Mirza, Farhan star as Pak beat BD

Express Tribune

2 days ago

Pakistan's Salman Mirza (R) celebrates after taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Jaker Ali (L) during the third and final Twenty20 international at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Paceman Salman Mirza grabbed three wickets and opener Sahibzada Farhan struck an aggressive fifty in Pakistan's consolation 74-run win in the third T20 on Thursday as Bangladesh took the series 2-1.
Mirza, playing only his third international, demolished Bangladesh's top order with figures of 3-19 as the home team was bowled out for 104 in 16.4 overs in Dhaka.
Farhan's 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six fours got Pakistan off to a strong start and Hasan Nawaz clubbed 33 off 17 balls to help them to 178-7 after they were sent in to bat.
Mirza struck with the second ball of the innings, dismissing Tanzid Hassan caught behind for nought which triggered a batting collapse. Only Mohammad Saifuddin contributed a score of note as he made an unbeaten 35.
Mohammad Naim (10) was the only other Bangladesh batsman to reach double figures.
Seamer Faheem Ashraf took 2-13 and Mohammad Nawaz wrapped up the win with the final two wickets.
Having already won their first-ever T20 series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka — losing by seven wickets and eight runs respectively.
Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub (21).
Farhan fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed took 3-38.
Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 27 off 16 balls down the order to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs.
Pak, Afghanistan, UAE in 'final talks' over tri-nation series
The arrangements for a tri-nation series involving Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UAE have entered their final stages, with an official announcement expected after the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting, sources said on Thursday.
According to insiders, discussions regarding the series will be finalised on the sidelines of the ACC sessions. The complete schedule and venues are likely to be revealed once the meeting concludes.
Sources further indicated that the tri-series will be held in the UAE ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
Initially, Pakistan was scheduled to host Afghanistan in a bilateral series this August. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) proposed converting the series into a tri-nation event and moving it to the UAE.
The objective of hosting the series in the UAE is to help players adapt to the conditions ahead of the Asia Cup.
It is to be noted that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ACC is set to take place in Bangladesh today, with an overwhelming majority of member nations confirming participation.
Out of the 25 ACC members, 24 have confirmed their attendance, far exceeding the required quorum of 13 in what is being hailed as a major diplomatic success for ACC President Mohsin Naqvi.
Despite initial resistance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), and Oman Cricket over the venue, Naqvi's persistent efforts ensured that the AGM would proceed as scheduled in the Bangladeshi capital.
Significantly, India is also participating in the meeting virtually, with BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expected to attend online a marked shift from the board's earlier stance.