Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. were the stars of the show as Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 21 runs in the opening game of the tri-series on Friday.
Bangladesh eventually scored 146-8 in response to Pakistan’s 168-run total, with pacer Wasim Jr. finishing with figures of three for 24 from his four-over performance. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Sabbir Rahman provided Bangladesh a 25-run star before Wasim spoiled the party.
The Men in Green are coming off back-to-back losses on their own soil against England that resulted in a 4-3 series loss, while Bangladesh triumphed over the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier, Bangladesh captain Nurul Hasan won the toss and chose to bowl against Pakistan on Friday in the opening match of a Twenty20 tri-series in Christchurch, New Zealand — but only after snow was cleared.
Mohammad Rizwan was once again star of the Pakistan’s batting as is his 78 off 50 propelled Pakistan to 167 in the opener. He started steadily with Babar. Pakistan was going well in the powerplay. The fifty partnership between the openers was brought up but it ended soon after.
Shan Masood came in, got busy, aided Rizwan and kept the innings moving. Haider and Asif could not get going but credit has to be given to Taskin, Nasum, and co for bowling tight lengths. The yorkers were good too, Nawaz and Rizwan managed to take it to 167.
“It’s a proud moment for me. We keep things simple,” Mohammad Rizwan said after winning Player of the match award “It was a good batting track, we thought we were 10-15 short despite playing well. Our bowlers did well to defend the total. I believe in hard work and leave it to Allah for the rest. Some of the boundaries are big here. But we are playing the ball on the merit. Without a plan, it becomes difficult.”
