Pakistan have posted a commanding total of 201 for 7 in their 20 overs against Bangladesh, marking the first time they’ve crossed 200 in a T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The innings got off to a shaky start with Saim Ayub falling for a golden duck, caught and bowled by Mahedi Hasan after misjudging a backfoot shot. Shoriful Islam also made an early impact, helping Bangladesh remove both openers cheaply. But Pakistan quickly regrouped.
Despite the early blows, Hasan Nawaz (44 off 22) and Agha Salman (56 off 34) launched a blistering counterattack. Both looked dangerous, punishing anything loose and accelerating the scoring to nearly 10 runs per over up to the 12th over. However, both fell while playing backfoot shots — Hasan caught and bowled by Rishad Hossain, and Salman departing shortly after, helping Bangladesh claw back some momentum.
The middle order stuttered briefly with Khushdil Shah managing just 5 off 10 deliveries, putting the brakes on Pakistan’s scoring in the middle overs. But the damage was already done by then, and Shadab Khan’s explosive 48 off 25 balls at the death ensured the hosts finished with a flourish.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batters, with Rishad Hossain going for 55 runs in his four overs, despite picking up the crucial wicket of Hasan Nawaz. Mahedi Hasan was slightly more economical, giving away 36 in his full spell and also picking up a wicket.
The final few overs tilted things heavily in Pakistan’s favour again — Rishad conceded 19 in the 18th, and Shamim Hossain leaked 12 in the 19th, giving Shadab the platform to push the total past 200.
Bangladesh now face a daunting target of 202 in 20 overs. The chase will require a fast and composed start from the top order if they are to stay in the game against a confident Pakistani bowling attack.
With the pitch offering good bounce and carry, and dew likely to be a factor, the second innings promises an exciting chase under the lights in Lahore.