Bangladesh Fall to 37-Run Defeat Against Pakistan

Bangladesh Suffer Third Consecutive T20 Defeat, Fall to Pakistan by 37 Runs

Bangladesh's struggles in T20 cricket continued as they slumped to a 37-run defeat against Pakistan in the opening match of the three-game series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a target of 202, Bangladesh were bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs after another underwhelming batting display. It marked their third straight loss, following two defeats against the UAE earlier this month.

Captain Liton Das top-scored with a 30-ball 48, featuring one four and three sixes, and seemed to steer Bangladesh toward the target before his dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. Jaker Ali contributed 36, while opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim made a quickfire 31 off 17 balls, including two fours and three sixes. Despite a promising start, Bangladesh lost momentum following Tanzid’s rash dismissal and failed to recover after Liton fell to Shadab Khan, ending a 63-run stand with Towhid Hridoy.

The Tigers lost their last seven wickets for just 64 runs, folding without much resistance.

Earlier, Pakistan bounced back from 8 for 2 to post a commanding 201 for 7, thanks to a 34-ball 56 from captain Agha Salman. He was well supported by Shadab Khan, who smashed 48 off 25, and Hasan Nawaz, who added a blistering 44 from just 22 balls.

Bangladesh had made an encouraging start with Mahedi Hasan removing Saim Ayub for a first-ball duck and Shoriful Islam dismissing Fakhar Zaman for one, leaving Pakistan reeling early. But Salman and Mohammad Haris counterattacked effectively, with Haris scoring 31 before falling to Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Hasan Nawaz and Salman put on a 65-run partnership before Salman was removed by Hasan Mahmud. Rishad Hossain dismissed Nawaz, but Shadab continued the onslaught to push the total beyond 200. Shoriful eventually dismissed Shadab for 48 in the penultimate delivery of the innings.

Shoriful Islam was the most effective Bangladeshi bowler, finishing with 2 for 32 from three overs.