1st T20I: Pakistan set 202-run target for Bangladesh

Lahore (Web Desk): Pakistan posted a strong total of 201 runs for seven wickets in the first T20 international against Bangladesh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, setting a target of 202 runs for the visitors. After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat first but stumbled early as their new opening pair, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, were dismissed cheaply by Bangladesh bowlers Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam, leaving the team struggling at just five runs.

Captain Salman Ali Agha then steadied the innings with wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris, who played a quick 31 runs off 18 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Together, they added 48 runs for the third wicket, providing some stability before Haris was dismissed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the seventh over. Agha continued to anchor the innings and formed another key partnership with Hasan Nawaz, adding 65 runs in just 32 deliveries. However, Agha’s innings came to an end when Hasan Mahmud caught him at extra cover in the 12th over.

Salman Ali Agha finished as the top scorer with 56 runs from 34 balls, striking eight fours and one six. Hasan Nawaz also made a significant contribution with 44 runs from 22 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes before being caught by Rishad Hossain. Vice-captain Shadab Khan then accelerated the innings with an aggressive 48 runs, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the most successful bowler with two wickets, while Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Shamim Hossain took one wicket each. Bangladesh now face the challenge of chasing 202 runs to level the three-match T20 series.
 
 

Teams

Pakistan:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saem Ayub, Muhammad Haris, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh:

 Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam