Pakistan Ends on a High, But Bangladesh Clinch Historic T20I Series 2–1

Dhaka | July 24, 2025:
In a match that showcased glimpses of Pakistan’s bench strength but underlined Bangladesh’s growing T20I confidence, the visiting team avoided a whitewash by thrashing Bangladesh by 74 runs in the final T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. However, the bigger picture belonged to the hosts, who secured their first-ever T20I series win against Pakistan, taking the three-match series 2–1.

⚡ Farhan’s Power Hitting Sets the Tone

Dropped for the first two games, young opener Sahibzada Farhan got his chance and made it count big time. Opening the innings with the aggressive Saim Ayub, Farhan immediately signalled intent. He smashed Bangladesh’s new-ball bowlers all around Mirpur with crisp pulls, lofted drives, and fearless slog sweeps.

Farhan’s knock — 63 runs off just 41 balls — included five towering sixes and six boundaries. His 82-run opening stand with Saim Ayub gave Pakistan the momentum they had missed in the first two matches. Even after both fell in quick succession, the middle order did enough to push Pakistan to 178/7, a total that looked well above par on a two-paced surface.

🔥 Salman Mirza Wrecks Bangladesh’s Top Order

When Bangladesh came out to chase, they needed a brisk start — but debutant Salman Mirza crushed those hopes almost instantly. With pace and swing, he bowled a disciplined channel, forcing edges and mistimed shots.

Mirza’s spell read like a dream: 3 wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs. His breakthroughs included key wickets of top-order batters who had guided Bangladesh’s earlier wins — a perfect response to Pakistan’s critics who demanded fresh pace options.

⚡ Middle Order Collapses Under Pressure

Bangladesh, so clinical in the first two games, could not handle the early blows. From 41 for 2, they slumped to 41 for 7 — a nightmare collapse as Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz piled on the pressure. Faheem bagged two wickets for only 13 runs, while Nawaz wrapped things up with 2 for 4 in a miserly late spell.

Bangladesh’s only resistance came from all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who struck a fighting unbeaten 35 to at least lift the score into three figures. But chasing 179 was always out of reach once the top six were gone.

📊 What This Series Means

✅ For Bangladesh:

• The Tigers can celebrate a milestone — their first T20I series victory against Pakistan after years of close contests.
• They were clinical in the first two matches, showcasing improvements in power hitting, death bowling, and composure under pressure.
• The result boosts their confidence heading into the Asia Cup later this year.

✅ For Pakistan:

• The final win avoided a clean sweep, but major questions remain about the batting order’s consistency and the lack of match-winning spinners.
• Youngsters like Sahibzada Farhan and Salman Mirza showed they deserve more chances, giving selectors something positive to ponder before the next white-ball series.
• Senior stars like Fakhar Zaman, who failed to fire, may feel pressure to hold onto their spots.

🚩 Series Result

• Bangladesh: Won first two matches to clinch series 2–1.
• Pakistan: Won the third T20I by 74 runs.

⭐ Key Performers in Final Match

🎯 What’s Next

Pakistan will now head home to prepare for their Test tour of Sri Lanka next month, hoping to regroup and rebuild confidence after a turbulent white-ball run. Bangladesh’s players, meanwhile, will shift focus to the Asia Cup, eager to continue their rise as a dangerous side in the shorter format.