Fri May 30 14:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs in the first T20 international of their three-match series in Lahore. Hasan Ali starred with a five-wicket haul, while Salman Ali Agha contributed with a career-best half-century. Pakistan, under new coach Mike Hesson, experimented with a new-look team, resting senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Agha’s 56 and aggressive batting from Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 201-7. Hasan Ali’s early breakthroughs and crucial wickets in the death overs stifled Bangladesh’s chase, despite Litton Das’s 48. Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Shadab Khan, also contributed significantly to the victory.
**News Article:**
**Hasan Ali’s Five-For Guides Pakistan to Victory Over Bangladesh in First T20**
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) – Hasan Ali’s impressive bowling performance, including a five-wicket haul (5-30), propelled Pakistan to a convincing 37-run victory over Bangladesh in the first T20 international on Wednesday. The match, played in Lahore, marked the start of a three-match series and the first assignment for new Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson.
Pakistan, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 201-7, led by captain Salman Ali Agha’s career-best 56. Agha anchored the innings, while contributions from Mohammad Haris (31) and Hasan Nawaz (44) added aggressive impetus.
In a surprising move, Pakistan rested seasoned players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, opting to give opportunities to younger talents. Hasan Ali, making a return to the T20I side after a significant absence, justified his selection by ripping through the Bangladesh batting lineup.
Bangladesh struggled to build momentum, eventually being bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs. Litton Das top-scored with 48, but Hasan Ali’s early strikes and death-over prowess proved too much to handle. Shadab Khan also contributed with a tidy spell, picking up two crucial wickets.
The remaining two T20s will also be played in Lahore, on Friday and Sunday. Pakistan will be hoping to build on this victory and seal the series, while Bangladesh will look to bounce back and level the score.