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Parvez Hossain Emon dazzles with unbeaten 56 to lead Bangladesh to a comfortable 7-wicket win in the series opener
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Pakistan skittled out for 110, marking their lowest T20I total against Bangladesh
Lutf-O-Karam
DHAKA, Bangladesh: In a night charged with energy and early drama at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh surged past Pakistan with a clinical seven-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series. The modest target of 111, seemingly tricky after early blows, was turned into a walk in the park thanks to the cool-headed brilliance of Parvez Hossain Emon.
After Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, posting just 110 in 19.3 overs, the match seemed poised for a low-scoring thriller. Debutant Salman Mirza, with fire in his eyes and bounce in his stride, jolted Bangladesh early by removing both openers—Tanzid Hasan and captain Litton Das—for just 1 apiece. The home side was rocked at 7 for 2, with tension thick in the Mirpur air.
But Emon stood tall amidst the ruins.
The young left-hander stitched a 73-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, steadying the ship and slowly turning the tide. Hridoy played the supporting role with a steady 36, while Emon unleashed an array of strokes to bring up his second T20I fifty. Calm and commanding, he guided the chase all the way, finishing on 56* off 39 balls.
When Hridoy fell in the 13th over, the victory was already within touching distance. Jaker Ali added the final polish with a brisk 15*, as Bangladesh crossed the finish line in just 15.3 overs—with 27 balls to spare.
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan’s innings was a tale of chaos and collapse. Only Fakhar Zaman stood out with a fluent 44, while the rest fell like dominoes. Taskin Ahmed led the charge with 3 for 24, ably supported by Mustafizur and the rest of the Bangladeshi attack. A series of miscommunications and soft dismissals defined Pakistan’s innings—culminating in their lowest-ever T20 total against Bangladesh.
The second match will unfold at the same venue on Tuesday. Pakistan will hope to regroup, but for now, it’s Bangladesh’s night—and Emon’s name etched in lights.
