Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening T20 International on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a commanding all-round performance at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Chasing a formidable target of 202, Bangladesh started brightly but faltered in the middle overs, eventually being bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs.

Tanzid Hasan provided an explosive start, smashing 31 off just 17 balls with three sixes, before Litton Das steadied the innings with a fluent 48 off 30 deliveries. 

At 92 for 2 at the halfway mark, the visitors looked well placed.

However, Pakistan seized control following Litton’s dismissal in the 12th over, triggering a middle-order collapse that saw Bangladesh lose five wickets for just 24 runs. 

Jaker Ali offered late resistance with a brisk 36 off 21 balls, but Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve at the death.

Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with career-best T20I figures of 5 for 30, while Shadab Khan chipped in with 2 for 26, applying pressure in the middle overs.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Pakistan recovered from a shaky start to post 201 for 7. 

Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan had given Bangladesh early hope, removing the openers inside two overs to leave the hosts reeling at 5 for 2.

Captain Agha Salman led the recovery with a composed 56 off 34 balls, well supported by Hasan Nawaz (44 off 22) and Shadab Khan, whose 48 off 25 balls provided a late surge. 

Pakistan added 43 runs in the final three overs, exploiting Bangladesh’s struggles at the death.

Rishad Hossain endured a difficult outing, conceding 55 runs in his four overs despite taking a wicket.

Bangladesh will rue their inability to sustain pressure in either innings and must regroup ahead of Friday’s must-win second T20I in Lahore.

SMS/