The 3rd T20I between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore has been abandoned due to persistent rain. Pakistan had been leading the 3-match T20I series by 2-0 after defeating Bangladesh by a considerable margin in the 1st and 2nd T20Is. Veteran bowler Umar Gul also received an award from PCB Chairman at the Stadium.
Pakistan’s senior players, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, who made their comeback into the international squad based on their experience, displayed outstanding performances in both matches. Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam was named the “Player of the series”. Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal was the leading run-scorer of the series with 104 runs in his 2 innings.
Shoaib Malik won the first T20I for his team with his unbeaten knock of 58 runs from 45 deliveries with 5 fours as Pakistan clinched victory by 5 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Mohammad Hafeez played his part in the 2nd T20I where he added 67 runs from 49 deliveries with 9 fours and a six and shared a 131 runs partnership with Babar Azam to win the 2nd T20I by 9 wickets with 20 balls to spare. Babar contributed 66* runs from 44 deliveries in the match.
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The series also introduced 2 new players for Pakistan. Haris Rauf, the bowler who impressed everyone with his performance in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL), and the 26-year-old Ahsan Ali.
Haris Rauf will now return to Australia and represent Melbourne Stars in the Finals of Big Bash League (BBL).
Pakistan has successfully retained its top spot in the T20I rankings after remaining unbeaten in the 3-match T20I series.
Umar Gul awarded crystal plaque by Ehsan Mani:
Pakistani fast-bowler Umar Gul was honored by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani with a crystal plaque, today at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. He was awarded for his record bowling figure of 5 wickets for 6 runs in T20Is. The record was then surpassed by Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis with his 6 wickets for 16 runs, while India’s Deepak Chahar currently holds the best T20I bowling figure record of 6 wickets for 7 runs.
Umar Gul said after receiving the crystal plaque: “My each and every appearance and performance has been for Pakistan and it has been a privilege to represent my country and team, and play a small part in its successes.
“I am grateful to the PCB for remembering and acknowledging my achievement. This is a welcome change in the way the PCB is operating and respecting cricketers who have contributed to the country’s image and profile building. I sincerely hope this trend continues and all the cricketers get their due recognition in front of their fans.”
