Pakistan secured a commanding 37-run victory over Bangladesh in the first T20I at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, defending their total of 201 by bowling out the visitors in 19.2 overs. The hero of the night was Hasan Ali, who took just 20 deliveries to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is and his 11th across all formats for Pakistan.
Returning to the national side after almost a year, the 30-year-old pacer made an immediate impact, removing Tanzid Hasan in the fourth over after the opener had threatened with a quickfire 31 off 17 balls. Hasan’s breakthrough set the tone early, with Bangladesh reeling at 37 by the end of that over.
Despite a solid 63-run stand between Litton Das (48 off 30) and Towhid Hridoy (17 off 22) that took Bangladesh to 92-2, Pakistan wrestled back control. Shadab Khan and Khushdil Shah dismantled the middle order, reducing Bangladesh to 107-4 by the 14th over.
Hasan returned in the 18th over to pick up two more wickets before cleaning up Shoriful Islam in the final over to complete his five-for, finishing with figures of 5 for 30. Shadab also impressed with 2 for 26, while Khushdil, Faheem Ashraf, and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a strong total of 201-7 marking their third 200+ score in the last seven T20Is thanks to skipper Salman Ali Agha’s composed 56 off 34. After early blows to Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, Salman and Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) stabilized the innings with a 48-run stand.
Hasan Nawaz (44 off 22) and Shadab Khan (48 off 25) later accelerated the scoring. Shadab’s explosive knock, featuring five fours and three sixes, helped Pakistan smash 43 runs in the final three overs. Faheem Ashraf added an unbeaten 11 off six in a rapid 50-run seventh-wicket partnership with Shadab.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam stood out with 2 for 32, while other bowlers picked one wicket each. Player of the Match: Hasan Ali (Pakistan)