Hasan lifts Bangladesh with two quick wickets after Pakistan openers frustrate

Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan combined to a 100-run stand in their chase of 174 against Bangladesh in the tri-nation series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch today. However, two wickets in an over from rookie pacer Hasan Mahmud brought life back in the Tigers' camp.

Pakistan are 130 for two after 15.1 overs, needing 44 off the final 29 balls, with Rizwan batting on fifty with Mohammad Nawaz. 

Following a slow start, Pakistan's opening duo picked up the pace in the second half of Powerplay, scoring 33 runs in three overs during which Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Saifuddin Ahmed all conceded two boundaries in their overs. However, after the Bangladesh captain introduced himself in the bowling, the asking rate crept up over 10 as Pakistan were 73 for no loss halfway in their chase.

Babar reached his fifty off 37 balls with a boundary of right-arm medium-pacer Saifuddin, who has been made to look quite mediocre. Hasan, who returned to the side in place of Mosaddek Hossain, was introduced in the innings' 13th over and the bowler removed Babar and bowled Haider Ali for a duck in his third over.  

Earlier in the first innings, Bangladesh posted 173 for six after 20 overs, courtesy of a 55-ball 80-run stand between Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan who both quick-fired their way to 65-plus knocks.