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Malik stars in Pakistan’s win against Bangladesh

January 24, 2020
Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik steers Pakistan to victory against Bangladesh in the first Twenty20 International in Lahore.
Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik steers Pakistan to victory against Bangladesh in the first Twenty20 International in Lahore.

LAHORE — Pakistan on Friday won the first Twenty20 International against Bangladesh by five wickets in Lahore, courtesy of a superb half-century by veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik. The hosts, who were chasing a target of 142 runs set by Bangladesh, passed it with three balls to spare in the first contest of a three-match series. Malik (58 off 45) remained the top scorer for Pakistan while opener Ahsan Ali, who made his T20 debut Friday, contributed 36 runs off 32 balls. Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat on a flat Gaddafi Stadium pitch and managed 141-5 in their 20 overs. Only openers Mohammad Naim, who hit 43 off 41 and Tamim Iqbal, who made 39 from 34, batted with authority. Naim smashed two sixes and three boundaries while Iqbal had four boundaries and a six in his knock. Skipper Mahmudullah chipped in with a quick 14-ball 19 which included two boundaries. Pakistan handed Twenty20 debuts to pacer Haris Rauf and Ali in a series they must win 3-0 to retain their world No. 1 ranking in the format. The remaining two matches are also in Lahore, on Saturday and Monday. As part of strict security measures for the series, about 10,300 security personnel have been posted at different points and roads have been blocked within a two-kilometre radius of the Gaddafi Stadium. Spectators were driven to the stadium in shuttles.


January 24, 2020
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