DHAKA, May 28, 2025 (BSS) - 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.

Skipper Salman Ali Agha was instrumental in the big total with 34 ball-56, a knock laced with eight fours and one six and set the tune. 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 tasted a success in the first over when Mahedi Hasan removed Saim Ayub for first ball-duck with a return catch. 

In the second over, pacer Shoriful Islam dismissed dangerman Fakhar Zaman for one, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 8-2. 

Unfazed by the early trouble, Salman counterattacked in style and got support from Mohammad Haris who was equally aggressive, leaving Bangladesh at cornered situation. 

They added 48 off 25 before Tanzim Hasan Sakib had Haris caught by Taznid Hasan Tamim at long on for 31.

But there was no respite for Bangladesh bowlers as Hazan Nawaz came in and showed the similar aggression. 

However, Hasan Mahmud dismissed Salman just after he reached his third half-century in T20 cricket, ending 65-run between him and Nawaz. 

Rishad Hossain then gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope to stop Pakistan juggernaut by getting rid of Nawaz with a return catch after the batter smashed two fours and four sixes.

But Shadab Khan kept hitting all the things coming to his way as Pakistan piled on runs to take the score past 200. 

Shoriful Islam denied Shadab the half-century by getting the better of him in the penultimate delivery. Shadab smote five fours and two sixes in his knock.

For Bangladesh, Shoriful Islam was the most successful bowler with 2-32 in three overs.