Right. Pakistan kick off their new era under Mike Hesson in style, securing a dominant win to take a 1-0 lead in this three-match T20I series. Meanwhile, Bangladesh faces an early setback and will need to regroup, reassess, and find a way to bounce back. With momentum on Pakistan’s side, the tourists will be desperate to level the series. That wraps up the series opener, and all eyes now turn to the second T20I, which will be played on 30th May, Friday, with action set to begin at 3 pm GMT, with Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium being the exclusive venue for this series. But, be sure to tune in an hour early for all the buildup. See you then, take care! 

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, reflects that they made a strong comeback after losing two wickets on just 5 runs. Says this is what they want from this side. Adds they want to do well in all three departments and want people to come and take the game on. On Hasan Ali's five-for, Agha says that he appreciates his performance and says it is good to see the Hasan Ali of 2017 back in form. Mentions that he has worked very hard off the field and is happy to see it paying off well for him. Also highlights his good showing in the PSL as well. On being asked about the all-rounders in the side, Salman considers it a luxury to have. Also points that they have Saim Ayub as well, who can bowl four overs. About the next game, he says they will take a bit of rest before preparing for the second game.

The captain of Bangladesh, Litton Das, reflects on the defeat. He says that he is disappointed that they could not build on the good start. Adds that they didn't bat, bowl, or field well in this game and need to be more consistent. Mentions that 200 was definitely chasable at this ground as the wicket was good too. Says that they did not bat well in the middle overs, but praises Jaker Ali for his effort and says that he has been good for a long time now. Ends by saying that he believes that they need to have a clear mindset for the next games and come back mentally rather than in practice.

Shadab Khan of Pakistan is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round brilliance on the field. He says that his comeback wasn't great, but he worked really hard, and the PSL went well for him, and it gave him a lot of confidence. Mentions that his bowling was going well, but there are several areas that need improvement going forward. Shares that the ball was not coming onto the bat, so his plan was to bowl short of length and keep away from the batter.

It is time for the Presentation ceremony...

Pakistan's Hasan Ali, the man of the moment says that the thought was simple, to hit the right areas as they know the conditions well. Adds that the batters also played well to put up 200 runs, which allowed them to execute their plans well. Mentions that variations are key in T20s as it has become easier for the batters, and changing pace and using different variations are important. Says that he can't ask for anything else, it is special to take a fifer on his return to the team. Further adds that the rehab was boring, but you need to have dedication and hunger. He also thanks the PCB and physios for working with him, as it was a career-threatening injury. Tells that Mike Hesson said that they need to play modern cricket and they have seen how the world is playing this format, and they wanted to execute their plans which they did in this game.

Earlier in the game, after electing to bat first, Pakistan’s innings stumbled early at 5/2, losing both openers in the first six. But skipper Salman Agha and Mohammad Haris steadied the ship, with Agha leading the charge. His blazing fifty proved crucial, as he built vital partnerships, first with Haris, then Hasan Nawaz, keeping Pakistan dominant in the middle overs. The aggressive intent of the incoming batters ensured momentum stayed on their side. Shadab Khan and Hasan Nawaz’s late contributions pushed Pakistan beyond the 200-run mark. Every bowler of Bangladesh shared wickets, with Shoriful Islam bagging two to his name, while the rest chipped in with one apiece. 

Jaker Ali fought to keep Bangladesh’s hopes alive with some powerful hits, but the chase had already slipped beyond reach. With too many runs left for the final stretch and not enough wickets in hand, the task proved insurmountable. After his dismissal, they got wrapped up in a flash. Hasan Ali replicated his PSL magic with a crucial five-wicket haul, and while Haris Rauf was a bit expensive, the rest of the bowling attack played their part, picking up wickets at the right moments to seal a well-earned victory.

Bangladesh found some rhythm with a 63-run stand, but just as Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy looked ready to shift gears, disaster struck. First, skipper Litton Das fell, then Hridoy followed, triggering a dramatic collapse. From a steady 100/2, the visitors tumbled to 124/6, losing all their key batters in quick succession. The spinners seized control, with Shadab Khan leading the charge, stamping Pakistan’s authority on the game.

Bangladesh’s chase of 202 got off to a rocky start, losing both openers early, but Tanzid Hasan provided some stability before falling. Hasan Ali and company tightened their grip, leaving Bangladesh at 45/2 by the Powerplay, trailing Pakistan’s 52/2 at the same stage. Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy then took charge, carefully rebuilding the innings, but spinners Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed kept them in check, restricting boundaries and allowing only 40 runs in the next four overs, though without conceding a wicket.

A job well done by Pakistan across all departments. A commanding performance in all facets of the game, first setting the tone with the bat by surpassing the 200-run mark, then reinforcing their dominance with the ball. Meanwhile, Bangladesh had a tough start to the series, completely outplayed by Pakistan’s formidable force in Lahore.

Hasan Ali (3-0-26-4) to wrap up with the final over.

Shoriful Islam is the last batter in for Bangladesh.

Faheem Ashraf to bowl the penultimate. He is 2-0-14-0 so far.