Daijiworld Media Network- Lahore (DD)
Lahore, May 29: A spectacular bowling display by Hasan Ali, who registered his career-best figures of 5 for 30, powered Pakistan to a convincing 37-run win against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday.
Chasing a daunting target of 202, the Bangladesh batting unit faltered under pressure, managing only 164 in 19.5 overs despite fighting knocks from Litton Das and Jaker Ali. Hasan Ali struck early, removing Parvez Hossain Emon in his very first over, setting the tone for a dominant Pakistani bowling performance.
Bangladesh showed signs of resistance through a 63-run stand between Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy. However, the momentum was halted when Shadab Khan dismissed Das for a well-made 48 off 30 balls. The very next over saw Hridoy perish for a painstaking 17 off 22 to Khushdil Shah, putting Pakistan firmly in control.
With wickets tumbling regularly, Bangladesh's lower order failed to mount any challenge. Skipper Salman Agha sent back Shamim Hossain for 4, before Hasan Ali returned in the death overs to dismantle the tail. He dismissed Jaker Ali, who fought valiantly with a 36-run knock off 20 balls, and went on to claim two more scalps to seal a brilliant five-wicket haul.
Earlier, Pakistan posted an imposing 201 for 8 on the board, despite losing both openers, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, inside the first two overs. Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) and Salman Agha (56 off 36) rebuilt the innings with a lively 50-run stand, laying the foundation for a strong total.
Hasan Nawaz kept the scoreboard ticking with a blazing 44 off 22 balls, but Bangladesh pulled things back momentarily through some tight overs. Shamim Hossain chipped in with the ball, picking up the prized wicket of Khushdil Shah, his first in T20Is.
However, Shadab Khan’s late assault proved decisive. His 18th-over blitz against Rishad Hossain, followed by aggressive strokes off Shoriful Islam, helped Pakistan breach the 200-run mark, giving their bowlers a solid cushion.
With this win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Next Encounter: The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Friday, May 31.