Bangladesh set Pakistan a formidable target of 197 runs in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, after a blistering start powered by their openers. Despite already conceding the series, the visitors came out with renewed intent, showcasing aggressive cricket to aim for a face-saving victory.

Openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon laid the foundation for a strong total, putting on a record-breaking 110-run partnership — the highest for any wicket by Bangladesh against Pakistan in T20 internationals and the second-highest overall in their T20I history.

Tanzid, who survived an early chance on 6, was the first to depart after scoring 42 runs off 26 deliveries, laced with 4 fours and 3 sixes. His partner Emon continued the onslaught, hammering a 34-ball 66 at a strike rate of 194.11, including 7 boundaries and 4 maximums.

However, the momentum dipped after the fall of both openers in quick succession. Middle-order batters Liton Das (22) and Towhid Hridoy (25) provided brief resistance, but the innings faltered in the death overs. Abbas Afridi delivered a crucial 18th over, claiming two wickets for just 2 runs, restricting Bangladesh from breaching the 200-run mark.

Bangladesh managed only 44 runs in the final five overs while losing four wickets — a phase that may prove decisive in the match’s outcome. Despite the stutter, late cameos from Zakir Ali Anik (15 off 9) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (8* off 3) helped push the total to a competitive 196 for 8.

Pakistan, having already clinched the series with back-to-back wins, will look to complete a clean sweep. However, chasing nearly 200 under pressure could test their middle order.

With a quality bowling attack at their disposal, Bangladesh will now aim to defend the total and salvage pride by ending the series on a high.