LAHORE, Pakistan: Bangladesh set a challenging 197-run target for Pakistan in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, courtesy of a scintillating half-century from Parvez Hossain Emon and a strong start by the top order.
Batting first after being put in by Pakistan, Bangladesh’s openers came out with intent and aggression.
Parvez Hossain Emon was the star of the innings, smashing 66 off just 34 balls, including seven boundaries and four sixes.
His commanding innings helped Bangladesh dominate the powerplay, reaching 53 without loss in the first six overs.
Emon and opening partner Tanzid Hasan stitched together a formidable 110-run partnership, tearing through Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Tanzid provided solid support, scoring 42 off 32 deliveries with three fours and three sixes before he was dismissed by Faheem Ashraf in the 11th over.
Just seven balls later, Emon fell to Shadab Khan, caught behind after a destructive knock. At 113 for 2, Pakistan sensed an opportunity to slow the scoring rate.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das and middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy added valuable runs to maintain the momentum.
Hridoy played a brisk innings of 25 off 18 balls, while Litton contributed 22 off 18 before he was bowled by Hasan Ali in the 17th over with the score at 162 for 3.
Shamim Hossain came in and struck two quick boundaries but was removed by Abbas Afridi for 8 off 4 balls.
Abbas struck again in the same over, dismissing Hridoy, and putting the brakes on Bangladesh’s charge towards the 200-mark.
In the last overs, Jaker Ali played a crucial hand, remaining unbeaten on 15 off nine balls.
He was supported by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who struck 8 not out off just three deliveries to push Bangladesh to 196 for 6 — their highest T20I total against Pakistan.
For Pakistan, Abbas Afridi was the most effective bowler, finishing with 2 for 26. Hasan Ali also took two wickets but was expensive, conceding 39 runs in four overs.
Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan chipped in with one wicket each but struggled to contain the run flow.
Both sides came into the final encounter with contrasting forms. Pakistan are enjoying a strong comeback after their recent 4-1 T20I series loss in New Zealand, having registered back-to-back wins over Bangladesh, including a dominant 57-run victory in the second match. Bangladesh, on the other hand, are on a three-match losing streak.
In the head-to-head record, Pakistan hold a significant advantage. The two teams have faced each other 21 times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning 18 matches while Bangladesh have managed just three victories.
Pakistan Playing XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (c), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed.
