Agha’s Explosive 56 Propels Pakistan

LAHORE: Salman Ali Agha’s dynamic half-century anchored Pakistan’s innings, leading them to a substantial score in the opening T20I of the three-match series held at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Choosing to bat first, the host team posted 201/7 in their 20 overs, presenting Bangladesh with a challenging target.

The innings began poorly for the hosts, with the new opening pair of Saim Ayub (0) and Fakhar Zaman (1) falling to Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam, respectively, within the first two overs, leaving the score at a mere five runs.

Following this shaky start, captain Agha joined Mohammad Haris to begin a recovery.

The pair contributed a crucial 48 runs for the third wicket in 31 balls, providing stability until Haris was removed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the seventh over.

Haris contributed 31 runs from 18 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

Agha then forged another significant partnership, teaming up with Hasan Nawaz for a rapid stand for the fourth wicket.

They added 65 runs in just 32 deliveries before Agha was caught at extra cover off Hasan Mahmud in the 12th over.

The captain’s innings was the highest for Pakistan, scoring 56 runs off 34 balls, decorated with eight fours and a six.

Nawaz followed soon after, getting caught by Rishad Hossain off his own delivery in the 14th over.

He made a valuable contribution with 44 runs from 22 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes.

Vice-captain Shadab Khan then took charge, adding a brisk 48 runs, hitting five fours and two sixes.

Shoriful Islam stood out for Bangladesh, claiming two wickets, while Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Rishad Hossain, and Shamim Hossain each secured one wicket.