Farhan propels Pakistan to 178 despite Taskin's three-wicket haul

Spearheaded by a blistering 63 from Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan posted a competitive 178 for 7 in their 20 overs after Bangladesh chose to bowl first in the third and final T20I at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Farhan set the tone with a fluent 41-ball knock laced with six fours and five sixes. He stitched together an 82-run opening stand with Saim Ayub (21 off 15) before both were dismissed by left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed, who impressed with figures of 2 for 22 from his four overs.

At 93 for 1, Pakistan looked well set, but they lost momentum during the middle overs. Mohammad Haris struggled to get going, managing just 5 off 14 before falling to Taskin Ahmed.

Hasan Nawaz briefly reignited the innings with a brisk 33 off 17 balls, including three sixes, before being removed by Shoriful Islam.

Taskin emerged as Bangladesh’s most effective bowler, claiming 3 for 38, including the crucial wickets of Haris, Mohammad Nawaz (27 off 16), and Faheem Ashraf (4 off 2). Mohammad Saifuddin also contributed, dismissing Hussain Talat.

Despite the late collapse, Salman Agha (12\* off 9) and Abbas Afridi (1\* off 3) guided Pakistan to a challenging total.

Bangladesh bowled in effective spells—particularly through Nasum and Saifuddin—but Pakistan’s aggressive start and finish ensured they ended just shy of 180.