DHAKA: Pakistan ended their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh on a high note, sealing a commanding 74-run victory in the final match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
The visitors’ all-round performance helped them avoid a series whitewash after losing the first two games.
Put into bat, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 178 for 7, thanks to a blazing half-century by opener Sahibzada Farhan and a fiery late cameo from Mohammad Nawaz.
In response, Bangladesh faltered in their chase and were bundled out for 104 in 16.5 overs — their third-lowest T20I total against Pakistan.
Sahibzada Farhan, returning to the playing XI in place of Fakhar Zaman, top-scored for Pakistan with a 41-ball 63 that included six fours and five sixes.
He and Saim Ayub provided Pakistan with a strong opening stand, putting on 82 runs before Ayub fell to Nasum Ahmed after scoring 21 off 15 balls.
Farhan’s dismissal in the 12th over triggered a middle-order wobble, but brisk contributions from Hasan Nawaz (33 off 17 balls) and Mohammad Nawaz (27 off 16) ensured Pakistan posted a defendable total.
Skipper Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten on 12. Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, finishing with 3 for 38, while Nasum Ahmed claimed 2 for 22.
Chasing 179, Bangladesh struggled from the outset and never looked in control. None of the top-order batters managed to build a partnership, with Mohammad Naim (10) and Saif Hassan (7) falling cheaply.
Only Mohammad Saifuddin showed resistance with a fighting 35 off 34 deliveries, but wickets tumbled regularly around him.
Left-arm pacer Salman Mirza led Pakistan’s bowling attack with an impressive 3 for 19. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with two wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, and skipper Agha Salman took one apiece, wrapping up the Bangladeshi innings with more than three overs to spare.
Bangladesh had already secured their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan with victories in the opening two matches.
However, they rested five of their frontline players for the final game, including pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan, who had scored underwhelming totals of 110 and 125 in the first two matches, made significant improvements in the third outing, showcasing better intent with the bat and a disciplined bowling display.
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
