Tigers win series

FE Report | April 20, 2015 00:00:00

Tamim Iqbal knocked his second century in the second ODI match against Pakistan in Mirpur Stadium on Sunday. — AFP

Bangladesh clinched the historic series win against Pakistan on Sunday as they posted the second successive one-day international (ODI) victory by seven wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur in the city.

Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal showed his brilliance by hitting his second successive ton to help the hosts cruise home in 38.1 overs in a chase for 240.

Tamim was not out on 116 off 116 balls. He paired with Mushfiqur Rahim who lent him good support. Mushfiq contributed 65 off 70 balls before departing.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present at the stadium to watch the match and encourage the players. The giant screen at the stadium announced her presence.

According to bdnews24.com, Pakistan were off to a cautious start after electing to bat first but Rubel Hossain struck in his first ball in the eighth over.

He took out opener Sarfraz Ahmed (7) who flashed at an away-going delivery and was caught at wide slip by Soumya Sarkar.

The Tigers' spinners then took the centre stage as Arafat Sunny took out Mohammad Hafeez for a duck in the next over.

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali (36) was looking good before perishing.

He tried a premeditated reverse-sweep off Shakib Al Hasan but wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim read it and hung on to the ball as it ran off the face of the bat.

Shakib struck again trapping Mohammad Rizwan (13) in front to sink Pakistan further after Nasir Hossain skidded one through to crash into Fawad Alam's middle stump.

Pakistan were in big trouble slumping to 77 for 5 in 22 overs.

But Nasim took charge thereafter pairing with Sohail in a sixth-wicket recovery stand.

Initially vigilant in their approach, the duo slowly built momentum.

Nasim released some pressure smashing captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza for two consecutive boundaries in the 35th over.

As the duo looked to break free during the batting powerplay, Mashrafe picked up his first scalp in his 150th ODI when Sohail sent a return catch.

Wahab, in at eight, started off with boundaries in the last over of the powerplay.

Mashrafe kept searching for wickets with bowling changes but the two regularly rotated strikes.

The pair took the fight to the bowlers after the 45th over notching 49 runs in the last five.