Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah took it upon himself to bowl the last over of the third T20I against Pakistan in Dhaka to defend 8 runs in the last six balls. He started off with a dot, followed it up with two consecutive wickets, and was then hit for a six by Iftikhar Ahmed. 

Mahmudullah then dismissed Iftikhar on the penultimate ball, bringing the equation to two runs off the last ball, and then the off-spinner seemingly picked another wicket on the last ball, that of Mohammad Nawaz.

However, some controversy occurred as Nawaz backed out as Mahmudullah bowled while he was in his stance and not ready. The ball hit the stumps and after a small discussion among the players and umpires, the delivery was called dead. 

Nawaz then slammed the last ball for a four to take Pakistan to victory.

Sharing his views on the incident, Mahmudullah said he asked the umpire about his decision and respected it without any objection. 

Tamim Iqbal ruled out of New Zealand Test series in January- Report

“I just asked the umpire whether it’s a fair ball or not because he (Nawaz) pulled out late. I just asked this to the umpire nothing else. Umpire’s call is final and we do respect umpires. It’s a little bit heart-breaking. We went closer but unfortunately it did not happen,” the Bangladesh skipper said during the post-match presser.  

Meanwhile, Nawaz explained why he pulled out at the last moment despite taking the stance and said: "I was looking down and he delivered the ball. When the ball had come halfway, then I looked up and saw the ball, which is why I pulled out." 

Pakistan unit will now take on Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, which starts from November 26 in Chattogram. 

(Hindustan Times inputs)