Pakistan Clinch Series With Dominant Run Chase
In an electrifying finish to the T20I series, Mohammad Haris’ unbeaten 107 powered Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Chasing a formidable 197-run target, Pakistan cruised home with 16 balls to spare, completing a clean 3-0 whitewash and showcasing a fearless new batting strategy ahead of major ICC events.
Haris’ Historic Century Powers Pakistan to Victory
Mohammad Haris was the undoubted star of the match, delivering a record-breaking knock that made him the first middle-order batter from Pakistan to score a T20I century. His 107 off 46 balls, studded with seven sixes and eight boundaries, lit up the stadium and underlined Pakistan’s growing depth in power-hitting talent.
What made Haris’ innings more remarkable was his flawless acceleration—from the ninth over onward, he did not face a single dot ball. He reached his half-century in just 25 balls and raised his bat for a ton off 45. His destructive innings was a perfect blend of timing, placement, and brute force.
Emon and Tanzid Give Bangladesh a Flying Start
Before Haris stole the show, Bangladesh posted their highest-ever T20I score against Pakistan—196 for 6—thanks to a blistering 110-run opening partnership between Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan.
- Emon top-scored with 66 off 34 balls, smashing seven fours and four sixes.
- Tanzid contributed a lively 42 off 32, including three sixes and three boundaries.
The pair aggressively targeted Pakistan’s bowlers in the powerplay, especially punishing Ayub and Faheem Ashraf. Emon raised his half-century off just 27 balls and celebrated it with a flurry of boundaries and maximums.
However, their momentum fizzled after Faheem removed Tanzid and Shadab Khan dismissed Emon within two deliveries, triggering a middle-order slowdown.
Pakistan’s Bowling Unit Regains Control in the Death Overs
After conceding a century stand in just 11 overs, Pakistan’s bowlers staged a strong comeback, restricting Bangladesh to just 46 runs in the final five overs. Key contributions included:
- Shaheen Afridi’s brilliant second spell, where he mixed his pace cleverly, claiming two vital wickets.
- Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan contained the flow of runs and applied pressure in the death overs.
Afridi’s strategic variation in pace saw him dismiss both Shamim Hossain and Towhid Hridoy in a single over, halting Bangladesh’s attempt to finish strong. Despite a late push from Jaker Ali, Bangladesh failed to breach the 200-run mark.
Ayub and Haris Lead Strong Start to the Chase
Despite an early loss of Sahibzada Farhan, the pair of Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris counterattacked immediately. Ayub struck two fours and four sixes in his quickfire 45 off 29, giving Pakistan a solid base.
Their aggressive approach rattled the Bangladeshi bowlers. Haris launched into Khaled Ahmed and Rishad Hossain with effortless power, while Ayub punished Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan with clean hitting.
Tanzim eventually dismissed Ayub, but the damage had already been done.
Hasan Nawaz Provides the Turbo Boost
After Ayub’s departure, Hasan Nawaz played a critical cameo, scoring 26 off just 13 balls. His innings featured two towering sixes, one each off Rishad and Mehidy Hasan. Though Mehidy removed him shortly after, Nawaz had shifted the momentum heavily in Pakistan’s favour.
Haris Finishes the Job in Style
With the required rate comfortably under control, Haris and Salman Agha ensured there were no hiccups. Haris brought up his century with a couple off Khaled Ahmed, and followed it up with one final six for good measure. Agha then sealed the win in the 18th over with a boundary, sending the packed Lahore crowd into a frenzy.
Key Takeaways from Pakistan’s Series Sweep
- Mohammad Haris emerges as a middle-order powerhouse, capable of winning matches single-handedly.
- Pakistan’s aggressive batting strategy seems to be paying dividends with successful chases.
- The bowling unit, despite early setbacks, showed its ability to adapt and dominate at the death.
- Bangladesh’s top order impressed, but the middle-order inconsistency remains a concern.
Final Scorecard Snapshot:
Pakistan 197/3 in 17.2 overs
- Mohammad Haris 107 (46 balls)
- Saim Ayub 45 (29 balls)
- Mehidy Hasan 2/26
Bangladesh 196/6 in 20 overs
- Parvez Emon 66 (34 balls)
- Tanzid Hasan 42 (32 balls)
- Shaheen Afridi 2/26
Conclusion: Pakistan’s Statement Win Sends a Message
This 3-0 T20I whitewash over Bangladesh is more than just a series victory—it’s a statement of intent. With the T20 World Cup looming, Pakistan’s rejuvenated middle order, spearheaded by Mohammad Haris, looks ready to take on the world. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their late-innings struggles if they are to compete at the highest level.
Pakistan’s emphatic chase and their ability to bounce back with the ball underline a team building toward balanced dominance in both innings—a recipe for long-term T20 success.
