DHAKA: Pakistan secured a commanding 74-run win over Bangladesh in the third and concluding T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday.
Chasing a challenging target of 179 runs, Bangladesh’s batting lineup struggled throughout, and they were bowled out for just 104 runs in the 17th over, marking their third-lowest total against Pakistan in T20 internationals.
Bangladesh’s top scorer was all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who fought hard for 35 off 34 balls. Opening batter Mohammad Naim contributed 10 runs, the only other player to reach double figures, as the rest of the hosts’ batsmen failed to counter Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Pakistan’s bowlers were in top form, with left-arm pacer Salman delivering an impressive spell of 3 wickets for 19 runs in his four overs. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz also took two wickets each, while Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, and captain Salman Ali Agha each claimed a wicket to restrict Bangladesh’s innings effectively.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 178 for 7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a strong opening partnership. The new opening duo of Saim Ayub and Farhan set the tone with an 82-run stand before Ayub’s dismissal in the ninth over by Nasum Ahmed.
Ayub, who played a steady role in the early partnership, scored 21 off 15 balls, including two fours and a six. His dismissal was a setback for Pakistan, which was compounded when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed by Ahmed in the 12th over. Farhan’s innings of 63 off 41 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, was the highest for Pakistan.
Following Farhan’s departure, Hasan Nawaz took charge, forming a quick 22-run partnership with Mohammad Haris (who scored five) and later a brief 16-run stand with captain Salman Ali Agha until Shoriful Islam dismissed him in the 15th over. Nawaz’s aggressive innings of 33 off 17 deliveries, including a four and three sixes, kept Pakistan’s run rate high.
Pakistan’s innings was further stabilized by Hussain Talat, who scored one run before being caught behind off Mohammad Saifuddin. At that point, Pakistan’s total stood at 132 for 5 in 15.2 overs. Mohammad Nawaz then delivered a powerful finish, smashing 27 off 16 balls with two fours and two sixes, boosting the team’s total past 180.
Captain Salman Ali Agha was unbeaten on 12 off nine balls, mostly playing a supporting role from the non-striker’s end.For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 38 runs in his four overs. Nasum Ahmed took two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin chipped in with one each, but it wasn’t enough to halt Pakistan’s momentum
