After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 274 in 47.3 overs, riding on a blistering 75 from Maaz Sadaqat and a composed 64 by Salman Ali Agha. Mohammad Rizwan also chipped in with 44 to anchor the middle order.
Pakistan made a strong start through Sadaqat and Sahibzada Farhan, who added 103 runs for the opening wicket. Sadaqat’s aggressive knock came off just 46 balls and featured six fours and five sixes before he was dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh fought back through regular strikes as Taskin Ahmed removed Farhan for 31 and Nahid Rana dismissed Shamyl Hussain.
Rizwan and Agha then steadied the innings, guiding Pakistan past the 200-run mark before a dramatic moment led to Agha’s dismissal.
In the 39th over, Agha pushed a length delivery from Miraz back towards the bowler. Miraz stopped the ball with his foot, leaving it close to the pitch. Believing the ball was dead, Agha stepped out of his crease to pick it up and return it to the bowler.
However, Miraz quickly grabbed the ball and underarmed it at the stumps while Agha was still outside his crease. The decision was referred to the third umpire, who ruled the Pakistan batter run out for 64. Agha reacted angrily as he walked off, throwing his helmet and gloves in frustration.
Pakistan then lost wickets quickly towards the end but still managed to reach 274. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain claimed three wickets while Miraz took two.
Chasing a revised target of 243 in 32 overs after rain interruption, Bangladesh stumbled early as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice to remove Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Litton Das offered some resistance with a 33-ball 41 and Towhid Hridoy scored 28, but the hosts failed to build partnerships.
Pakistan bowlers dominated the chase as Haris Rauf and Sadaqat picked up three wickets each, while Mohammad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf took one apiece.
Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 114 in 23.3 overs, handing Pakistan a comfortable win and levelling the series 1-1 ahead of the decider.
