Shakib, Sabbir fifties crush Pakistan

A maiden ODI series win, and whitewash, over Pakistan. And now a maiden T20 triumph against the same team. Bangladesh have dominated the limited-overs leg of this tour, and added to that narrative with a seven-wicket thrashing in Mirpur.

A haphazard batting performance left the onus on the Pakistan bowling again. With only 141 to defend though, all Bangladesh needed was one partnership. That need increased a touch when the score slipped to 38 for 3, but Shakib Al Hasan and Sabbir Rahman steadied ship and shut Pakistan out with a 105-run stand. Both batsmen collected half-centuries and were around for the winning runs to be scored.

Their strokes were crisp and both batsmen imposed themselves on the bowlers despite reputation. Umar Gul’s two overs went for 23. Wahab Riaz was clattered for seven fours in four overs and nursed an economy rate near 10. Shakib and Sabbir were together for over 10 overs and the partnership run-rate was 9.84

They are in such a great momentum,” Shahid Afridi conceded after the match. “We have to learn from the way the Bangladeshi players played”