Pakistan take series opener

An outstanding half-century from all-rounder Shoiab Malik afforded Pakistan a five-wicket victory over India in Tuesday's first Twenty20 International in Bangalore.
An outstanding half-century from all-rounder Shoiab Malik afforded Pakistan a five-wicket victory over India in Tuesday's first Twenty20 International in Bangalore.
Malik finished unbeaten on 57 off 50 deliveries, the bulk of which was accrued across a 106-run alliance alongside captain Mohammad Hafeez, with six off the third-last ball of the fixture adding the finishing touches.
Chasing a testing target after the hosts had climbed to 133 for nine, Pakistan were left reeling by three early breakthroughs from debutant Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Malik and Hafeez, however, soon put their side back on track – to ensure a crucial one-nil lead in the two-match series.
The duo's alliance enjoyed some fortune, though, with Hafeez dropped by fielder Suresh Raina at short cover – and Malik caught off a delivery that was ultimately adjudged a waist-high no-ball.
India would have demanded a higher total after openers Ajinkya Rahane and Gautam Gambhir's stand of 77 inside the first 11 overs stifled Hafeez's decision to bowl first after winning the toss.
The tourists soon – and consistently – hit back. Seamer Umar Gul and spinner Saeed Ajmal shared five wickets, while debutant fast bowler Mohammad Irfan proved economical, with India enduring a collapse that brought nine wickets for 47 runs.
The right-handed Hafeez beat Malik to the Man of the Match award for his brisk 61, which featured six fours and a couple of sixes and spanned a mere 44 balls.
The second and final T20I, which will decide the first bilateral series between the arch rivals in five years, gets underway at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Latest
-
News
Steve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
News
Moeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
News
On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
News
Dan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
News
Steve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
News
Tim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
News
Testing times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
News
India salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.