Rain forces abandonment, Pakistan take series 2-0

F.P. Report

LAHORE: The third Twenty20 international between Pakistan and Bangladesh was abandoned without a ball being bowled Monday because of bad weather in Lahore, giving the home side a 2-0 series victory.

Murky conditions and drizzle delayed the scheduled 13:00 pm (0830 GMT) toss at the Gadaffi stadium pitch, but play was called off three hours later.

Pakistan won the first match by five wickets on Friday and the second by nine wickets the next day.

The series win helped Pakistan hang on to their number one ranking in Twenty20 internationals with 270 points, leading Australia by just one point.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said the series win will help the team’s confidence. “Our bowling was outstanding in both the games… helped us keep them down to low totals,” said Babar who lost 2-0 in Australia last year in his first series as skipper.

Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah said the loss was disappointing. “Before the series we knew that Pakistan will be favourites because they are world number one and we are nine.

“We managed to put a good fight in the first match, but in the second match they won convincingly because they have a good bowling side.” Bangladesh will fly out late Monday but return on February 5 to play the first of two Tests, in Rawalpindi.

They play a one-day international on April 3 in Karachi, and the second Test starting April 7.