Farhan, Nawaz, and Abrar Shine in Pakistan’s Comprehensive Win
Pakistan secured a dominant 57-run victory over Bangladesh in the second T20I of the series in Lahore, putting them 2-0 up in the three-match series. The win marked Pakistan’s first T20I series win at home in three years.
Pakistan’s Powerful Batting Sets Up the Win
Pakistan’s batting was led by Sahibzada Farhan, who top-scored with an explosive 74 off 41 balls, including six sixes. Farhan and Mohammad Haris (41 off 25 balls) put on an impressive 103-run stand for the second wicket, giving Pakistan a solid platform.
Hasan Nawaz also played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten on 51 from 35 balls, anchoring the latter part of Pakistan’s innings. The hosts posted a competitive 201 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Farhan’s knock was particularly special, coming on the back of a successful PSL 2025 campaign where he had amassed 449 runs at an impressive 152.20 strike rate. His innings in this game further solidified his form.
Bangladesh’s Early Wickets and Abrar’s Impact
Bangladesh’s chase was always under pressure, thanks to some fine bowling from Abrar Ahmed, who took 3 for 19. Abrar’s wicket-taking spell triggered a dramatic collapse, with Bangladesh losing five wickets in just three overs, going from 44 for 0 to 56 for 5.
The batting collapse began when Tanzid Hasan (33) and Litton Das (8) were dismissed cheaply. The collapse was compounded by Towhid Hridoy (5), Jaker Ali (0), and Shamim Hossain (5) all failing to build partnerships. Bangladesh could only manage 144 in their 20 overs.
Tanzim’s Maiden Fifty and Pakistan’s Control
Despite the collapse, Tanzim Hasan Sakib played an outstanding knock, scoring his maiden T20I fifty. He managed to find the boundaries with five sixes and ended with 50 off 31 balls, but it was not enough to change the tide for Bangladesh. Tanzim became the first batter from No. 9 or lower to score a half-century in T20Is for a Full Member nation.
However, with Abrar’s spin magic and Shadab Khan’s tight bowling, Bangladesh never recovered. Shadab Khan also had a significant role, taking 1 for 28 in his four overs and contributing with the bat earlier in the day.
Farhan’s Lucky Breaks and Powerful Shots
Farhan had a lucky start when he top-edged a shot in the first over, but Tanzid Hasan couldn’t latch onto it. Farhan capitalized on this luck, smashing boundaries throughout the innings, including two sixes off Rishad and another six off Tanzim.
Pakistan’s batting in the powerplay was aggressive, with 67 runs scored in the first six overs, matching their highest-ever powerplay score against Bangladesh in the format.
Pakistan’s Strong Finish and Nawaz’s Unbeaten Half-Century
As Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, Hasan Nawaz kept the innings moving with clean striking. Nawaz’s unbeaten 51 guided Pakistan to a total above 200, which proved to be a commanding total.
Abrar and Shadab’s Spin Mastery
In the second innings, Abrar Ahmed made a quick impact, removing Hridoy for a leg-before decision, followed by another googly dismissal of Jaker Ali. Abrar also dismissed Shamim Hossain in the same over, pushing Bangladesh further into trouble.
Shadab Khan and Abrar continued to control the middle overs, with Shadab removing Rishad for a cheap dismissal. The pair combined to stifle Bangladesh’s chase, and the final wickets were just a formality.
Key Performances
- Sahibzada Farhan: 74 off 41 balls, including 6 sixes
- Hasan Nawaz: 51 off 35 balls*
- Abrar Ahmed: 3 for 19
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib: 50 off 31 balls (Bangladesh’s top scorer)
Looking Ahead:
With the win, Pakistan now leads the series 2-0, needing just one more win to seal the series. The third T20I will be crucial for Bangladesh, who will need to bounce back strongly to keep the series alive. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to continue their dominant form and secure a series sweep.
