Farhan’s Scintillating Knock Leads Pakistan’s Charge Against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive half-century propelled Pakistan to a commanding total in the final T20I against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

After being asked to bat, Pakistan posted 178/7 in their 20 overs, buoyed by a strong opening stand.

The new pair of Saim Ayub and Farhan took charge against the Bangladeshi bowlers, amassing 82 runs before Ayub was removed by Nasum Ahmed in the ninth over.

Ayub, playing a supporting role in the opening partnership, scored 21 off 15 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six.

His dismissal slowed down Pakistan’s scoring rate, leading to Farhan’s departure in the 12th over, also falling to Ahmed.

The right-handed opener was Pakistan’s highest scorer with 63 off 41 balls, comprising six fours and five sixes.

Following Farhan’s dismissal, Hasan Nawaz accelerated Pakistan’s innings, adding 22 runs with Mohammad Haris (five) and then 16 runs with captain Salman Ali Agha, before being dismissed by Shoriful Islam in the 15th over.

Hasan Nawaz made a quickfire 33 off 17 deliveries, including one four and three sixes.

Pakistan then faced another setback when Hussain Talat (one) was caught behind off Mohammad Saifuddin, reducing the score to 132/5 in 15.2 overs.

However, a rapid innings by Mohammad Nawaz towards the end helped Pakistan cross the 180-run mark.

Nawaz hit 27 off 16 balls, with two fours and two sixes.

Meanwhile, skipper Agha remained unbeaten on 12 off nine balls, spending much of his time at the non-striker’s end.

Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming three wickets for 38 runs in his four overs. Nasum Ahmed took two wickets, while Islam and Saifuddin each took one.