Pakistan has posted 201-7 in opening T20 match against Bangladesh, thanks to Salman Ali Agha’s half-century and Shadab Khan and Hasan Nawaz’s explosive knocks.
The hosts lost both openers, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, in the first two overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, falling to 5/2.
Nevertheless, Mohammad Haris and captain Agha launched a counterattack, going against Pakistan’s usual strategy of cautious consolidation.
The pressure was relieved when the pair quickly established a 48-run partnership off only 31 deliveries.
After a quick 31 off 18 balls, Haris was removed, but Agha kept up the pressure by creating another vital 65-run partnership with the talented Nawaz.
Agha finished with 56 off 34 balls, reaching his half-century before being caught on the edge of the circle while trying to hit a boundary.
Nawaz carried on his success from the Pakistan Super League season into the international scene.
He gave Rishad Hossain a simple catch after smashing an incredible 44 off just 22 deliveries, including four sixes.
In the meantime, Khushdil Shah’s stumbling knock of five was interrupted by Shoriful Islam.
It appeared that Pakistan’s innings was struggling at 150 for 6 in 16.1 overs.
In order to help Pakistan reach a competitive total, Shadab stepped up and played a crucial knock of 48 off just 25 balls, including two sixes.
Faheem Ashraf was still at 11 when Pakistan finished their innings at 201 for 7 in the 20 overs that were allowed.
The best bowler for Bangladesh was Shoriful Islam, who took two wickets, while the other bowlers each contributed one wicket.
