ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive half-century and Abrar Ahmed’s sharp spell helped Pakistan seal a dominant 57-run win over Bangladesh in the second T20I on Friday, securing the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.
The match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium saw Pakistan post a formidable 201-6 after electing to bat first, before restricting the visitors to 144-9 in 19 overs. Bangladesh’s final batter, Shoriful Islam, was unable to bat due to injury.
Farhan Leads Pakistan’s Charge with Maiden Fifty
Opener Farhan produced a blistering 41-ball 74, featuring six sixes and four boundaries. He was well-supported by Mohammad Haris, who struck 41 off 25 deliveries, and Hasan Nawaz, who added a quickfire 51\* from just 26 balls.
Farhan and Haris combined for a 103-run partnership off 54 balls for the second wicket, taking the attack to the Bangladesh bowlers after the early loss of Saim Ayub. Farhan was eventually dismissed by Rishad Hossain, caught by Litton Das in the 12th over.
Nawaz finished strong with a flurry of late boundaries, as Pakistan added 40 runs in the final five overs. Bangladesh bowlers Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2-36) and Hasan Mahmud (2-47) were among the wicket-takers.
Abrar Spins Web Around Bangladesh
In reply, Bangladesh made a brisk start, racing to 32 in two overs. But once openers Parvez Hossain (8) and Tanzid Hasan (33 off 19) fell in quick succession, the innings unraveled.
Abrar Ahmed starred with 3-19, removing Tohid Hridoy and Jaker Ali in back-to-back deliveries to trigger a collapse. Fast bowler Hasan Ali also struck, dismissing skipper Litton Das for just six.
Tanzim Hasan played a lone hand with a career-best 50 off 31 balls, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz contributed 23. However, the damage had been done, and Pakistan maintained control to close out the match.
A Boost Under New Leadership
This series win marks Pakistan’s first T20 series victory at home since December 2021 and provides a much-needed morale boost under new white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
“It feels good, I didn’t know it was three and a half years ago that we won a series at home,” said Pakistan captain Agha Salman. “This is what I want, players who can step in and deliver. Credit to Hesson—he has gelled the team really well in just a few days.”
Bangladesh captain Litton Das admitted his side paid the price for losing wickets in clusters.
“There were back-to-back wickets and in cricket, you have to follow basics. Sometimes you don’t, and that costs you,” Das remarked. “We still have a game left to come back strongly.”
The final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday, also in Lahore.
