Pakistan ended their T20I series on a high with a comprehensive 74-run win over Bangladesh in the third and final game in Mirpur on Thursday. The result brought some consolation for the visitors, even though Bangladesh claimed the series 2-1, thanks to their nail-biting wins in the first two encounters.
Farhan Leads Pakistan's Charge with the Bat
Inserted to bat on a slow and tricky surface, Pakistan’s top order finally found fluency. Sahibzada Farhan led the way with a composed yet attacking 63 off 41 balls, smashing five sixes and four boundaries. His knock provided a solid base for a competitive total.
He was well supported by Hasan Nawaz (33 off 17) and Mohammad Nawaz (27 off 16), whose cameos ensured Pakistan posted a formidable 178/7 in 20 overs. Despite Taskin Ahmed’s 3 for 38 and Nasum Ahmed’s 2 for 22, Bangladesh were left with a challenging chase.
The way Sahibzada came into the team was heartening to see, and Saim also batted well. Hasan batted with intent and Nawaz chipped in with a cameo — they took the game away in the Power-play.
Bangladesh Collapse in Power-play Mayhem
In response, Bangladesh faltered under pressure right from the start. Pakistan’s bowlers came out firing, reducing the hosts to 25 for 5 inside the first six overs.
Salman Mirza (3 for 20) and Faheem Ashraf (2 for 13) ripped through the top order, while Mohammad Nawaz cleaned up the tail with 2 for 4 as six Pakistani bowlers shared the spoils.
Only Mohammad Saifuddin (35 not out) showed any resistance, but the writing was on the wall. With just three players reaching double figures, Bangladesh were bundled out for 104 in 16.4 overs, crumbling to a 74-run defeat.
The wicket looked good to bat on, but we didn’t apply ourselves. We gave a couple of chances to new players. It’s still a positive series win, and we’re heading in the right direction.
A Series of Highs for Hosts, and a Lesson in Response for Pakistan
Having won their previous T20I series away in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh followed it up with a home series win, reaffirming their growing strength in the shortest format.
Pakistan, meanwhile, took heart from their improved all-round effort in the final match. After two close defeats, the third T20I saw them play to their potential, delivering with both bat and ball.
“Very proud. This is what we talk about as a team — we don’t want to give up,” said Salman Agha. “Today, we played well. After the first two games, it was important to show our fight.”
Brief Scores: Pakistan 178/7 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 63, Hasan Nawaz 33, Mohammad Nawaz 27; Taskin Ahmed 3-38, Nasum Ahmed 2-22) Bangladesh 104 all out in 16.4 overs (Mohammad Saifuddin 35*; Salman Mirza 3-20, Faheem Ashraf 2-13, Mohammad Nawaz 2-4) Pakistan won by 74 runs.
