Pakistan Clinches T20 Series with Dominant 57-Run Win Over Bangladesh
Pakistan sealed a convincing 57-run victory against Bangladesh in the second T20 international at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, securing the three-match series 2-0 with one game still to play. The home team showcased their dominance with both bat and ball, delivering a comprehensive performance that left little room for their opponents to recover.
Explosive Batting Display by Pakistan
Opting to bat first, Pakistan got off to a blazing start, thanks to a scintillating knock from opener Saim Ayub, who hammered 74 runs off just 41 balls. Ayub, returning to the national squad after a stellar season in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), capitalized on early reprieves to build a 103-run partnership with Mohammad Haris. Haris supported well with a quickfire 41, helping Pakistan lay a strong foundation.
Hassan Nawaz, a young powerhitter, took over after their departure and scored 51 runs off 25 balls, including three massive sixes and two boundaries. Even in the final overs, Pakistan maintained their momentum thanks to his aggressive approach. Despite a tighter bowling effort from Bangladesh in the last five overs, where they conceded only 40 runs, Pakistan managed to post an imposing total of 201/5.
Bangladesh Falters in the Chase
Bangladesh responded by starting the innings aggressively, with opener Tanzid Hasan scoring 33 runs quickly with early boundaries. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse, and the visitors never recovered. By the end of the powerplay, they were reeling at 54 for 3, and soon crumbled to 78 for 7.
The only bright spot for Bangladesh was a fighting half-century by Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who scored 50 runs off 31 balls. His efforts, though commendable, were not enough to steer his side close to the target. Injuries added to Bangladesh's woes, as Shoriful Islam couldn’t come out to bat, leading to their innings folding for 144 in 19 overs.
Pakistan's success is due to spin and seam. Pakistan’s bowlers worked in tandem to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting line-up. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was particularly effective, taking two key wickets including Towhid Hridoy and Zakir Hasan with well-disguised googlies. In total, seven different bowlers took wickets, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility in the bowling department.
Unbeaten Series Lead
With this win, Pakistan has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. They had earlier won the opening game by 37 runs. The final match, scheduled for Sunday at the same venue, will now be a chance for Pakistan to complete a clean sweep and gain further momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Positive Signs Under New Coach Mike Hesson
This T20 series marks the beginning of a new era under head coach Mike Hesson, and the results are already promising. Pakistan has adopted a more aggressive and fearless approach, evident in their top-order batting and strategic bowling changes. Hesson’s tactics appear to be boosting the team’s morale and efficiency, creating a winning culture that fans hope will continue.
Lessons for Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, the series so far has highlighted key areas that need improvement—especially in handling pressure during run chases. The team will need more consistent performances from their batting and bowling units to compete at this level, despite Tanzim Sakib's knock being a bright spot. Conclusion
Pakistan’s dominant win in the second T20 wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was a testament to their balanced, all-round performance. From aggressive batting to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, the team executed its game plan to near perfection. With one more match to go, Pakistan will aim to maintain this rhythm, while Bangladesh will look to salvage pride in the final game.
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