DHAKA: Pakistan will be aiming to stay alive in the three-match Twenty20 International series when they take on a buoyant Bangladesh side in the second game at Mirpur on Tuesday, following a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat in the opener.

The loss has left the tourists with little margin for error as Bangladesh, riding a wave of improved form, eye a series-clinching victory. The hosts have now registered three successive T20I wins — including a thumping 83-run triumph over Sri Lanka earlier this month — and appear a far cry from the side that struggled for consistency over the past year.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson lamented poor decision-making and a failure to assess conditions in the opening match, which saw the visitors slump after a brisk start.

“We chose some poor options,” he said after match. “When the ball started to nip through and bounce steeply, we probably didn’t assess that it was a bit more challenging and took some high-risk shots.”

Three run-outs further derailed Pakistan’s innings, despite a bright 34 off 22 balls from Fakhar Zaman.

“Fakhar got us ahead of the game with some exceptional shots, but we misread the surface after that,” admitted Hesson. “We thought it was better than it actually was, and didn’t adjust quickly enough.”

Pakistan’s eventual total proved inadequate, with Bangladesh chasing it down with 27 balls to spare. Parvez Hossain Emon anchored the pursuit with an unbeaten 56 off 39, while Tanzid Hasan provided steady support at the top.

Hesson was candid in his criticism of the surface, calling it “not up to international standard”, and questioned its suitability for major tournaments.

“If people are trying to prepare for the Asia Cup or a World Cup, that’s not acceptable,” he said, while adding that was “no excuse for some of the decisions we made with the bat”.

Pakistan’s bowling unit, missing the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, struggled to exert sustained pressure. Debutant Salman Mirza struck twice early to reduce Bangladesh to 7-2, but lacked support from the other end as the hosts recovered comfortably.

The contrast to Pakistan’s 3-0 sweep of Bangladesh in Lahore last month was stark.

“When you go away and play on flatter surfaces, you can get exposed,” Hesson remarked, referencing the slow, low bounce on offer at Mirpur.

“Batting first in these conditions is tricky. You don’t know whether 100 is enough or if you need 150.”

Hesson, who has experience coaching in the Bangladesh Premier League, added: “There have been good wickets here during the BPL. It’s just that, at the international level, the surfaces aren’t always of that same quality.”

Bangladesh are expected to retain their winning XI. Pakistan, meanwhile, may consider bringing in left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem to bolster their attack.

With weather interruptions a possibility during the rainy season and the pitch expected to remain bowler-friendly, Pakistan must adapt quickly if they are to avoid another series defeat. Bangladesh, brimming with confidence, will look to close out the contest with another disciplined display.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2025