Rising Pakistani star Mohammad Haris delivered a breathtaking performance on home soil, smashing an unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the third T20I held at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. His explosive knock not only sealed a 3-0 series sweep for Pakistan but also marked a significant personal milestone, as he registered his first international T20 hundred.
In a high-scoring affair, Bangladesh set a challenging target of 197 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Parvez Hossain Emon led the charge for the visitors, scoring a brisk 66 off 34 balls, peppered with boundaries and maximums. He was well supported by Tanzid Hasan, who added 42 runs off 32 deliveries. Though Pakistan’s bowlers struggled initially to contain the onslaught, Abbas Afridi and Hasan Ali picked up two wickets each to slow the run rate in the later stages. Bangladesh eventually finished their innings at 196 for 6 in 20 overs.
Faced with a daunting chase, Pakistan suffered an early setback with the dismissal of opener Sahibzada Farhan for just 1 run. But Haris, known for his aggressive style and fearless shot-making, took full control of the innings. Walking in with intent, he began attacking the bowlers from the outset, displaying a wide range of strokes on both sides of the wicket. Haris combined timing, power, and placement with stunning effect, eventually reaching his century in just 43 balls.
Partnering with the ever-reliable Saim Ayub (who chipped in with a classy 45 off 29 balls), Haris built a solid foundation. After Ayub’s dismissal, young batter Hasan Nawaz added a quick-fire 26 off 13 balls to keep the momentum alive. But it was Haris who remained the centerpiece of the chase, finishing the job in style and remaining unbeaten on 107 off just 46 deliveries. His knock included 8 boundaries and 7 towering sixes, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing victory for Pakistan with 16 balls to spare.
Haris was rightfully named Player of the Match and earned widespread praise from commentators, former players, and fans alike. His innings was not only a personal triumph but also a statement to selectors and critics that he is ready to be a regular feature in Pakistan’s limited-overs setup. Known for his confidence and aggressive mindset, Haris showed poise under pressure and maturity beyond his years.
The 3-0 series win over Bangladesh also serves as a confidence booster for Pakistan as they look ahead to more challenging assignments later this year. With senior players continuing to mentor emerging stars, the team appears to be shaping into a formidable unit, especially in the T20 format.
As for Haris, this century is expected to be a turning point in his international career. He’s long been touted as a future star, and with this performance, he has proved he belongs on the big stage. If he continues to bat with such clarity and aggression, Pakistan may have found their next white-ball match-winner.