Hasan Ali produced a T20I career-best 5 for 30 to help Pakistan seal a 37-run win over Bangladesh in the opening match of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium.
Returning to the national T20I side for the first time since May 2024, the 30-year-old fast bowler wasted no time making an impact. He removed Tanzid Hasan in the fourth over after an initial counterattack and later returned to clean up the lower order, becoming only the fourth Pakistani to claim a T20I five-wicket haul after Umar Gul, Imad Wasim, and Sufyan Moqim.
Set a target of 202, Bangladesh were bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs. Litton Das top-scored with 48 (30 balls, 1×4, 3x6s) while Jaker Ali added 36. Shadab Khan supported Hasan with 2 for 26, while Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, and Faheem Ashraf claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 201 for 7 — their third 200-plus total in the last seven T20Is. Captain Salman Ali Agha led from the front with a fluent 34-ball 56. After early dismissals of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, Salman and Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) added 48 runs for the third wicket to steady the innings.
Hasan Nawaz powered a 22-ball 44 with 4 sixes and 2 fours, while Shadab Khan accelerated in the death overs with a fiery 48 off 25 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. He added 50 off just 22 balls for the seventh wicket with Faheem Ashraf (11* off 6) to lift Pakistan past 200.
For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the most successful bowler with 2 for 32, while four others picked up one wicket apiece.
Pakistan now lead the series 1-0. The second T20I will be played on Friday, 30 May at the same venue.
Match Summary
Pakistan 201-7, 20 overs (Salman Ali Agha 56, Shadab Khan 48, Hasan Nawaz 44, Mohammad Haris 31; Shoriful Islam 2-32)
Bangladesh 164 all out, 19.2 overs (Litton Das 48, Jaker Ali 36, Tanzid Hasan 31; Hasan Ali 5-30, Shadab Khan 2-26)
Player of the Match: Hasan Ali
Series Schedule (all matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):
2nd T20I – Friday, 30 May at 8:00 PM PKT
3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 June at 8:00 PM PKT
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