Srinagar: Pakistan started their campaign in New Zealand tri-series T20 with a win against Bangladesh at Christchurch on Friday.
It was star batter Mohammad Rizwan who starred again for the Pakistan side scoring unbeaten 78.
Batting first Pakistan posted 167-5, before restricting their opponents to 146-8.
The world’s top-ranked T20 batsman, Rizwan batted through the innings in cold conditions at Hagley Oval, hitting seven fours and two sixes in a chanceless 50-ball knock.
It was the 30-year-old’s 21st half-century in the format, continuing his form from last month’s T20 series against England, when he compiled a series-leading 316 runs.
His average in the format of 54.34 stands alone among the top 150 run-scorers. The next best is India’s Virat Kohli (50.84).
Rizwan’s best support on a tricky, two-paced wicket came from Shan Masood (31 off 22 balls), following an opening stand of 52 with captain Babar Azam (22 off 25) while Taskin Ahmed (2-25) was Bangladesh’s best bowler.
Bangladesh’s chase tailed off after Liton Das (35) and Afif Hossain (25) put on a slick 50 for the third wicket from 34 balls.
Some late hitting from Yasir Ali (42 not out) restored respectability while speedster Mohammad Wasim (3-24) enjoyed late success with the yorker.
New Zealand will play Pakistan on Saturday and Bangladesh on Sunday, both at the same venue.