Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan shine as Pakistan ease past Bangladesh in opener

Fast bowler Hasan Ali has claimed his career-best 5-wicket haul to help Pakistan blow Bangladesh away in the first T20 game with a strong all-round performance in Lahore.

Shadab Khan made fine contributions with both the bat and the ball, scoring 48 runs and picking up a brace, as the hosts secured a 37-run win to pull 1-0 ahead in the three-match series on Wednesday.

Skipper Salman Agha chose to bat first and then top-scored for Pakistan with 56 off 34 balls to lift Pakistan to 201 after Bangladesh made early inroads but failed to capitalise on it.

Ali removed Bangladesh openers Parvez Hossain Emon (4) and Tanzid Hasan (31) in his first spell with the new ball and returned to dismiss the dangerous Jaker Ali (36), Tanzim Hasan (1), and Shoriful Islam (5) to complete his 5 for 30 in 3.2 overs, as the tourists were bowled out for 164.

Litton Das top-scored for Bangladesh with 48 while Jaker's 21-ball knock lower down the order provided impetus, but it was not enough to stop Pakistan from claiming a lead in the three-match series.

Earlier, both the Pakistan openers were back in the dugout within two overs as Saim Ayub (0) got out first ball before Fakhar Zaman (1) was trapped in front the next over for Shoriful’s 50th wicket in the format.

Mohammad Haris (31) and Agha then steadied the ship and gave momentum as Pakistan sailed to past 100 with a 48-run partnership between the two before the skipper paired with Hasan Nawaz (44) for another 65 runs.

Shadab then took charge and powered Pakistan past 200 in the final over.

The defeat continued Bangladesh’s losing streak, following a humiliating 1-2 series loss in the United Arab Emirates.