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Bangladesh Stun Pakistan in T20I Thriller as Pitch Debate Steals Spotlight

Cricket supporters were left shocked after Bangladesh completely rolled over Pakistan in the first T20I at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The hosts bowled Pakistan out for just 110 runs, the first time they’ve managed to get their opponents out in a T20I before chasing down 111 with 27 balls remaining. 

It wasn’t just all about the Bangladesh success; there was plenty of pitch drama, with Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha describing it as tricky while Bangladesh’s Litton Das described it as a typical Mirpur pitch. 

Parvez Hossain Emon, who made an impressive unbeaten score of 56 off 39 balls, which was the match-winning score. But was this a wonderful innings of batting by Bangladesh or a collapse of batting from Pakistan?

The Collapse of Pakistan's Batting: A Tale of Gloom

Pakistan's innings was a calamity from ball one. Having won the toss and chosen to field, the slow pitch was perfectly exploited by the Bangladesh bowlersTaskin Ahmed (3/22) and Mustafizur Rahman (2/6) blew apart the top order, and with three run-outs to boot, Pakistan looked like a team in utter disarray.

Fakhar Zaman (44 off 34) was trying to do it all himself but got himself run out over a mix-up with Khushdil Shah. Mohammad Nawaz was run out after Fakhar refused a possible single, showcasing Pakistan's poor communication. Mustafizur's spell (4 overs, 6 runs, 2 wickets) ranks among Bangladesh’s most economical T20I performances, according to ESPNcricinfo data. 

After the match, Salman Agha openly stated, We didn't have enough runs. The pitch was not easy, but we didn't deal with it.

Bangladesh's Chase: Emon Carries the Day  

With a target of 111, Bangladesh's start was uncertain as debutant Salman Mirza (2/23) claimed the first two wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 4 for 2 on the scoreboard. Parvez Hossain Emon and Towhid Hridoy (36) put together 73 runs to stabilise the innings.

Emon was daring with his dismissals, which included five sixes, including perhaps the best one-handed loft over mid-off you will see. He was entertaining and gave the scoreboard some life.  

The Pakistan fielding was not solid either, as Hridoy was dropped twice (once at 12 and again at 30) and Emon was dropped (at 55) once.  Jaker Ali's (15 off 10) winning boundary set off a huge celebration in Dhaka.  

Pitch Controversy: Excuse or Reality?  

  • Pakistan's frustration: Salman Agha said it was not the best pitch for T20 cricket to play on.  
  • Bangladesh's defense: It is Mirpur, and usually spinners have control, said Litton Das.
  • Numbers are numbers: The average T20 score for 1st innings is 135-145. Pakistan could only squeeze out 110, so that shows how nobody was able to adapt to the conditions.

After the match, Litton Das praised how composed his team was: We recognised the conditions. Fizz and Taskin were awesome.

What Lies Ahead in This Growing Rivalry? 

After taking a 1-0 series lead, Bangladesh, Pakistan have a crucial test ahead in the second T20I on July 22. Can the visitors regroup after humiliating batting failures, or can Bangladesh gain victory by completing an early series victory and full psychological doubt?

Bangladesh didn't just win a game. They inflicted a psychological blow on a higher-ranking opponent. In addition, Pakistan's pattern of batting collapses in Asian conditions has developed from an isolated slump into an identifiable trend.