Pakistan’s chase of 291 in the series-deciding match has hit a major setback as the team lost 5 wickets for just 82 runs. Early losses of three top-order batsmen for 17 runs in the first three overs put Pakistan under severe pressure.
Opener Shahibzada Farhan and former captain Mohammad Rizwan fell to Taskin Ahmed in quick succession, while young pacer Nahid Rana dismissed opener Maj Sadaqat in the second over.
Farhan was caught behind off the fifth ball of the first over, and Sadaqat followed shortly after, caught by the wicketkeeper on the fifth ball of Rana’s over. In Taskin’s third over, Rizwan was bowled on the fifth delivery, leaving Pakistan 3 wickets down for 17 runs in just 2.5 overs.
Abdul Samad and Ghazi Gouri then added 50 runs off 67 balls for the fourth wicket, taking Pakistan to 67 for 3. However, Rana and Mustafizur Rahman quickly struck again, dismissing Gouri and Samad within 15 runs of each other, leaving Pakistan reeling at 82 for 5.
Bangladesh, batting first in the decider, posted 290 for 5. Chasing 291 off 300 balls, Pakistan had won the toss and put the hosts in to bat at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Bangladesh got off to a flying start, reaching 100 without loss. Saif Hasan fell for 36, bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, but Tanjid Tamim anchored the innings alongside Liton Das.
Tamim reached his century in the 33rd over with a six on the last ball, finishing 107 off 107 balls, including 7 sixes and 6 fours. Liton Das contributed 41 off 51 balls with one four and one six, while Towhid Hridoy scored 48 off 44 balls to help Bangladesh post a competitive 290.
With Pakistan losing key wickets early, the chase is proving extremely challenging, putting the visitors under mounting pressure in this series decider.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
