Pakistan Crushes 201 Again, Bangladesh on the Brink of Series Defeat

Pakistan piled on another formidable 201-run total in the second T20I against Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium, putting the visitors on the verge of a series defeat. Trailing 1–0, Liton Das’s men now face the uphill task of chasing down a record 202-run target to keep the series alive.

Losing the toss once again, Liton Das was forced to bowl first on a batting-friendly pitch. Despite minor changes in both lineups, the story remained the same: Pakistan’s top order overpowered Bangladesh’s fragile bowling attack.

In a strong opening burst, Pakistan reached 67 runs in the powerplay. Although opener Saim Ayub was dismissed via a run-out early, newcomer Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Haris unleashed a brutal assault on the bowlers.

Farhan, replacing Fakhar Zaman in the XI, scored his maiden T20I half-century off just 29 balls. Haris added 41 off 25 before falling to Tanzim Sakib. The duo combined for a devastating 103-run partnership.

Farhan went on to hammer 76 off 41 deliveries, hitting 4 boundaries and 6 sixes. Lower down the order, Hasan Nawaz delivered the finishing touches with a blistering unbeaten 51 off 26, ensuring Pakistan matched their previous total of 201/6.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack faltered again:

• Rishad Hossain: 1 wicket for 50 runs

• Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Hasan Mahmud: 2 wickets each

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz went wicketless on return

• Shoriful Islam exited the field due to a foot injury after bowling just 3 deliveries

Captain Salman Ali Agha chipped in with 19 runs, while Shadab Khan (7) and Faheem Ashraf (1) failed to fire.

Bangladesh now needs a record chase of 202 to level the series, but with mounting pressure and an in-form Pakistan bowling attack, the odds are stacked heavily against the visitors.