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Lahore: A splendid unbeaten 131-run stand between Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez led Pakistan to a commanding nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second T20I at the and sealed the series for the hosts.
In the match played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan chased down the 137-run target in 16.4 overs as Babar, the top-ranked T20I batsman, and Hafeez scored 66 and 67 respectively.
The duo came together after Ahsan Ali (0) was out on the 10th ball of the run-chase. Babar, declared man of the match, struck seven fours and a six in 44 balls, while Hafeez smashed nine fours and a six in 49 balls.
Once again, the Pakistan bowlers bowled with discipline as Bangladesh were restricted to 136 for six in 20 overs after opting to bat first.
Mohammad Hasnain, with two wickets for 20 runs in four overs, was the pick of the bowlers. Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan took a wicket each.
The visitors’ innings was anchored by opener Tamim Iqbal, who made 65 from 53 balls. The left-handed opener hit seven fours and a six. Afif Hossain was the other notable contributor with 21 from 20.
To stay number one in the ICC T20I rankings, Pakistan have to cleansweep the series by beating Bangladesh in the third and final T20I, which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.