Dhaka, July 24, 2025: A blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and a fiery three-wicket haul by left-arm pacer Salman Mirza powered Pakistan to a thumping 75-run win over Bangladesh in the third T20 International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a stiff target of 179, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure, folding for just 104 in 16.5 overs — their third-lowest total against Pakistan in T20Is. Only two Bangladeshi batters reached double figures, with all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin top-scoring with a fighting 35 off 34 balls. Opener Mohammad Naim contributed 10, while the rest of the lineup faltered against a clinical Pakistani bowling unit.
Salman Mirza led the charge with figures of 3 for 19 in four overs. He was well-supported by Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz, who picked up two wickets each. Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, and skipper Salman Ali Agha claimed one wicket apiece to complete a dominant bowling performance.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding 178 for 7 in their 20 overs, thanks to a strong start from their new opening pair, Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan.
The duo added 82 runs for the opening stand before Ayub was dismissed by Nasum Ahmed in the ninth over. Ayub played a supporting role, scoring 21 off 15 balls with two fours and a six.
Farhan continued to take on the Bangladeshi bowlers, smashing 63 off 41 deliveries, including six fours and five towering sixes. He too fell to Nasum in the 12th over, triggering a slight slowdown in Pakistan’s innings.
Hasan Nawaz then stepped in, playing a brisk cameo of 33 off 17 balls, featuring one four and three sixes. He stitched brief stands with Mohammad Haris (5) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (12*), before falling to Shoriful Islam in the 15th over.
Pakistan suffered another quick blow when Hussain Talat was caught behind off Saifuddin for just 1, reducing them to 132/5.
However, a late flourish from Mohammad Nawaz helped Pakistan finish strong. The all-rounder smashed 27 off 16 balls, striking two fours and two sixes to lift the total close to 180. Agha remained unbeaten at the end, scoring 12 off nine balls while holding one end.
For Bangladesh, Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 38. Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Saifuddin claimed one each.
With the win, Pakistan sealed the T20I series and will look to continue their momentum heading into the upcoming ODI leg of the tour.
