World T20: Pakistan turn it on to beat Bangladesh by 55 runs

E-Paper | April 29, 2026

Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by 55 runs on Wednesday in their opening match of cricket's World Twenty20, with skipper Shahid Afridi starring with bat and ball at Kolkata's Eden Gardens stadium.

Afridi scored a blistering 49 off just 19 balls in Pakistan's commanding total of 201 for five before then taking two wickets, including that of danger man Tamim Iqbal, as Bangladesh made 146 for six in their 20 overs.

Top reads:

Mashrafe downplays Pakistan’s Eden record | Last chance for me, Afridi and team to do nation proud: Waqar | Pakistan cricket: Damning losses behind those miraculous victories | Pakistan bank on history, Bangladesh on form as the two clash at the Eden

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Anik Basu is a Kolkata-based journalist covering the corporate sector and the business of sports.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 16, 2016 01:32pm

Both teams will play good but I think Team Pakistan will race ahead. Better for Pakistan to bat later.

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Arif

Mar 16, 2016 01:38pm

Hope Pakistan can win in this first encounter

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jawad

Mar 16, 2016 01:38pm

lets be real here, Bangladesh will easily win today's match against Pakistan. Bangladesh team is too strong for Pakistan at the moment. They recently beat Pakistan two weeks ago in Asia cup. Pakistan team is at the bottom of list of all teams in T20 WC.

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nurul huda

Mar 16, 2016 01:40pm

'' I saw Irfan's head'' hahaha.. Both team are looking equally strong especially in this short format. All the best both neighbors.

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nurul huda

Mar 16, 2016 01:44pm

@jawad I know your feeling. you said bangladesh will win even though you want pakistan to win. Sometimes it happens but it is just superstition.

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Karachite

Mar 16, 2016 02:07pm

Today's match will be one sided as well.

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Ady

Mar 16, 2016 02:12pm

Good decision to bat first, It's about time !!!

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Mujtaba

Mar 16, 2016 02:15pm

Hope Pakistan bat well now after opting to bat first else we will easily lose

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VivekXI

Mar 16, 2016 02:18pm

Wahab Riaz is the weak link. He will leak good number of runs. Instead, Rahat Ali/ Fawad Alam, could have been a good selection.

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Mar 16, 2016 02:43pm

Though today PAK is my favorite , I'm not supporting PAK because last evening the team I supported lost very badly. #WT20

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nomadic

Mar 16, 2016 02:47pm

one match doesnt mean indian batting order is weak, indian batting order esp top order and dhoni are world class, but there are issues with raina and yuvi after cancer yesteday dhoni did a mistake by sending ashwin after jadeja and pandya , ashwin is technically more gifted ....... good luck to pak esp esp great khan man with golden heart afridi,he gave you the t20 world cup and took pak to semis in 2011 with a average team...........

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fair

Mar 16, 2016 03:00pm

A solid start at 43/1 in 4.3 overs. Its a good platform for later order batsmen to capitalize..

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anil sahu

Mar 16, 2016 03:18pm

PAK will win easily. Bangladeshi sorry to say they will lose all the league matches

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fair

Mar 16, 2016 03:33pm

Are Pakistani batsmen really playing well or is it the pitch????? plz someone. I am unable to watch the match just looking at scores.

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 03:34pm

Keep going, keep going Pakistan

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seeker

Mar 16, 2016 03:34pm

Afridi's statement was a smart move. good deal of support for Pakistan at Eden gardens :-)

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Santhosh

Mar 16, 2016 03:38pm

Pakistan will win this match no second thought about it.

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Zak

Mar 16, 2016 03:40pm

We will go on to win all matches and the T20 WC

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ripan

Mar 16, 2016 03:40pm

the cheering of the crowd makes me think Pakistan is playing at home..beat the minnows today,come the 19th and we shall beat you

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Ali

Mar 16, 2016 03:40pm

@jawad i hope u are watching the score to see how wrong u will be once the match is over

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ripan

Mar 16, 2016 03:51pm

it's boom boom time

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Elya

Mar 16, 2016 04:05pm

What a catch was that! Would love it if the video is uploaded here.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 04:08pm

I had been most vocal & against Afridi whom I named as SHAME Afridi and sais that if he does not perform today against Bengalis then he be sent back and put behind the bars and it looks like he heard me and proving as the best hitter. God luck to him and Pakistan. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi, Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 04:12pm

Afridi is great Form or Strom whatever you like the best. After very long time he proved again as BOOM BOOM / Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait

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seeker

Mar 16, 2016 04:15pm

Afridi gone, but for last half an hour or so he took us back in time machine and showed old boom-boom.

