Tri-nation series
Captainless Bangladesh face defeat against Pakistan in Tri-series opener
|| CF DESK ||
Bangladesh suffered a 21-run defeat against Pakistan in the first match of Tri-nation series at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Friday.
Bangladesh managed to score 146-8 in 20 overs while chasing 168 run target set by Pakistan.
Bangladesh's chase tailed off after Liton Das (35) and Afif Hossain (25) put on a slick 50 for the third wicket from 34 balls.
Some late hitting from Yasir Ali (42) restored respectability while speedster Mohammad Wasim took three wickets for Pakistan.
Bangladesh won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. The classical duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan brought up a 50-run partnership before the skipper getting dismissed on 22 off 25.
Then Shan Masood joined Rizwan on the crease to add another partnership of 42 runs which anchored their innings to a strong total. Nasum Ahmed got rid of Masood with a catch to Hasan, the batter departed scoring 31 off 22 deliveries.
Lone-warrior Rizwan smashed a half-century and remained unbeaten on 78 in 50 balls which featured seven fours and two sixes. Pakistan lost three more wickets and mustered 167-5 after 20 overs.
Taskin Ahmed took a couple of wickets while Hasan, Miraz and Nasum took one wicket each.
Bangladesh played without their regular captain Shakib al Hasan who joined the side late due to a visa-related issue, as a result he will be sitting out the match due to travel fatigue.