Lahore, June 1, 2025: Mohammad Haris smashed his maiden T20I century to guide Pakistan to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, completing a clean 3-0 series sweep on Sunday.
Chasing a formidable 197-run target, Pakistan overcame an early setback when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed in the first over by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, managing just 1 run off 4 balls. However, the tide turned swiftly as Haris and Saim Ayub stitched a formidable 92-run stand for the second wicket.
Haris launched an aggressive counterattack, combining sharp footwork with powerful hitting. The pair propelled Pakistan to 56-1 by the end of the powerplay, keeping the required rate well within reach. Saim’s brisk 45 off 29 deliveries ended when he was bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, with the score at 100-2 in the 10th over.
Haris brought up his maiden half-century soon after and found a brief yet explosive partner in Hasan Nawaz, who hit 26 off 13 before falling to Mehidy Hasan. But Haris was undeterred, reaching his first T20I century in just 45 balls, showcasing a blend of composure and clean striking.
He remained unbeaten on 107 off 46 balls, striking 8 fours and 7 sixes, as Pakistan cruised to 200-3 in 17.1 overs, with skipper Agha Salman contributing a quick 14 off 11 balls.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan got their team off to a flying start. The duo raced to 53 without loss in the powerplay, with Emon in particular taking the attack to the bowlers.
Parvez notched up a rapid half-century off 27 balls, and the pair shared a 100-run opening stand. Faheem Ashraf finally provided the breakthrough by dismissing Tanzid for 42, followed soon by Shadab Khan removing Emon for a brilliant 66 off just 34 balls.
Captain Litton Das (22 off 18) and Towhid Hridoy kept the scoreboard ticking, pushing the total past 150, before Hasan Ali struck again. Abbas Afridi and Hasan Ali then wrapped up the final overs, limiting Bangladesh to 196-6 despite some late hitting by Jakeer Ali (15* off 9).
It was Bangladesh’s highest-ever T20I total against Pakistan, but it wasn’t enough to halt the home side’s momentum.
