Lahore, June 1, 2025: A scintillating half-century from Parvez Hossain Emon and a dominant opening stand powered Bangladesh to a formidable total of 196-6 in the third and final T20 International against Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh’s openers launched an aggressive assault on Pakistan’s bowling attack. Emon and Tanzid Hasan put on a commanding display, racing to 53 without loss in the powerplay, with Emon finding the boundary with ease and Tanzid rotating the strike smartly.
Emon reached his fifty in just 27 balls, and the duo brought up their 100-run stand by the 11th over, putting Pakistan firmly on the back foot. However, Faheem Ashraf broke the partnership at 110 by removing Tanzid for a well-played 42 off 32 balls, which included three fours and three sixes.
Just seven balls later, Shadab Khan removed Emon for a brilliant 66 off 34 balls, halting Bangladesh’s charge at 113-2 in 11.1 overs.
Captain Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy then took control, adding valuable runs to keep up the momentum. Hridoy attacked from the outset, while Das anchored the innings with composure. Together, they pushed the score past 150 in the 15th over.
Hasan Ali eventually dismissed Das for 22 off 18 balls, ending the 49-run stand. Bangladesh were 162-3 in 16.3 overs.
Shamim Hossain briefly lit up the innings with two quick boundaries but was removed by Abbas Afridi for 8 off 4. Afridi then claimed the key wicket of Hridoy (25 off 18) in the same over, stalling Bangladesh’s hopes of a 200-plus score.
In the closing overs, Jakeer Ali played a handy cameo, hitting back-to-back boundaries off Faheem Ashraf, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib added a quick 8 off 3 balls. Hasan Ali returned for the final over and picked up his second wicket, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 1.
Bangladesh ended their innings at 196-6, their highest T20I total against Pakistan to date.
For Pakistan, Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi were the most effective bowlers, picking up two wickets each. Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan chipped in with one wicket apiece.
With a challenging total on the board, Bangladesh will now look to defend it and clinch a series win in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
