The PAK vs BAN T20I series has come to an end with Shaheens whitewashing the Tigers 3-0. The dramatic last match added life into the whole series and now it won’t be remembered as “boring.” Here is the series report.
PAK vs BAN – 1st T20I
The game started with the hosts winning the toss and choosing to bat first. Pakistan bowlers including Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, and Shadab Khan took three, two, and one wicket respectively. It restricted the total to only 127 runs but on a pitch like that, the chase wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Pakistan did struggle initially especially after their skipper and star batter failed to perform to his abilities. The other trustworthy opener, Rizwan also couldn’t score many runs. The man who was benched the whole world cup, Khushdil Shah came to the rescue and scored 34 important runs. Fakhar’s 34 runs and Shadab’s 21 quick runs pushed the ball into Pakistan’s court.
PAK vs BAN – 2nd T20I
The same stadium Sher-e Bangla saw the same toss result and the same decision of Bangladesh to invite Pakistan to bowl first. Shaheen Afridi’s wicket in the first over put the pressure on all the remaining batsmen too. His overall two wickets, plus Shadab Khan sending two batsmen back to the pavilion and Mohammad Wasim’s amazing spell that conceded only 9 runs and helped to get one Batsman out, stopped the target at 109.
(Bangladesh batters had struggled throughout the series)
Babar Azam once again struggled and got out on a duck. However, Mohammad Rizwan stayed steadfast and scored 39 runs. Fakhar Zaman scored 57 runs and that too by remaining not out. His knock helped Pakistan cross the line in 18.1 overs with the loss of only two wickets. It was a comfortable second win for Pakistan.
PAK vs BAN – 3rd T20I
Another day of the same team batting first, yes Bangladesh won the toss again and decided to put the runs on board for Pakistan. Shahnawaz Dahani was given the debut cap, Usman Qadir and Haider Ali both were given the chance to play and Sarfaraz was seen keeping again.
Mohammad Wasim once again performed well and got two wickets. Qadir also bagged two wickets while Dahani kept up with the tradition set by Shaheen Shah of getting a wicket in the first over. In the final game, the boys in green had to score 125 runs to whitewash the boys in green and red.
Mohammad Rizwan once again proved to be an anchor by scoring 40 runs. Babar Azam did get off the mark eventually but his 19 runs off 25 balls slowed the innings a bit. Haider Ali, the youngster who played his first match of the series was 5 runs short of a fifty but his 45 runs were quite imperative seeing the position of the match. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former Pakistan skipper came to bat for Pakistan after a long time but failed to add any fruitful contribution.
The team required 8 runs off 6 balls and that’s where the drama started. Mahmdullah started the over with a dot ball and then a wicket of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Next up, Haider Ali was also sent back to the pavilion and the bowler was on a hat-trick. Iftikhar came to attack mode and hit a six but Mahmdullah took his revenge and got him out on the next ball. 2 runs were required off 2 balls. There was some drama during the last two balls and Bangladesh looked close to victory but Mohammad Nawaz hit a maximum on the last ball and that was it. Pakistan whitewashed the hosts at their own home.
Shaheen Shatter Records in Sher-e-Bangla
Records: Pakistan became the first-ever team to win a series 3-0 against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. They are also the first team to successfully chase 3 t20is in a series this year. No team that toured Bangladesh before them was able to do it. The semi-finalists of the T20 world cup also surpassed South Africa to become the team with the most wins in 2021.
Awards: After a tough run in the world cup, Hasan Ali was seen recovering and he secured the first player of the match. Shadab for his aggressive approach and clutch wickets secured the second player of the match. Haider Ali secured the third player of the match for being able to score runs at a crucial time. Three games saw three different match winners. The Player of the series was awarded to Mohammad Rizwan for his 90 runs.
All eyes on the Test Series Now
Babar & co thanked the fans in Bangladesh for making them feel at home. The green team seems satisfied with their performance and now is looking forward to the test series. Their t20i trophy would be awarded to them after the test matches.
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