Dominant Pakistan crush Bangladesh in 2nd T20 to clinch series

LAHORE: Pakistan taught Bangladesh a cricketing lesson with a comprehensive 57-run victory in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Friday evening, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

The hosts delivered a masterful performance with both bat and ball to outclass the visitors in all departments.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan made one strategic change to their winning combination from the first T20I, bringing in Sahibzada Farhan to replace Fakhar Zaman, while Bangladesh included Mehidy Hasan Miraz in their playing XI.

The standout performer of the innings, Sahibzada Farhan (74 off 40 balls, 4x4, 6x6) announced his arrival on the international stage with a scintillating maiden T20I half-century. His knock was a masterclass in aggressive batting, reaching his fifty off just 29 balls with four fours and three sixes. The right-hander continued his assault on the Bangladesh bowling attack, eventually falling for 74 - the highest individual score of the match.

Mohammad Haris (41 off 25 balls, 4x4, 2x6) provided excellent support to Farhan, playing a crucial role in the match-defining second-wicket partnership. His aggressive approach complemented Farhan’s style perfectly, as the duo put Bangladesh’s bowling attack under severe pressure.

The wicket-keeper batsman Hasan Nawaz (51 off 26 balls, 2x4, 3x6)* marked a memorable milestone by scoring his first T20I fifty, remaining unbeaten to guide Pakistan to their formidable total. His knock came at a crucial time when Pakistan needed to accelerate in the death overs, reaching his half-century off just 25 balls.

The foundation of Pakistan’s imposing total was built on significant partnerships of second wicket of 103 runs between Farhan and Haris. The partnership between Farhan and Haris was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s innings. The duo added 103 runs for the second wicket, with their 50-run partnership coming up in just 23 balls. They reached the 100-run milestone for the partnership in 50 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of over 12 runs per over.

Whereas the fourth wicket 45 runs between Salman Ali Agha and Hasan Nawaz added spine to the score. After losing quick wickets in the middle overs, Salman Ali Agha (19 off 12 balls, 3x4) and Hasan Nawaz steadied the ship with a valuable partnership that ensured Pakistan didn’t lose momentum during the crucial middle phase.

Pakistan got off to a flying start in the powerplay, scoring 67 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first six overs, maintaining their aggressive intent throughout the innings.

Chasing a challenging target of 202, Bangladesh never looked comfortable against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack. Despite some individual resistance, the visitors were restricted to 144/9 in 19 overs, falling short by 57 runs.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim (33 off 19 balls, 5x4, 1x6) provided Bangladesh with a bright start, forming a 44-run opening partnership with Parvez Hossain Emon. His aggressive approach in the powerplay gave Bangladesh hope, but his dismissal triggered a middle-order collapse.