Lahore, May 28, 2025 — Pakistan launched their T20I series against Bangladesh with an emphatic 37-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to a spectacular five-wicket haul by Hasan Ali and a masterclass all-round performance from Shadab Khan. The victory also marked a promising start to Mike Hesson’s stint as Pakistan’s new white-ball head coach.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan were rattled early by the Bangladesh pace duo of Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan. Openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman departed within the first nine deliveries, managing only a solitary run between them. With the scoreboard reading 5 for 2, the pressure was firmly on Pakistan’s middle order.

Enter captain Salman Agha and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who counter-attacked with flair. Their 65-run stand off just 43 deliveries steadied the innings and shifted momentum. Haris, striking at 172.22, contributed a quick 31 off 18 balls before perishing. Salman continued his aggressive stroke play, compiling a polished 56 off 34 balls laced with eight boundaries and a six.

The fireworks, however, came from the lower middle order. Emerging power-hitter Hasan Nawaz blasted 44 off just 22 balls, including four sixes, while Shadab Khan took charge in the death overs with an electrifying 48 off 25 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). His well-timed assault propelled Pakistan past the 200-mark, finishing on a formidable 201/7.

Bangladesh’s bowlers had mixed returns. Shoriful Islam and Shamim Hossain claimed two wickets apiece, but Rishad Hossain endured a forgettable evening, leaking 55 runs in his four overs.

In pursuit of a daunting 202-run target, Bangladesh began aggressively, courtesy of Tanzid Hasan’s blistering 31 off 17 balls. Captain Litton Das played a composed yet impactful knock of 48 off 30 deliveries, anchoring the innings and keeping hopes alive. Jaker Ali added late impetus with a brisk 36 off 20, but the lack of partnerships proved costly.

Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans with clinical precision. The star of the show was undoubtedly Hasan Ali, who tore through the visitors’ batting line-up with figures of 5 for 30 in just 3.2 overs. His spell included the vital wickets of Tanzid, Parvez Emon, Jaker Ali, Tanzim Sakib, and Shoriful Islam. Shadab Khan capped off his all-round display with 2 for 26, including the dismissal of Litton Das and a sharp return catch to remove Rishad Hossain. He also held two crucial catches in the outfield.

Support came from Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and skipper Salman Agha, each picking up a wicket to further tighten the noose around the Bangladeshi chase, which eventually folded at 164 in 19.2 overs.

Shadab Khan was rightly adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round heroics — 48 runs, 2 wickets, and 2 catches — as Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

The teams now head into the second T20I with Pakistan high on confidence and Bangladesh searching for answers, particularly in their bowling execution and middle-order stability.

Pakistan vs Bangladesh Scoreboard

Pakistan – 201/7 (20.0)

Bangladesh – 164/10 (19.2)

Result – Pakistan won by 37 runs

Player of the match – Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan

PAK vs BAN Playing XIs

Pakistan	Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (w), Khushdil Shah, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Hasan Ali
Bangladesh	Litton Das (w/c), Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shamim Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Hasan Mahmud, Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan

Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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