Lahore: Pakistan recovered from an early collapse to post 201-7 in the three-match T20 International series opening game against Bangladesh at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, skipper Salman Ali Agha was instrumental in the big total with a 34-ball 56, featuring eight fours and one six. Utilizing the platform set by the captain, Shadab Khan struck 48 off 25 and Hasan Nawaz hammered 22-ball 44, pushing the score past 200. After Pakistan opted to bat first, Bangladesh achieved early success when Mahedi Hasan removed Saim Ayub for a first-ball duck with a return catch. In the second over, pacer Shoriful Islam dismissed Fakhar Zaman for one, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 8-2. Unfazed by the early trouble, Salman counterattacked in style and received support from Mohammad Haris, who was equally aggressive, leaving Bangladesh in a cornered situation. They added 48 off 25 before Tanzim Hasan Sakib had Haris caught by Taznid Hasan Tamim at long on for 31. Despite th e early wickets, there was no respite for Bangladesh bowlers as Hasan Nawaz came in and showed similar aggression. However, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Salman just after he reached his third half-century in T20 cricket, ending a 65-run partnership between him and Nawaz. Rishad Hossain then provided Bangladesh a glimmer of hope by getting rid of Nawaz with a return catch after the batter smashed two fours and four sixes. But Shadab Khan continued to hit effectively, helping Pakistan pile on runs to take the score past 200. Shoriful Islam denied Shadab a half-century by dismissing him in the penultimate delivery, with Shadab smiting five fours and two sixes in his knock. For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the most successful bowler with 2-32 in three overs.
