LAHORE - Mohammad Haris produced a T20I masterclass, smashing a breathtaking maiden century to guide Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh and complete a 3-0 series whitewash in front of a jubilant and capacity crowd at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.
Chasing an imposing 197, Pakistan were rocked early when opener Sahibzada Farhan fell in the very first over for just one. But what followed was an electrifying batting display that saw Haris rise as the star of the night, anchoring the chase with audacity, elegance, and raw power. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, playing with fearless intent, stitched a vital 92-run stand with fellow youngster Saim Ayub, who blazed 45 off 29 balls with four towering sixes.
After Saim departed, Haris continued to dazzle, reaching his maiden T20I century in just 45 balls, a knock brimming with confidence, timing, and calculated aggression. Haris remained unbeaten on 107 off 46 deliveries, smashing eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 232.60. His innings was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s dominant run chase, as they overhauled the 197-run target in just 17.2 overs, sealing one of their most memorable T20I chases on home soil.
Hasan Nawaz played a handy cameo of 26 off 13, while captain Salman Agha applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 15 off 12 as Pakistan closed the game emphatically. For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled well and bagged 2 wickets for 26 while Tanzim Hasan Shakib took one wicket for 36.
Earlier, Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, posted their highest-ever T20I total against Pakistan, 196 for 6, breaking their previous record of 175 set back in 2012. Openers Tanzid Hasan (42 off 32) and Parvez Hossain Emon (66 off 34) gave the visitors a flying start, racing to 110 inside 11 overs. Despite a strong foundation, Bangladesh’s momentum faltered slightly in the middle overs. Key wickets from Hasan Ali (2/38) and Abbas Afridi (2/26) pegged them back, although Jakeer Ali’s late flourish (15* off 9) ensured a competitive finish. But their hopes were crushed by a one-man storm in the form of Mohammad Haris, who emerged as player of the match. Haris not only delivered a career-best performance but also etched his name into Pakistan’s T20I history with one of the finest innings ever seen at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Scores in Brief
PAKISTAN 197/3 in 17.2 overs (Mohammad Haris 107* off 46, Saim Ayub 45; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2/26) beat BANGLADESH 196/6 in 20 overs (Parvez Hossain Emon 66, Tanzid Hasan 42; Abbas Afridi 2/26, Hasan Ali 2/38) by 7 wickets.
