3rd T20I: Pakistan overcome Mahmudullah’s last-over heroics to beat Bangladesh, sweep series 3-0 in Dhaka

Pakistan completed a 3-0 whitewash of Bangladesh in Dhaka on Monday after a thrilling 5-wicket win in the third and final T20 international at the National Stadium. Mohammad Nawaz’s last-ball four helped Pakistan chase down 125 in 20 overs and register their third successive win in the format.

Haider Ali and Mohammad Rizwan though, should be given much of the credit for this win as they played crucial knocks to help the visitors get closer to the target.

Haider top-scored with 45 while Rizwan made 40 but the chase got too close for comfort towards the final stages of the game as Bangladesh bowlers tightened the screws in the death overs.

BAN vs PAK, 3rd T20I: Highlights

Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah came in to bowl with Pakistan needing 8 runs from the final over. He started with a dot ball before removing Sarfaraz Ahmed (6) and Haider in successive deliveries to put the pressure back on Pakistan.

Iftikhar Ahmed managed to hit a crucial six off the fourth ball before getting out the next delivery. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Nawaz hit a boundary off the only delivery he faced to complete the clean sweep and trigger celebrations in the Pakistan camp.

Mahmudullah finished with 3 for 10 in 1 over while Shohidul Islam and Aminul Islam grabbed a wicket each for Bangladesh.

“The game was quite close, but our boys held their nerve. Credit to Bangladesh, especially the way Mahumudullah bowled the last over and controlled the situation. The conditions were strange compared to UAE, it wasn’t easy, but the bowlers executed their plans nicely.

“They are playing the game seriously, ticking all the boxes, enjoying each other’s company and showing plenty of faith in themselves. Having that kind of depth is a great thing for Pakistan, the guys in the bench are working hard and are pushing each other for spots, you can’t ask for anything more,” Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq said after the match.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted a below-par score of 124 for 7 on the board after electing to bat first. Mohammad Naim top-scored for the hosts with 47 runs while Shamim Hossain and Afif Hossain contributed with 22 and 20 runs, respectively, while the rest failed to fire yet again.

Mohammad Wasim and Usman Qadir picked up two wickets each for Pakistan while debutant pacer Shahnawaz Dahani and Haris Rauf grabbed one each.