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Mar 16, 2016 04:15pm

Good for India that Afridi has played his knock today. Now wait for 12 matches for another 50.

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Bravo

Mar 16, 2016 04:16pm

We love you again Lala :)

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Alien

Mar 16, 2016 04:19pm

Good cricket after long time from Pakistan...

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indian

Mar 16, 2016 04:20pm

those who were criticizing afridi's comment,watch the crowds response to afridi's batting.indians indeed love pakistan cricket team.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 04:22pm

I must very warmly and heartily congratulate Shahid Afridi in particular and team and compatriots in general for posting 200+ runs which is the highest score (unless I missed someone) in the World Cup and now India must be a bit worried not to be humiliated by Pakistan before its own crowd when they meet on 19th instant. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait

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Bravo

Mar 16, 2016 04:23pm

Good to see cornered Tigers in their ferocious looks before a crucial Hunt. Go Greens Go.

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fair

Mar 16, 2016 04:24pm

I still fear that Pakistan can throw this good work.

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Gaurav

Mar 16, 2016 04:24pm

Happy for Pakistan. Way to go guys. India is virtually out if this tournament now, due to the margin of loss. Happy to support my next favourite team which is Pakistan. Paint it green man. Boom boom afridi. Amir now show your class.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 16, 2016 04:25pm

Very well played Team Pakistan, keep it up. The batsmen have performed well it is time for the bowlers to show their class & pack up BD & win good. Happy Shahid Afridi performed good, this will boost his confidence in other matches as well. Best of luck Team Pakistan. Here I must say thank you to Kolkata crowd for their sporting support to Team Pakistan, they are real lively peoples.

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Waseem Sarwar

Mar 16, 2016 04:25pm

Pakistan is getting brilliant support from crowd which is fantastic. Hopefully we will restrict Bangladesh and get a good win and get two points with good run rate too which will be vital later in tournament.

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Londonwala

Mar 16, 2016 04:30pm

Well Played PAK and Happy to see such a huge PAK support at EDEN,

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Just here

Mar 16, 2016 04:32pm

Afridi 49 of 18 ...he murdered Bangladeshi bowling today.

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ramkumar

Mar 16, 2016 04:34pm

Great catch by sowmya sarkar.nice to see.can any Pakistan players take catch like that...?

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 04:40pm

WOW ! WOW! What next? If Bengali batsman is sent back as early at this I have my doubts that they may not even score half what to talk of getting to 202. Nevertheless, they have some certified batsmen who are game winners as well so don't be so hyper and I think it will be quite entertaining match to watch till the last ball is bowled. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait

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Ragu

Mar 16, 2016 04:43pm

Great play by Pakistan. No way any team is going to chase after this high a score.

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Bravo

Mar 16, 2016 04:46pm

This is the true caliber of our Team.If we just play with such a positive attitude and mindset nothing is needed more for the consistent performances. Pakistani Cricket Fans just want such attitude from our team and nothing less. We want to see you fighting like a cornered tigers no matter then you win or loss. Very best wishes.

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Amit

Mar 16, 2016 04:51pm

Where is the Hindu astrologer who predicted that India will lose and Pakistan will win ? He is damn right ! Dawn should arrange an interview with him to keep the Pakistan team's moral high.

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jose

Mar 16, 2016 04:57pm

no way bangladesh is chasing this big total. pakistan is winning this easily .

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karr

Mar 16, 2016 04:59pm

Looks like Pakistan will will by at least 50 run margin, and based on today's performance, Lala will play for the next 10 years.

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Last Word

Mar 16, 2016 05:01pm

202 will be a huge score to climb for BD and Pakistan is clear favourite to win this game. Waiting for Indo-Pak game at the same venue.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 05:07pm

Don't kill the game Afridi. Sending back Bengalis as such a quick rate mars the charm of competitions. Let them also play some shots and then back to pavilion but not so early as this. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 05:09pm

BOOM BOOM booms with wicket as well. Ealier he boomed with bat and now with ball. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 05:15pm

Amir, you beauty always keep our hopes alive, go for the kill pak

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Zak

Mar 16, 2016 05:15pm

Well done Hafeez and Shezad. Great going.

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Rustom E Hind

Mar 16, 2016 05:23pm

Pakistan has won the match congrats it has put Bangladesh in its place, u should learn to be humble

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 05:25pm

Bengalis are facing real daunting task to score not only much more runs but at much higher speed as well which is a not a joke to meet. Bengalis are called Tigers but have been tamed today. 10 overs gone and score is just 69 and asking rate is 13 +/ Iqbal Hadi Zaidi, Kuwiat

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 05:26pm

Time for wicket, please!

