Under the bright lights of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s return to T20I action was nothing short of electric. In front of a roaring home crowd, the green shirts delivered a commanding 37-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20I of the three-match series. The night belonged to Hasan Ali, who marked his comeback to the shortest format after over a year with a fiery five-wicket haul, delivering a performance packed with emotion, precision, and unrelenting energy.
This wasn’t just another cricket match. It was a declaration. Pakistan had not only found rhythm with the bat and ball but also reignited a sense of belief with a complete performance. From Salman Agha’s elegant half-century to Shadab Khan’s late blitz and Hasan’s clinical assault on the Bangladeshi lineup, the men in green had all their boxes ticked.
A perfect night in Lahore! 👏@RealHa55an's five-fer leads Pakistan to a 37-run win in the 1st T20I 🆚 Bangladesh 🏏#PAKvBAN | #ClashOfGreen pic.twitter.com/Nfct9eulpV
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 28, 2025
Early Stumbles, Rapid Recovery: Pakistan’s Rollercoaster Start
The start wasn’t ideal. In fact, it was far from it. With expectations sky-high, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman took the field only to return within the blink of an eye. Ayub, playing his first game since his injury in South Africa, lasted only one delivery. His attempted flick ballooned into the hands of the bowler Mahedi Hasan, silencing the crowd. Fakhar didn’t last much longer, falling LBW to a sharp inswinger from the ever-reliable Shoriful Islam.
At 2 for 2 in just 1.5 overs, Pakistan looked shaken. But what followed was a remarkable demonstration of temperament and counterattack. Mohammad Haris, known for his flair, decided to take the game by the scruff of the neck. He punished Shoriful for 16 runs in a single over, hammering three exquisite boundaries. Then came Salman Agha—calm, calculating, yet devastating in his strokeplay.
Together, Haris and Salman helped Pakistan find their footing again. Haris’s cameo of 31 off 18 may have been brief, but it was pivotal. It provided breathing room. Once he departed, Salman kept the tempo alive, slicing through the Bangladeshi attack with finesse and aggression alike.
Nawaz Adds Firepower, Shadab Seals the Deal
Just as Bangladesh hoped for another breakthrough, in walked Hassan Nawaz. Young, fearless, and fresh from a successful Pakistan Super League stint, Nawaz brought a different energy to the crease. Alongside Salman, he put together a powerful 65-run stand that drained the Bangladeshi bowlers of ideas. The duo blended explosive boundaries with clever singles, showcasing the future of Pakistan cricket in real time.
Salman’s 56 off 34 balls was a masterclass in constructing an innings under pressure. He was eventually dismissed by a dipping full toss, but not before laying a strong foundation. Nawaz carried on the momentum, smashing 44 off 22, including a couple of sixes that left fans on their feet.
After Nawaz’s dismissal, a brief quiet period followed. Runs dried up and wickets looked around the corner. But it was Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s vice-captain, who once again reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the best finishers in world cricket. In the 18th over, he tore into Rishad Hossain, dispatching two sixes and a four that brought Pakistan roaring past the 180 mark. His final assault took Pakistan to a commanding 201 for 7—a total that suddenly looked well beyond Bangladesh’s reach.
Bangladesh’s Chase Never Found Traction
In response, Bangladesh needed a statement start. Instead, they ran into a fired-up Hasan Ali. The seasoned fast bowler wasted no time, removing Parvez Hossain Emon early and following it up with a searing delivery to clean bowl Tanzid Hasan. Hasan, back in Pakistan colors after a long absence, had a point to prove—and he did so with brutal efficiency.
While the wickets kept tumbling at one end, Litton Das tried to hold the innings together. He played some delightful strokes, particularly his three towering sixes that momentarily lifted Bangladeshi hopes. But he lacked consistent support. Towhid Hridoy, who had formed a partnership of 63 with Litton, struggled to accelerate. His 17 from 22 deliveries was unusually sluggish, and as the required rate climbed, panic crept in.
Shadab returned to claim the crucial wicket of Litton, who fell for a well-made 48. His dismissal signaled the start of a collapse that Bangladesh couldn’t recover from.
Jaker Ali’s Flicker of Resistance Extinguished by Hasan
With Bangladesh teetering, Jaker Ali offered a late glimmer of hope. He batted with intent, aggression, and clarity, smashing 36 from 20 deliveries and threatening to pull off a heist. But the pressure was unrelenting, and Hasan Ali—back for his final spell—extinguished those hopes in a single over.
He bounced Jaker out with a venomous short ball, then snatched two more scalps—Tanzim Hasan and Shoriful Islam—to complete his five-for. By the end of the 19th over, Bangladesh were all out for 164, and Pakistan had stormed to a 1-0 lead in the series.
Hasan Ali: Player of the Match and Man of the Moment
Hasan’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers. It was about grit, redemption, and pure heart. The right-arm quick finished with 5 for 30 in four pulsating overs and also held onto two vital catches. It was a performance that galvanized the team and thrilled a nation hungry for T20I glory.
His career-best figures capped off a night where everything fell into place for Pakistan. With the bat, they were explosive. In the field, sharp and disciplined. And with the ball, ruthless.
Match Highlights
- Pakistan: 201/7 in 20 overs
- Salman Agha – 56 (34)
- Hassan Nawaz – 44 (22)
- Shadab Khan – 48 (25)
- Shoriful Islam – 2/32
- Bangladesh: 164 all out in 19.3 overs
- Litton Das – 48 (32)
- Jaker Ali – 36 (20)
- Hasan Ali – 5/30
- Result: Pakistan won by 37 runs
- Player of the Match: Hasan Ali
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Bangladesh all-out! 🎯 Hasan Ali bags his maiden T20I fifer💪#PAKvBAN #ClashOfGreen pic.twitter.com/DidYLiGHpF
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 28, 2025
Conclusion
This win gives Pakistan a psychological edge as the series progresses. More importantly, it solidifies their bench strength and shows the depth in both batting and bowling. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to reflect deeply on their approach—particularly in the middle overs where momentum slipped through their fingers.
With two games left in the series, the visitors still have time to bounce back. But for now, all eyes are on Pakistan’s rejuvenated pace attack, the rising young guns, and the veterans delivering once again on home soil.
As the series continues, expect the intensity to rise. If Lahore was any indication, this contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh is far from over—but Pakistan have drawn first blood, and in emphatic style.
