Clinical Pakistan take unassailable lead in Bangladesh T20Is

Pakistan have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 as they beat Bangladesh by eight wickets in the second T20I of the three-match series at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium.

The Men in Green steered the run-chase in the 19th over after bowlers restricted the home side to only 108/7. 

Both teams will now lock horns in the final match of the series on November 22 at the same venue. 

Earlier, Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah followed the same pattern of the opening T20I and opted to bat first after winning the toss.

The openers had a disappointing outing once again. Pacer Shaheen Shah, who replaced fellow speedster Hasan Ali for this match, bagged the wicket of Saif Hasan (0) in the first over. From the other end, pacer Mohammad Wasim removed Mohammad Naim (2).

Afif Hossain and Najmul Hossain Shanto were the only two notable run-getters for the home side. They also posted 45 runs together for the third wicket after two early dismissals.

Both the batters were dismissed by leg-spinner Shadab Khan. Afif made 21-ball 20 while Najmul scored 24-ball 40.

No other batter showed a promising display and the home side were restricted by the bowlers for only 108/7.

Shaheen finished with figures of 2/15 while Shadab took 2/22.

Shadab Khan ends a great spell with a 2-run wicket over.

🎯 Najmul Shanto
🎯 Afif Hossain #BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/EbXuyVLwp0

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) November 20, 2021

In return, Pakistan lost skipper Babar Azam early. Babar (1) threw his bat at the ball bowled by Mustqfizur Rahman and ended up dragging it onto his stumps.

Meanwhile, in-form batters Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman steered the run chase. Fakhar registered the seventh half-century of his T20I career while Rizwan scored 39 off 45 balls.

Yet another mature innings from Fakhar Zaman; leading Pakistan from the front. 💪

His 7th T20I half-century, which included 3 sixes and 2 fours!#BANvPAK pic.twitter.com/UR5IJFYMVB

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) November 20, 2021

Rizwan walked back to the pavilion in the 16th over after which Haider Ali joined Fakhar in the middle. 

The target was chased down on the first ball of the 19th over.

Fakhar remained unbeaten on 51-ball 57, powered by three sixes and two fours.