Farhan, Hasan, Abrar Shine Bright as Pakistan Clinch T20I Series
Naeem Khan
Lahore: Under the dazzling floodlights of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan delivered a commanding performance to seal the T20I series against Bangladesh, riding on explosive batting from Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz and a masterclass in spin bowling by Abrar Ahmed.
With a 57-run win in the second match of the three-game series, Pakistan now holds an unassailable 2-0 lead, showcasing depth in batting and precision in bowling that proved too much for a struggling Bangladesh side.
Farhan’s Flair and Hasan’s Firepower
Pakistan’s innings was set ablaze by Sahibzada Farhan, who continued his purple patch with another scintillating knock—this time, a 41-ball 71 laced with four boundaries and six towering sixes. His confident strokeplay and aggressive intent gave Pakistan early momentum, sharing a blistering 103-run stand with Mohammad Haris, who himself chipped in with 41 off 25 balls.
Once Haris departed, it was Hasan Nawaz’s turn to take center stage. Promoted to No. 4, the young right-hander played with remarkable maturity and flair, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 26 deliveries. With a strike rate nearing 200, Hasan struck two fours and three sixes, expertly steering the innings to a competitive 201-6 despite a few hiccups in the middle order.
Bangladesh Falter After Fiery Start
Chasing a daunting total, Bangladesh had a dream start. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon powered their way to 44 runs inside just four overs, threatening to shift the balance early on. But Haris Rauf’s clever pace variations triggered a collapse, as Parvez fell attempting to go aerial, brilliantly caught by Hasan Ali at mid-off.
From 44-0, Bangladesh spiraled to 77-7 in a shocking collapse, losing five wickets in just 17 balls. Abrar Ahmed spun a web around the middle order, grabbing three crucial wickets in 10 deliveries. His guile and subtle variations left the batters groping for answers, finishing with figures of 3 for 19.
Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, and even Saim Ayub chipped in with wickets, underlining a disciplined and collective bowling effort.
Lone Warrior
Bangladesh’s lower order found a glimmer of fight in Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Walking in with his side staring down the barrel at 77-7, Tanzim struck a belligerent 50 off 31 balls, including five sixes and a four, offering fans a glimpse of his potential and salvaging some pride for the visitors.
However, his resistance ended in the penultimate over, bowled by part-timer Saim Ayub, closing Bangladesh’s innings at 144-9. With Shoriful Islam nursing an injury and unable to bat, Pakistan wrapped up the match with room to spare.
Bowling Brilliance
Abrar Ahmed’s spell was pivotal, but credit is also due to Pakistan’s pace attack. Haris Rauf, despite bowling only two overs, struck early and fielded brilliantly. Hasan Ali’s energy and Faheem Ashraf’s knack for breaking partnerships ensured the Tigers never regained footing after their top-order collapse.
Captain Salman Ali Agha provided a cameo of 19 off 12 balls, while Shadab Khan had a quiet outing with both bat and ball but remained sharp in the field. Pakistan’s overall discipline, smart field placements, and bowling rotations ensured their dominance remained unchallenged.
Looking Ahead
With the series already won, the final T20I on June 1 offers Pakistan a chance to experiment with their bench strength and give rising talents more exposure. For Bangladesh, it will be about salvaging pride and finding answers before upcoming international assignments.
Sahibzada Farhan was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings. If his current form is any indication, Pakistan may have found a reliable force at the top of the order heading into bigger contests.
