Bangladesh suffered a 3-0 series whitewash in the T20 international series against Pakistan, as an explosive century from Mohammad Haris powered the hosts to a commanding seven-wicket win in the third and final match in Lahore on Sunday.
After being asked to bat first once again at the Gaddafi Stadium, the Tigers posted a competitive total of 196 for 6, thanks to a blistering opening stand of 110 runs between Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan.
However, the middle-order failed to capitalise on the strong foundation, with quick wickets stalling momentum in the latter half of the innings.
Captain Litton Das chipped in with a quickfire 22 while Towhid Hridoy added 25, but Bangladesh were unable to push past the 200-mark that looked well within reach at one stage.
Pakistan, in reply, made light work of the chase, reaching their target with 16 balls to spare, largely due to a sensational unbeaten century from Mohammad Haris, who smashed 107 off 46 balls, including seven sixes and eight boundaries.
The early dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the first over gave Bangladesh brief hope. But Haris, in a free-flowing partnership of 92 runs with Saim Ayub (45 off 29), took the game away with an aggressive batting display that exposed the inexperience of the visiting bowling attack.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, claiming Ayub’s wicket and showing some promise with his pace and control, but there was little else on offer as Pakistan’s batters maintained a high tempo throughout.
After being named Player of the Match, Haris said: “I’ve been working hard behind the scenes and didn’t want to waste the opportunity. My plan was simple — see ball, hit ball.”
The defeat marks a disappointing end to the tour for Bangladesh, who had shown glimpses of promise, particularly with their top-order batting, but ultimately lacked the bowling firepower and depth to challenge Pakistan in home conditions.
Speaking after the match, Bangladesh skipper Litton Das admitted the team failed to build on key moments. “We started well in most games, but couldn’t finish strongly. We need to be more consistent, especially with our bowling in the middle overs,” he said.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha praised his side’s calm approach in a pressure chase and hailed Haris for “taking the game deep and finishing it clinically.”
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