmood, which stipulates that early termination would require payment of six months' salary. Azhar had even offered to work with the U19 team, but that proposal was rejected. His salary is paid in US dollars, which translates to around PKR 7.5 million per month, making him one of the most expensive coaches in Pakistan's cricket history. To reduce expenses, PCB recently let go of several mentors — including WaqarYounis and SaqlainMushtaq — who were each earning around PKR 5 million monthly. However, removing Azhar before his contract expires would cost PCB tens of millions of rupees. His contract is set to end in March or April 2025, during which he will likely remain with the Test side for only two series: one against South Africa in October-November, and the other against Bangladesh in March-April. Sources also revealed that Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed, is not impressed with Azhar's coaching and has openly voiced his concerns in meetings. It is also possible that a permanent Test coach may be appointed even during Azhar's interim tenure.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store