Pakistan Take 1–0 Lead as Bangladesh Falter in 201-Run Chase

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, taking a 1–0 lead. Despite a spirited effort from skipper Litton Das, who narrowly missed a half-century, Bangladesh could only manage 164 runs, falling short of the 202-run target.

Hasan Ali was the star with the ball, picking up a five-wicket haul for just 30 runs, effectively dismantling the Bangladeshi batting lineup.

This match once again highlighted Bangladesh's recurring batting failures. On a batting-friendly pitch, they collapsed spectacularly, losing their last 8 wickets for just 64 runs after reaching 100/2.

Interestingly, during the PSL final on the same ground, Quetta Gladiators had posted an identical 201-run total, which Lahore Qalandars successfully chased with one ball to spare. For Bangladesh to chase down this total, they needed a similar aggressive approach, but failed to replicate that.

Pakistan’s 201 was their highest-ever T20I score at Lahore, powered by Mohammad Haris’ 31 off 18 and a blistering 44 off 22 by Hasan Nawaz.

In response, Bangladesh lost opener Parvez Emon early in the second over. Hasan Ali then removed Tanzid Tamim, despite a promising knock filled with impressive strokes. At the end of the powerplay, Bangladesh stood at 45/2, unable to capitalize fully on the field restrictions.

Litton Das brought up the team’s 100 with a six off Shadab Khan, but was dismissed the very next ball. He fell two runs short of his fifty, extending his run of 10 innings without a half-century.

After a strong platform at 100/2, Bangladesh dramatically collapsed, losing Litton, Towhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain for just 8 more runs—effectively ending their hopes of a successful chase.