Pakistan Draw First Blood Against Bangladesh in T20I Opener
By: Fahad Younis - May 28, 2025, 9:11 p.m.
Pakistan got the better of Bangladesh in the first T20I in Lahore today, winning by 37 runs, but it was a match that had a bit of everything - early drama, a middle-order rescue act, some lower-order fireworks, and finally a five-for that sealed the deal.
It all began with Pakistan winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a pitch that looked good for runs. But right from the get-go, it was clear the batters were in for a test. Saim Ayub fell first ball, caught and bowled for a duck, and Fakhar Zaman didn’t last long either, departing for just 1. By the end of the second over, Pakistan were already in trouble at 2 for 9.
Mohammad Haris decided to take matters into his own hands, bringing much-needed intent to the innings. His 31 off 18 was the spark Pakistan needed to get going. He took on the bowlers and got Pakistan out of that early slump, even though he fell at 53. Salman Ali Agha then took over, playing a crucial knock that really steadied the ship. His 56 off 34 was measured but also aggressive when needed, ensuring the innings didn’t completely derail.
Hasan Nawaz also chipped in with a rapid 44 off 22, playing some delightful shots that kept the momentum ticking. It was really in the back half of the innings that Pakistan found their groove. Shadab Khan turned on the style, smashing 48 off 25 balls. His knock included some powerful hits and smart placement, ensuring that Pakistan would get past 200 despite the early wickets.
It wasn’t easy going, though. Bangladesh’s bowlers were all over the place at times, with Rishad Hossain going for 55 in his four overs, but they did get wickets at regular intervals. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 32, and Hasan Mahmud kept things in check with a tidy spell.
Pakistan ended on 201/7, a total that felt just above par considering the early setbacks.
When it came to Bangladesh’s chase, they got off to a decent enough start but couldn’t quite find that extra gear. Parvez Hossain Emon was gone early for 4, and Tanzid Hasan was the only one who looked truly threatening at the top with 31 off 17. Litton Das played the anchor role with a solid 48 off 30, but he never really had the support he needed.
Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali tried to revive the innings, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept chipping away. Jaker’s 36 off 20 did keep Bangladesh in the contest until the final few overs, but there was always that sense of the required rate climbing out of reach.
Hasan Ali was the real difference-maker in this innings. He was on fire, picking up a five-wicket haul (5 for 30) and constantly asking questions of the Bangladesh batters. Shadab Khan also bowled beautifully in the middle overs (though his first over was a bit wayward), picking up 2 for 26 and keeping things tight. Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha both managed to sneak in with a wicket each too.
Faheem Ashraf’s tidy spell at the top set the tone, and even though Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed didn’t get wickets, they kept things in check. Bangladesh’s innings never really took off after the 15th over - from 141/6 to being all out for 164 in the final over, it was Hasan Ali who wrapped things up in style.
So, a bit of a nervy start with the bat, a strong recovery in the middle, and then the bowlers doing the job in the end - that’s the story of this match. Pakistan will be happy to take the lead in the series, but there’s definitely work to be done, especially when it comes to that fragile top-order.
The next game’s at the same venue, and Pakistan will be hoping to carry this momentum forward and wrap up the series early. Let’s just hope the top three don’t decide to play hide and seek again!
Photo credits: @TheRealPCB
Fahad Younis
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I'm not a cricket expert, nor am I a professional writer—I’m just a passionate fan of Pakistan cricket. From thrilling victories to heartbreaking losses, I follow the team through every high and low. Stumps and Dugout is my space to share thoughts, reactions, and analysis from a fan’s perspective. Whether it’s squad selections, match performances, or just the unpredictable nature of Pakistan cricket, I’m here to talk about it all.
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