LAHORE, Pakistan: A spirited five-wicket haul by Hasan Ali and a half-century from skipper Salman Ali Agha helped Pakistan secure a convincing 37-run win over Bangladesh in the opening T20 International of the three-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 201 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Salman Ali Agha led from the front with a commanding 56 off 34 balls, supported by impactful contributions from Hasan Nawaz (44 off 22) and vice-captain Shadab Khan (48 off 24), propelling the home side to a defendable score.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive Pakistani batters.
Shoriful Islam emerged as their most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Shamim Hossain picked up one wicket each.
Pakistan’s innings started on a shaky note, losing openers Saim Ayub (0) and Fakhar Zaman (1) within the first two overs.
However, a 48-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) helped stabilise the innings.
Bangladesh all-out! 🎯 Hasan Ali bags his maiden T20I fifer💪#PAKvBAN #ClashOfGreen pic.twitter.com/DidYLiGHpF
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 28, 2025
Agha then built a rapid 65-run stand with Hasan Nawaz, whose quick-fire 44 included two fours and four sixes. Shadab Khan’s late surge added vital runs, lifting Pakistan past the 200-run mark.
Bangladesh inning
In response, Bangladesh faltered early, losing both openers — Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan — to Hasan Ali inside the first four overs, with only 37 runs on the board.
Skipper Litton Das tried to anchor the chase with a brisk 48 off 30 balls, sharing a 63-run stand with Towhid Hridoy (17), but his dismissal by Shadab Khan triggered a batting collapse.
Wicketkeeper Jaker Ali resisted with a late 36 off 21 balls, including three sixes, but Bangladesh ultimately fell short, bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs.
Hasan Ali was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 5 for 30 in his four overs — his best figures in T20 internationals. Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets, while Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha and Faheem Ashraf picked up one apiece.
Earlier, Salman Ali Agha highlighted Pakistan’s strategy to “play modern cricket” and praised the team’s form, stemming from strong performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
🔥Hasan Ali bags 2️⃣ wickets in one over and gets 4️⃣-wicket haul 💪#PAKvBAN #ClashOfGreen pic.twitter.com/m1tdu80fhJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 28, 2025
“All the boys have performed exceptionally in the PSL,” he said after the toss.
Bangladesh captain Litton Das acknowledged their struggles in the recent UAE series and stressed the need for improvement in both departments.
However, the visitors were unable to deliver a complete performance in the series opener.
With the win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday.
Pakistan Playing XI
Salman Agha (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh Playing XI
Litton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam
