The T20I format is known for its explosive batting and fiery bowling, but the third and final T20I match in Mirpur took an unexpected twist. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali recently claimed that Bangladesh intentionally allowed Pakistan to win the series finale, citing a gesture of regional brotherhood.
Bangladesh reportedly let Pakistan win the final T20I due to strategic experimentation and giving younger players exposure under pressure. The team management prioritized testing bench strength over winning. Practices like tactical missteps, dropped catches, and defensive bowling raised questions on Bangladesh.
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According to the official reports, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali stated, “Credit to Bangladesh for winning the series. But in the final game, their body language was completely different.”
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He added, “They didn’t seem bothered about losing. It looked like they thought, They are our brothers and neighbours, let them win a match.”
He also raised concerns on his YouTube channel about Bangladesh's intention in their third T20I against Pakistan, in which they suffered a 74-run loss. Having already won the series with victories in the first two games, Bangladesh looked unsettled in the third match. Basit Ali marked the irregular batting performance and the careless fielding. This shows the hosts' reluctance towards the match.
Sahibzada Farhan replaced Fakhar Zaman. Farhan scored 63 runs from 41 balls, and Hasan Nawaz added 33 from 17 deliveries. Mohammad Nawaz also made 27 runs from 16 balls in a flourish as Pakistan scored a competitive 178/7—the series' top team score.
Bangladesh's response collapsed soon, as the side was bowled out for 104 in 16.4 overs. Mohammad Saifuddin was the only one to make 35. The rest of the order failed to bail him out. Only players like Naim Sheikh, Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and 12 extras managed to reach double digits.
Bangladesh had won the series with 2-1, but the last performance left scope for criticism.