Pakistan bat first as T20I series begins against Bangladesh | The Express Tribune

A half-century from skipper Salman Ali Agha and explosive knocks by Shadab Khan and Hasan Nawaz helped Pakistan post a competitive 201-7 in the opening match of the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the hosts were in early trouble after losing both openers, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, within the first two overs, slumping to 5/2.

However, captain Agha and Mohammad Haris counterattacked, defying Pakistan’s typical approach of cautious consolidation. The duo built a rapid 48-run partnership off just 31 deliveries, taking the pressure off.

Haris was dismissed after a brisk 31 off 18 balls, but Agha continued the momentum, forming another crucial 65-run stand with the promising Nawaz. Agha reached his half-century before being caught on the edge of the circle while attempting a boundary, finishing with 56 off 34 balls.

Nawaz, who had an impressive Pakistan Super League season, carried his form into the international arena. He smashed a gutsy 44 off just 22 deliveries, including four sixes, before offering a straightforward catch back to Rishad Hossain. Meanwhile, Shoriful Islam ended Khushdil Shah’s struggling knock of 5.

At 150 for 6 in 16.1 overs, Pakistan’s innings looked to be faltering. But Shadab stepped up, playing a valuable knock of 48 off just 25 balls, including two sixes, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total.

Pakistan ended their innings at 201 for 7 in the allotted 20 overs, with Faheem Ashraf remaining not out on 11.

Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, claiming two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped in with a wicket each.

Earlier, the new-look Pakistani side has made six changes from the squad that played against New Zealand in March. Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and Abrar Ahmed have been included in place of Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad, Jahandad Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Mohammad Ali.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh have named an unchanged XI, fielding the same team that played against the UAE in the third T20I in Sharjah last week.

Pakistan XI: Salman Agha (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

Bangladesh XI: Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam