Bangladesh fell short in their chase of 202, suffering a 37-run defeat against Pakistan in the opening T20I in Lahore, as Hasan Ali ran riot with a five-wicket haul.
Pakistan posted a formidable 201/7—their first 200+ T20I total at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium—despite early setbacks. Hasan Nawaz (44), Agha Salman (56), and Shadab Khan (48*) led the charge after a shaky start. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled, with Rishad Hossain conceding 55 despite a wicket. A late onslaught pushed Pakistan past 200. Bangladesh, chasing 202, needed a strong start but faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling, falling short in a high-scoring encounter under lights in Lahore.
Chasing a challenging target on a lively Gaddafi Stadium pitch, Bangladesh were dealt an early blow when opener Parvez Hossain Emon departed for just 4 off 5 balls, setting the tone for a stuttering innings. Although Tanzid Tamim looked promising with a few aggressive strokes early on, his innings was also cut short by Hasan Ali, who was in lethal form with the ball.
Bangladesh attempted to rebuild through Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy, but their cautious approach meant the required rate kept climbing steadily. Litton, in particular, tried to shift momentum with a flurry of boundaries, reaching a brisk 48 off 30 balls. However, just as he looked set to anchor the chase, he fell attempting to accelerate further.
The pressure then shifted to Hridoy, but the right-hander struggled for timing and rhythm, managing just 17 off 22 deliveries before falling — again to Hasan Ali, who was proving unstoppable. The situation worsened when Shamim Hossain was dismissed for 4 off 2 balls, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 108 for 5 in 13.1 overs.
From there, it was a steep hill to climb. Jaker Ali tried to inject some life into the innings with a late flourish, scoring a spirited 36 off 21 balls, but with wickets tumbling at the other end and the run rate spiralling out of control, it was too little, too late.
Pakistan’s bowlers maintained their grip throughout the innings. Hasan Ali led the way with outstanding figures of 5 wickets, showing great control and variation. He was well supported by the rest of the bowling unit, which kept things tight during the middle overs and prevented any meaningful partnerships from forming.
Bangladesh eventually finished on 164 for 10 in 19.2 overs, falling 37 runs short of Pakistan’s imposing 201.
For Pakistan, it was a well-rounded performance — Shadab Khan’s late-innings fireworks with the bat, Salman Agha and Hasan Nawaz’s blistering top-order cameos, and a ruthless bowling display sealed a comprehensive win.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly, especially with questions looming over the middle-order’s inability to chase under pressure. The lack of momentum during the middle overs and failure to capitalise on good starts once again proved costly.
The two sides will meet again in the second T20I, where Bangladesh will hope for a stronger showing — especially from their top order — to stay alive in the series.