Pakistan win first T20 against Bangladesh by five wickets

Pakistan beat Bangladesh by five wickets in the first T20 International to take 1-0 lead of three match T20 series here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday amid stringent security adopted by the law enforcement agencies. Pakistan achieved the target of 142 in 19.3 overs with the loss of 5 wickets after comeback all-rounder Shoaib Malik hit unbeaten 58 playing 45 balls.

Winning the toss and batting first Bangladesh made 141 for 5 wickets in allotted 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan achieved the target in 19.3 overs with the loss of 5 wickets. Pakistan lost Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim in the final five overs but Malik stayed till end to get rid his side of long streak of losing T20 international matches.

Shoaib Malik crafted crucial partnerships with debutant Ahsan Ali, who made 36 runs from 32 balls, and Iftikhar Ahmed (16 off 13) which worth 46 and 36, respectively, over the course of his 45-ball innings. Malik smashed five fours in his seventh T20I half-century.