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Pakistan's Mauka moment, Bharatiya Australian

Mar 16, 2016 05:27pm

Enjoy the Mauka Fire crackers Pakistan...I was rooting for Pakistan and happy you guys will get a chance to open up the fire cracker boxes today...Well done Pakistan team with a great start. And use up all the fire crackers today

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 05:27pm

Sweet! Keep going pak

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 05:33pm

Afridi, please don't choke Tigers alike. They have also travelled miles and miles like you to show their power but today you are just cutting their paws. They are to score at the rate of almost 16 runs per over which I doubt they can achieve. I congratulate on winning the game now and not at the end of 20th over,. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Rashid

Mar 16, 2016 05:42pm

OK Bangladesh its all over, but we would cheer for you when you play with India.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 05:49pm

How the hell Former Pakistanis can score at 20:80 runs per over in the remaining 5 overs. Boom you are really punishing them to become Bangladeshis which is their inborn right but you are denying it to day on the field. Be humanitarian and not cruel to them. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

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Amit

Mar 16, 2016 05:54pm

Those who take pride in saying that Indian team gets good crowd support in Pakistan should witness how Pakistan team is being supported by Indian fans. Does any one still feel a security threat ? India is the only place where Pakistan does best, even more than in.....sorry, I do not want a legal notice now like Afridi.

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A. Ali

Mar 16, 2016 05:58pm

@jawad - so lets be real... are your realizing the reality now ? bd need 91 runs 18 balls / 5wkts ????

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Bravo

Mar 16, 2016 06:00pm

@Pakistan's Mauka Moment : Don't you worry friend for the fire crackers we could fulfill your desire any time for sure but be ready to grab the coming "mauka" this time too else we will then ask you to chant "Mauka Mauka" and you will never in a mood to fulfill our wish.

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 06:04pm

game is not over. Bengalis are not defeated as yet which not many Pakistanis will agree and like but I will prove it mathematically though Maths was my weakest subject and many often I was beaten by the teacher in school in maths class. If Benagalis hit 6 on each remaining balls which can happen and you cannot rule it out and then there are few wide ball so they can reach 202. Pakistanis I am with you and it is only numerical calculation. Iqbal hadi Zaidi

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 06:08pm

Well done pak, we are nearly there., hold on.

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Bravo

Mar 16, 2016 06:12pm

How mean innings Shakib Ul Hasan has played.

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Alien

Mar 16, 2016 06:15pm

Tigers become Cats here.......

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Iqbal Hadi Zaidi

Mar 16, 2016 06:17pm

Congratulations! Pakistanis today 1st tamed Bengali tigers, then caged them and now they are even chained in their cages. Boom must remember don't be over joyful tonight because your real test in against none but India on 19th. Claps for Pakistan. Iqbal Hadi Zaidi, Former Pakistani Diplomat in Kuwait

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Shampee

Mar 16, 2016 06:18pm

Congratulations Team Green, ........................... Long Awaited Win.................. Well played.

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Ady

Mar 16, 2016 06:20pm

Welldone Pak! Afridi zindabad ,

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Fiz

Mar 16, 2016 06:20pm

CONGRATS!

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Desi Dimag

Mar 16, 2016 06:20pm

Congrats Pakistan. Wounded Lions are waiting for you.

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Gokarn

Mar 16, 2016 06:21pm

Pakistan ensure Bangladesh landed on earth after false flying in Asia cup.

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Abdulla Hussain

Mar 16, 2016 06:21pm

This is how Team Pakistan should play, they played like a champion today. BD looked a weak team today. Millions of congratulations to Team Pakistan & all Pakistanis & all well wishers of Pakistan

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Amit

Mar 16, 2016 06:21pm

Pakistan won by 55 runs. So 5+5= 10 and 1+0= 1 New Zealand yesterday won by 47 runs : 4+7=11 and 1+1=2 So ,Pakistan (1) will be champion and New Zealand (2) will be runners up. Numerical prediction is also suggesting that Pakistan is lifting the trophy.

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Ady

Mar 16, 2016 06:22pm

Bangladesh back to track

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LOUDSPEAKER

Mar 16, 2016 06:22pm

Congratulations Green Shirts. Keep it up. Your real test eill be on March 19, 2016. With this kind of performance (49 runs, 2 wkts) , Lala seems to be in good shape to ensure his place in the team for another five years.

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Tats_india

Mar 16, 2016 06:23pm

Congrats Guys!! Well deserved win

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Mar 16, 2016 06:24pm

Wow. Impressive win today. From an Afridi basher, well played, Lala. Hope that the team has finally found its feet and that they make it all the way.

