Pakistan Defeats Bangladesh by 37 Runs in First T20 International

Lahore:Pakistan claimed a convincing 37-run victory over Bangladesh in the first T20 International at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha elected to bat first. The home side posted an impressive total of **201 for 7** in their allotted 20 overs. Salman led from the front with a solid **56-run** knock, while **Shadab Khan** added a valuable **48 runs**. Other notable contributions came from **Hassan Nawaz (44)** and **Mohammad Haris (31)**.

In response, Bangladesh were bowled out for **164 runs in 19.2 overs**. Captain **Liton Das** top-scored with **48 runs**, followed by **Jaker Ali** (36) and **Tanzid Hasan** (31). However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to resist Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.

**Hasan Ali** was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming **5 wickets**, while **Shadab Khan** took 2. **Faheem Ashraf**, **Khushdil Shah**, and **Salman Ali Agha** each picked up one wicket.

Bangladesh’s bowling was led by **Shariful Islam**, who took 2 wickets, with **Shamim Hossain**, **Hasan Mahmud**, **Mehidy Hasan**, **Tanzim Hasan Sakib**, and **Rishad Hossain** contributing one wicket each.

At the toss, Salman Ali Agha expressed confidence in his team’s form and praised the batting-friendly pitch. Liton Das, meanwhile, admitted he would have chosen to bat first if given the chance and lamented his side’s recent performance in the UAE series.

With this win, Pakistan take a **1-0 lead** in the T20 series.