Captain Agha, Hassan Ali lead Pakistan to resounding T20I win against Bangladesh
Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Pakistan vs Bangladesh
LAHORE: Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening T20 International of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium.

Captain Salman Ali Agha’s composed half-century, combined with a fiery five-wicket haul from Hassan Ali, powered Pakistan to a convincing 37-run win over Bangladesh.

Chasing a target of 202 set by Pakistan, Bangladesh were bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs, handing the home side a comfortable 37-run win and a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.

For Bangladesh, skipper Litton Das stood out with a fighting 48, while Jaker Ali chipped in with 36 and Tanzid Hasan added 31. However, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with seven batters failing to reach double figures.

Among the lower order, Parvez Hossain, Shamim Hossain, and Rishad Hossain each managed just 4 runs, while Tanzim Hasan scored 1, Mahedi Hasan 2, and Shoriful Islam 5 before heading back to the pavilion. Hasan Mahmud remained unbeaten on 9. 

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Hasan Ali, who dismantled the Bangladeshi batting with a superb five-wicket haul. Shadab Khan claimed two scalps, while Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket each. 

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Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a strong total of 201 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha top-scored with a fluent 56 off 34 balls.

Hasan Nawaz played a blistering knock of 44 off just 22 balls, smashing 4 sixes and 2 fours. Vice-captain Shadab Khan contributed a valuable 48, while Mohammad Haris scored 31 and Khushdil Shah managed 5.

Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 1, and Saim Ayub was out for a duck. Faheem Ashraf (11) and Hasan Ali (1) remained not out at the close of the innings.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan, Shamim Hossain, and Rishad Hossain claimed one wicket each.