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Sarah

Mar 16, 2016 06:28pm

@fair Looks like heart broken

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Sarah

Mar 16, 2016 06:29pm

@Karachite You are right Shahid Afridi and company made it one sided.

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Mar 16, 2016 06:35pm

Well done. Keep it up. Team Pakistan! Shabash ...now is the time to prove your mettle.

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Ilias

Mar 16, 2016 06:35pm

As a fast bowler WAHAB RIAZ should really rethink seriously to control his bowling strategy, any batsman hit him a six so easily as he through the ball exactly where the batsman is looking to hit hard...I'm sorry, I want him to be back once again as a brilliant pacer ! As our brother Amir is...I proud of him!

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Dr Riffat Jabeen

Mar 16, 2016 06:37pm

A great win after long time. Maza aa gaya. Thank God.

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nurul huda

Mar 16, 2016 06:37pm

Congrats to Afridi, shahzad & hafeez for getting your validity card for 5yrs.

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PAKISTAN

Mar 16, 2016 06:43pm

where are all my Indian friends at .......they thought Pakistan was the weakest team in the tournament well lets refresh their memory shall we......in word cup we were failing in batting but instead we got to quarter finals and faced the champions it self and even tho it was one sided for a moment with wahab's spell I thought we were gonna make it but its t 20 and Pak has been champion of it lets see and happy hunting SHAHEENS

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Masud

Mar 16, 2016 06:43pm

@Gokarn Bangladesh never flew in Asia Cup. In that time they achieved it by their good job. Pakistan today played well and won the match. We Bangladeshi enjoyed their total performance though feel dishearten.

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Addicted to Afridi

Mar 16, 2016 06:43pm

Any Afridi hater pleaseeeee .. U Pakistani people are so poor when it comes to identifying a Jewel.. Had Afridi not been there after exit of inzimam Pakistan would have been as low as zimbawe it is his match winning ability that keeps Pakistan floating among the top ten cricketing nations..

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Sarah

Mar 16, 2016 06:43pm

@Ilias Don't forget Amir is natural gifted pace bowler,other learn the art of pace bowling by practice.Amir's case is different.That is why you don't find Imran,Kapil Dev,Botham,Hadlee every day because they were natural gifted pace bowlers.You could count on them any day.Wahab has to keep practicing.T20 format is like that where batsman comes hard at you.

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Moshim Khan Gorwal

Mar 16, 2016 06:44pm

AFRIDI must play more & more BOWLS. Yes, SEHZAD & HAFEEZ must CONCENTRATE on NEHRA+BUMRAH's video footage. Sharjeel should mind on ASHWIN's CHUCKING. Yes, SOHAIB MALIK must READY to bowl all 4overs. GREEN SHIRT please balance your CONFIDENCE. I'm from MEWAT.

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manas

Mar 16, 2016 06:46pm

Congratulations Pakistan.

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Justwasif

Mar 16, 2016 06:52pm

Great relief to our "Shaheens"... Once upon a time when Bangladesh was used to dreamt about to beat us, now our" Shaheens" are dreaming for same.

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Indian

Mar 16, 2016 06:53pm

Well done by Pakistani team!!

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Masud

Mar 16, 2016 06:55pm

Pakistan won the match with their tremendous job. But Bangladesh didn't get defeat like India against New Zealand.

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Khan

Mar 16, 2016 06:55pm

This has happened way too many times so I am not celebrating this victory. Ok good one but now lets not over react like we have won the world cup.....your next match is your true test. So enjoy the moment and stay grounded.

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Gulrez Khan

Mar 16, 2016 06:56pm

Pakistan proved Gavaskar right. Congratulations to men in Green. No pleasure greater than beating the Bengali at their homes.

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From Dhaka

Mar 16, 2016 06:59pm

Congratulation Pakistan. Very well played. Wish u beat the rest. Amir brings back the pride of ur bowling attack. Bangladesh will take the others inshAllah.

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lafanga

Mar 16, 2016 07:05pm

I would love to see the look on Sheikh Hasina's face right about now :))

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Sacha Indian

Mar 16, 2016 07:23pm

I congratulate PAK for a great win and good start to Wt20. After India, I am supporting Pak team and very happy the way they performed. Good batting and bowling. All round performance. Thanks for coming to India and entertaining us. I am sure Pak team too have enjoyed the crowd support.

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Masud

Mar 16, 2016 07:25pm

Humm, Pakistan need deadly this victory. We encourage them for their long waited victory. But friends, Bangladesh is emerging. They will defeat you another day. So Be cool.

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