DHAKA, Bangladesh: A blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan guided Pakistan to a competitive total of 178 for 7 in the third and final T20 International against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.
Sent in to bat first, Pakistan made a strong start through their new opening pair of Saim Ayub and Farhan, who added 82 runs for the first wicket.
Ayub played a steady hand, scoring 21 off 15 balls with two fours and a six before falling to Nasum Ahmed in the ninth over.
Farhan continued to attack the bowlers and remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a rapid 63 off 41 balls, including six boundaries and five towering sixes.
His dismissal, also at the hands of Ahmed in the 12th over, briefly stalled Pakistan’s momentum.
Middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz took charge after Farhan’s departure, hitting a quickfire 33 off just 17 deliveries, including one four and three sixes.
He shared brief partnerships with Mohammad Haris (5) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (12 not out), before being removed by Shoriful Islam in the 15th over.
Returning all-rounder Hussain Talat could not make an impact and was caught behind for just one run off Mohammad Saifuddin, leaving Pakistan at 132 for 5 in the 16th over.
Mohammad Nawaz then lifted the scoring rate with a valuable late cameo, smashing 27 off 16 balls with two fours and two sixes. His efforts ensured Pakistan reached a solid total, giving their bowlers a strong target to defend.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 38 from his four overs. Nasum Ahmed claimed 2 for 26, while Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin took one wicket apiece.
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Agha Salman (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal.
Bangladesh Playing XI
Litton Kumar Das ( c & wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Md Saifuddin, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed
