Pakistan 201/6 (Farhan 74, Nawaz 51*, Tanzim 2-36) beat Bangladesh 144 (Tanzim 50, Abrar 3-19) by 57 runs
Pakistan secured their first T20I series win at home in three years after defeating Bangladesh by 57 runs in the second T20I in Lahore. A strong batting performance, led by Sahibzada Farhan (74 off 41) and *Mohammad Nawaz (51 off 36)**, propelled Pakistan to 201/6, before Abrar Ahmed’s three-wicket haul triggered a dramatic Bangladesh collapse.
Bangladesh, despite a promising start, crumbled from 44/0 to 56/5 in just three overs, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s valiant maiden T20I fifty (50 off 31) being the lone bright spot in their innings.
Match Recap: Pakistan’s Batting Dominance
Farhan and Haris Set the Tone
Pakistan’s innings was built around Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive 74, which included six sixes. Farhan, fresh off a stellar Pakistan Super League (PSL) season where he scored 449 runs at a strike rate of 152.20, carried his form into this match.
- Early Luck: Farhan survived an early chance when Tanzid Hasan dropped a tough catch in the first over.
- Aggressive Start: He smashed Mehidy Hasan Miraz for two consecutive sixes in the third over and then took Hasan Mahmud for two fours and a six in the fourth.
- Powerplay Blitz: Pakistan raced to 67/1 in the powerplay, equalling their highest powerplay score against Bangladesh (previously set in Nairobi, 2007).
Nawaz Finishes Strong
After Farhan’s dismissal, Mohammad Nawaz took charge with an unbeaten 51 off 36 balls, ensuring Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark. His late hitting, including a six off Rishad Hossain, helped Pakistan post a formidable total despite Bangladesh pulling things back slightly in the death overs.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Struggles
- Shoriful Islam left the field after bowling just three balls due to a groin injury, weakening Bangladesh’s attack.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/36) was the pick of the bowlers, breaking the 103-run partnership between Farhan and Mohammad Haris (41 off 25).
- Rishad Hossain was expensive, conceding 43 runs in his four overs but took the crucial wicket of Farhan.
Bangladesh’s Chase Collapses After Promising Start
Tanzid’s Aggressive Start Goes in Vain
Bangladesh began their chase strongly, with Tanzid Hasan (33 off 19) smashing 17 runs off the first over bowled by Salman Agha.
- Powerplay Momentum: Bangladesh were 44/0 in 4.1 overs before the collapse began.
- Early Wickets: Haris Rauf struck first, removing Parvez Hossain Emon (8), before Faheem Ashraf dismissed Tanzid.
- Litton Das’ Frustration: Captain Litton Das (19) lost his cool after a miscommunication with Towhid Hridoy and was dismissed next ball, holing out to mid-on.
Abrar’s Spin Magic Destroys Bangladesh
Abrar Ahmed (3/19) was the game-changer, ripping through Bangladesh’s middle order:
- Trapped Hridoy LBW (5) with a sharp spinner.
- Dismissed Jaker Ali (0) next ball with a googly.
- Removed Shamim Hossain (8) in his next over, caught at deep midwicket.
From 44/0, Bangladesh collapsed to 56/5 in just 18 balls, effectively ending the contest.
Tanzim’s Heroic Fifty in Vain
Tanzim Hasan Sakib, batting at No. 9, played a stunning counter-attacking innings, smashing five sixes in his 31-ball 50.
- First No. 9 batter from a Full Member nation to score a T20I fifty.
- Rescued Bangladesh from 77/7 but the target was too steep.
Key Takeaways
Pakistan’s Positives
✔ Farhan’s Consistency: Continuing his PSL form, he solidified his case as a long-term opener.
✔ Nawaz’s Finishing Ability: His unbeaten fifty ensured Pakistan had a strong total.
✔ Abrar’s Match-Winning Spell: His 3/19 derailed Bangladesh’s chase.
Bangladesh’s Concerns
Middle-Order Collapse: From 44/0 to 56/5, the batting fragility was exposed.
Bowling Injuries: Shoriful Islam’s early exit hurt their plans.
Over-reliance on Lower Order: Tanzim’s fifty highlighted the top order’s failure.
What’s Next?
Pakistan have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final T20I will be a dead rubber, but Bangladesh will look to salvage pride, while Pakistan may test bench strength.
Prediction for 3rd T20I
- If Pakistan rest key players, Bangladesh might sneak a win.
- However, Pakistan’s current form makes them favorites for a 3-0 sweep.
Who stood out for you in this match? Let us know in the comments!
