Pakistan opt to bat first against Bangladesh in second T20I

Sahibzada Farhan and Hasan Nawaz struck impressive half-centuries to propel Pakistan to 201/6 in the second T20I against Bangladesh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first for the second game in a row, Pakistan suffered an early setback as Saim Ayub was run out in the second over, continuing his poor run of form.

However, Mohammad Haris joined Farhan—who replaced the injured Fakhar Zaman—and the duo stitched together a blistering 103-run partnership in just eight overs, giving Pakistan early momentum.

As Pakistan looked set for a total beyond 220, both set batters fell in quick succession. Farhan showcased his hitting prowess with a 74-run knock off just 41 balls, including six sixes and four boundaries. Haris contributed a brisk 41 off 25 deliveries.

Hasan Nawaz, who played a cameo in the first T20I, partnered with skipper Agha Salman to take the score to 166. Nawaz continued to anchor the innings even as Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf fell cheaply, eventually bringing up his half-century.

Pakistan finished on 201/6 in their allotted 20 overs—the same total they posted in the first match of the series. Nawaz remained unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls, featuring two fours and three towering sixes.

For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were the most effective bowlers, claiming two wickets apiece. Rishad Hossain conceded 50 runs for his solitary wicket.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after defeating Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening T20I on Wednesday.

Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh XI: Litton Das (Captain & wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam