PAK vs BAN, 3rd T20I: Lahore roared as Mohammad Haris scripted history with a blistering maiden T20I century, powering Pakistan to a seven-wicket win and a commanding 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

In front of a charged-up 30,000-plus crowd, Mohammad Haris unleashed a storm that Bangladesh simply couldn't weather. Chasing a daunting 197-run target in the final T20I, the 23-year-old right-hander smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 46 balls.

Laced with seven towering sixes and eight crisp boundaries, to guide Pakistan to their first home T20I series victory in three-and-a-half years.

The hosts completed the chase with 16 balls to spare, a remarkable feat that showcased their new aggressive batting template in white-ball cricket.

Haris, the New Hero of Gaddafi

Stepping in after the early loss of Sahibzada Farhan for just 1 in the first over, Haris didn't just steady the ship-he turned it into a speedboat. Partnering with the elegant Saim Ayub, Haris launched a counterattack that stunned the visitors. The duo added 92 runs for the second wicket, setting the tone for the chase. Ayub played his part with a dazzling 45 off 29 deliveries, decorated with four sixes and two boundaries.

But this was Haris' night to remember. From the ninth over onward, he didn't play a single dot ball-a testament to his intent and dominance. He reached his maiden international ton off just 45 balls, becoming Pakistan's first-ever non-opening batter to notch a T20I hundred. It was a knock full of flair, innovation, and clean hitting-just the kind of innings Pakistan has long yearned for in the middle order.

Hasan Nawaz, Agha Salman Apply Finishing Touches

After Ayub's dismissal, Hasan Nawaz chipped in with a brisk 26 off 13 balls, ensuring the run-rate never dipped.

He smashed two sixes and a four, adding a crucial 45 with Haris. Although Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed Nawaz, Pakistan were well on their way. The job was eventually completed by Haris and Agha Salman (15),* who calmly struck the winning runs in the 18th over.

Bangladesh's Bright Start Dimmed by Afridi, Hasan

Earlier, it was the Bangladesh openers who lit up the Gaddafi skies. Sent in to bat, Parvez Hossain Emon (66 off 34) and Tanzid Hasan (42 off 32) launched a brutal assault on the Pakistani bowlers.

Their 110-run opening stand was Bangladesh's highest partnership in T20Is against Pakistan, and helped them post 196/6-their best T20I total against the Men in Green, surpassing the 175 they made in Pallekele back in 2012.

Emon was particularly savage, dispatching spinners and pacers alike with equal disdain. He brought up his fifty in just 27 deliveries, while Tanzid played a more measured yet equally effective role. Together, they blazed away in the powerplay, putting Pakistan firmly on the backfoot early.

But after the openers' departure, Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest.

Faheem Ashraf broke the dangerous stand by removing Tanzid in the 11th over, and two balls later, Shadab Khan trapped Emon with a cunning googly. That twin blow derailed Bangladesh's momentum.

From there, Towhid Hridoy (25) and Litton Das (22) tried to rebuild, adding 49 for the third wicket. But the finishing punch never arrived. Abbas Afridi (2/26) and Hasan Ali (2/38) bowled tight death overs, conceding just 46 runs in the final five overs and taking four wickets between them. Afridi's late spell, in particular, was a masterclass in variations and temperament.

A Statement Series Win for Pakistan

With this emphatic win, Pakistan sealed a 3-0 whitewash, having previously won the first two games by 37 and 57 runs respectively. More importantly, this was a test of their chasing skills-and they passed with flying colours. The decision to bat second in the third T20I wasn't just tactical, it was symbolic of a new mindset that aims to embrace pressure and dominate in style.

The series also witnessed the rise of young guns like Haris, Ayub, and Nawaz, adding firepower and freshness to a side that's looking to redefine its white-ball identity ahead of upcoming global assignments.

Match Summary

Bangladesh: 196/6 (Emon 66, Tanzid 42, Afridi 2-26)

Pakistan: 197/3 in 17.2 overs (Haris 107*, Ayub 45, Mehidy 2-26)

Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets and sealed the series 3-0