In a format often defined by explosive starts and audacious stroke play, Jaker Ali's composed, match-defining half-century in the second T20I against Pakistan on Tuesday offered a refreshing and potentially significant insight into Bangladesh's future in the shortest format. His ability to anchor the innings under immense pressure, ultimately guiding the Tigers to a historic series win, suggests that the right-hander could indeed be a long-term solution for Bangladesh's often-fragile T20I middle order, provided he can maintain this newfound consistency.
Jaker's unbeaten 48-ball 55, his fourth T20I fifty, proved instrumental in Bangladesh's narrow eight-run victory at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Coming to the crease in the fifth over with the hosts reeling at a precarious 29-4 inside the Powerplay, Jaker displayed remarkable resilience. Alongside Shak Mahedi, who contributed a brisk 25-ball 33, Jaker stemmed the flow of wickets and revived the innings with a crucial 53-run fifth-wicket partnership. Despite facing immense pressure and often being behind the required run rate, he batted responsibly through the innings.
"We were losing early wickets. And I just talked to Shak and told him to just play normal cricket, but he wanted to take chances, and I just tried to support him. That was my plan for that situation. I just tried to take the game deep and waited for balls to come in my zone," Jaker revealed at the post-match ceremony, where he was deservedly named Player of the Match. This simple yet effective game plan – taking the game deep and waiting for his hitting zones – is precisely what Bangladesh has often lacked in their middle order, particularly when faced with early collapses.
Jaker's disciplined approach paid dividends towards the end of the innings. Of his five sixes, four came in the final five overs, with his solitary four also part of a late surge. He remained unbeaten until the final delivery, ensuring Bangladesh reached a competitive total of 133, a score that proved just enough on the challenging Mirpur surface.
While Jaker's batting was pivotal, the bowlers deserve immense credit for setting the stage. Pakistan's chase was derailed early, as they were reduced to a staggering 15-5 in the Powerplay.
Despite a valiant effort from all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who hit a blistering 51 off 32 balls, Bangladesh managed to bundle out the visitors for 125 in 19.2 overs. Shoriful Islam starred with the ball, registering career-best figures of 3-17, while Shak Mahedi and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with two wickets apiece to seal the victory.
