Malik stars as Pakistan down Bangladesh in first T20I

• All-rounder scored unbeaten 58 runs with help of five boundaries.
• Second T20I of three-match series will be played on January 24 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

All-rounder Shoaib Malik scored an unbeaten half-century, as Pakistan down Bangladesh in first T20I being played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Friday.

Chasing 142, former Pakistan captain hit five boundaries in his unbeaten knock of 54 runs to see the home side through with five wickets in hand. This was his eight half century.

Debutant, Ahsan Ali scored fighting 36 to keep Men in Green on track after they lost Captain Babar Azam (0) on first ball of Pakistan innings. Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez and Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with 17 and 16 respectively.

Shafiul Islam claimed two wickets for Bangladesh while, Aminul Islam and Mustafizur Rahman bagged a wicket each of the losing side.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted a fighting total of 142 after winning the toss. They went off to a good start thanks to Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Naim. Both put on 71 opening stand.

Tamim, eventually got run out courtesy of wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan dismissed Naim for 43.

Skipper Mahmudullah scored unbeaten 19 to guide Bangladesh to 141.  Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan shared a wicket each for Pakistan.

Second T20I of three-match series will be played on January 24 at the same venue.