Lahore, May 28, 2025: Captain Salman Ali Agha’s explosive half-century anchored Pakistan’s batting effort as the hosts posted a commanding 201/7 against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan endured a nightmare start, losing both openers Saim Ayub (0) and Fakhar Zaman (1) within the first two overs, with just five runs on the board. Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam struck early to jolt the home side.
But skipper Agha stepped in to spearhead the recovery, forging a vital 48-run stand with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who smashed a quickfire 31 off 18 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six before falling to Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the seventh over.
Agha then stitched together a blistering 65-run partnership off just 32 balls with Hasan Nawaz, shifting the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favor. The captain led by example, hitting a fluent 56 off 34 deliveries, featuring eight fours and a six, before being caught at extra cover off Hasan Mahmud in the 12th over.
Nawaz kept the pressure on with a dynamic 44 off 22 balls, smashing two fours and four towering sixes, before becoming Rishad Hossain’s victim in the 14th over.
The finishing touches came from vice-captain Shadab Khan, who played a brilliant cameo of 48 from just 25 deliveries, including five boundaries and two sixes, ensuring Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam stood out with 2/28, while Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Shamim Hossain chipped in with a wicket each.
With a daunting target of 202 on the board, the pressure is now squarely on Bangladesh as they look to respond against a fired-up Pakistan bowling attack.
