Rizwan, bowlers guide Pakistan to a 21-run win over Bangladesh

By our correspondent

CHRISTCHURCH:  Pakistan on Friday (today) were off to a flying start in the Tri-Series when they defeated Bangladesh by 21 runs in their opener here at the lush green Christchurch Stadium.

Mohammad Rizwan turned out to be the hero of the show as he chipped in with an unbeaten 78 to catapult Pakistan to 167-5 in the allotted 20 overs after being invited to bat first.

Rizwan, who completed his 50 off 38 balls, shared 52 off 43 balls for the first wicket with Babar Azam who fell for a 25-ball 22, striking four fours.

Rizwan, who struck seven fours and two sixes, then added 42 in 34 balls for the second wicket association with Shan Masood who showed some spark with the bat, hammering a 22-ball 31. Shan struck four fours and one six.

Haider Ali (6), Iftikhar (13), Asif Ali (4) and Mohammad Nawaz (8*) were the other contributors.

Fast bowler Tehseen Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with 2-25 in four overs. Hasan Mahmud (1-42), Nasum Ahmed (1-22) and Mehidy Hasan Mirza (1-12) were the other wicket-takers.

In reply Bangladesh did well in the first ten overs, scoring at around seven and a half per over but after that they kept losing wickets which dented their hopes of chasing a tough target on the pitch which was full of bounce.

Yasir Ali, who batted down the order, top-scored 42 not out which came off just 21 balls, hammering five fours and two sixes. Litton Das made 35 off 26, hitting four fours and a six. Afif Hossain made 25 off 23 balls, striking one six and one four.

Mohammad Wasim Junior picked 3-24 in four overs while Mohammad Nawaz got 2-25.

Mohammad Rizwan was declared as man of the match.