Earlier, Pakistan had beaten Bangladesh by 37 runs in the first of their three-match T20 series at the same venue in Lahore. Pakistan started their campaign on a high with a clinical win over the West Indies. They are determined to recover quickly after suffering first-round exits in this year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s 200 for 4 proved a decisive target of 201 runs to chase. The man of the hour Captain Salman Agha led the charge, demolishing a rapid 56 runs from only 24 deliveries. His onslaught was punctuated by eight fours and a maximum off his hammer-like willow, underscoring his mercurial strokeplay. Shadab Khan made a significant contribution, scoring 48 runs off 25 deliveries, earning him the Player of the Match title.
Mohammad Haris and Salman Agha built an important partnership in the Pakistani innings. They put on an incredible 51 for the third wicket. His elder brother Hasan Nawaz played an important knock in the final, scoring 44 runs off a mere 22 deliveries. His collaboration added the most runs in the whole inning with a long 65-run wicket.
In reply, Bangladesh found it difficult to build momentum through their innings. But scoring 164 runs, they were bowled out in the last over. Hasan Ali on a blistering return to the side after a year’s hiatus established his prowess in today’s 1st T20i. This performance further demonstrated his heart and competitiveness as a player.
Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy put on the highest Bangladesh partnership. They put on a spectacular 63 for the third wicket. Unfortunately for all their efforts, Bangladesh missed the target. Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh. He finished with two wickets, with none of his teammate bettering his two scalps.
Pakistan’s young girls could not hide their excitement after the marvelous victory. Captain Salman Agha remarked, “What mattered is that everyone contributed, and that’s how we want to play – everyone has to bat, bowl and field well.”
Shadab Khan reflected on his comeback to international cricket, saying, “My comeback to Pakistan colours wasn’t great despite my hard work, but my recent performances in PSL helped regain some confidence.”
Bangladesh’s Litton Das acknowledged the need for improvement in the upcoming matches, stating, “We have two more games, so we must come back strongly as a unit.”
As both teams aim to recover from their respective group-stage exits at February’s ICC Champions Trophy, they will look to capitalize on this series. And with the rest of the series slated to be played in Lahore, both sides have the chance to take match-winning form.
