Pakistan outclass Bangladesh in first T20I with dominant all-round performance

Pakistan had outclassed the visiting side, Bangladesh, by 37 runs in the first T20I of the series, which was staged at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.

Pakistan posted a competitive total of 201 for seven after electing to bat first, before dismissing Bangladesh for 164 in the final over. The home side’s dominance with both bat and ball defined the contest.

Pakistan captain, Salman Agha had emerged as the linchpin of the innings with a commanding knock of 56 runs off 34 deliveries. 

Pakistan’s batting lineup showed firepower as Hasan Nawaz struck 44 off 22 balls, which included four sixes and two boundaries. Shadab Khan also added 48 runs to the total, while Mohammad Haris contributed 31 runs. Khushdil Shah chipped in with 5. Faheem Ashraf remained not out with 11 runs, and Hasan Ali concluded the innings unbeaten on 1. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub departed without opening their accounts.

In reply, Bangladesh faltered under pressure. The visitors’ chase crumbled despite a fighting 48-run innings by captain Litton Das. Jaker Ali supported with 36 runs, followed by Tanzid Hasan with 31 and Towhid Hridoy, who made 17. No other batsman reached double digits.

Pakistan’s bowling was spearheaded by pacer Hasan Ali, who claimed a stunning five-wicket haul. Shadab Khan took two scalps, whereas Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha bagged one wicket each.

Bangladesh’s bowling effort had seen Shoriful Islam pick up two wickets. Mehidy Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain and Shamim Hossain managed one wicket apiece.

The contest opened the T20I series with Pakistan gaining a decisive early lead at home.